Darkest Flame by Donna Grant Read Free Book Online Page B

the drawbridge to his car. He slid into the driver’s side and started the car before pointing it in the direction of Perth.
    *   *   *
    Banan stared at the group of sheep being herded into the pen to be sheared. Ever since he had been told an MI5 agent was being held in the manor, he hadn’t wanted to believe it.
    It had been Henry North, an MI5 agent they had called on a couple of times, who helped him track the men responsible for kidnapping Jane in London.
    The sound of approaching footsteps was drowned out by the bleating of the sheep, but Banan heard it just the same.
    “It might be time to give Henry a call,” Constantine said as he walked up.
    Banan glanced over to find Con had traded his slacks and dress shirt for a white tee, faded jeans, and boots. “No’ your usual attire.”
    “I couldna very well walk out in the mud and gunk in my customary clothes, now, could I?” Con stated in annoyance.
    Banan closed one gate as that pen was filled, and then quickly opened another gate. “I doona want to hear what Henry has to say.”
    “You might. Jane said he’s now taken to calling her since you willna answer your mobile.”
    Banan leaned upon the fence. “I like Henry, Con. Every time we’ve asked him for something he has always come through.”
    “What makes you think now will be any different?”
    “Why didna he tell us?” Banan asked as he turned his head to Con. “Why did he no’ warn us?”
    Con shrugged. “He might no’ have known. You know how different departments keep secrets from the others in the spy world.”
    He had a point, but the churning in Banan’s gut told him that if Henry had betrayed them, there would be retribution.
    “Call him,” Con urged. “If Henry did betray us, do you really think he’d keep trying to call?”
    “Aye. He might no’ know what we are, but he knows we’re powerful.”
    Con leaned over the fence and patted one of the fat sheep as it darted by. “If you doona call him, I’ll invite him to Dreagan. Your choice.”
    Banan looked into Con’s eyes and saw the truth of his words. A gust of wind passed through the valley, ruffling Con’s blond hair. Banan turned away and rubbed his hand over his short, dark hair.
    “Fine,” he said and pulled out his mobile phone.
    There were ten missed calls from Henry and three messages. Banan didn’t bother to listen to the messages as he dialed Henry’s number.
    Henry answered on the first ring. “Banan.”
    “Tell me you didna know.”
    “I didn’t,” the Brit said hastily. “I swear. I only found out because I heard about two missing agents. When I learned what department they were from, I discovered their covert mission to Dreagan.”
    Banan closed his eyes. “I want to believe you.”
    “Then do. I called as soon as I found out. Jane wouldn’t tell me anything. I can be at Dreagan in a few hours.”
    “Why would you come here?”
    “Because I know you won’t believe a word I say over the phone. You’ll need to see me.”
    Banan turned around and faced Con. He knew Con could hear the entire conversation. “Why does it matter what I think?”
    “I spend my life lying and blending in so that I’m not seen. I couldn’t be picked out of a crowd of one, Banan. I’m good at my job, but there are times I want to be seen. You and the others from Dreagan see me. I’m not a ghost to you.”
    “Your decision,” Con told Banan.
    Banan closed the second gate before moving to another set of holding pens. “Will you be tracked here?”
    “No. Nor are they listening in on this mobile. They don’t know about this number. I’ll be there tomorrow. Early.”
    “One of the agents is dead,” Banan told him. “The second agent killed him when he attacked her.”
    Henry let out a long sigh. “This is so fucked up. We’ll get it straightened out.”
    “We can handle it. The female claims she was betrayed by your organization. She willna trust you.”
    “She doesn’t even need to know I’m there. I