Death Run by Jack Higgins Read Free Book Online Page B

images show nothing. I know that. I made sure of it.”
    â€œTrue,” Ralph agreed. “I have examined them very carefully. There is no sign of the Banker, nothing to show how he escaped or who helped him. But…” He paused to refill his own glass. “But you are there, my friend. That is what I wanted to warn you. The camera footage I have is a copy, an expensive copy. But the original is still with the man who actually owns the casino at Mont Passat.”
    â€œGuess who,” Dad said. “So those rumours are true as well.”
    â€œThere are several holding companies and offshore investment banks in between. But yes, behind it all is a hidden Tiger. A Tiger who will also be examiningthose security pictures. A Tiger who will, sooner or later, recognise you .”
    â€œA Tiger who, like us, does not believe in coincidence.” It was the first time that Scevola had spoken and his tone was still severe. “This is of very little interest to me and my colleagues. As Ralph has told you, we lost relatively little when the Banker went. But you are a friend of Ralph’s and he tells us he owes you a favour.”
    â€œAnd the Tiger,” Ralph said, “if the rumours are true, has lost rather more. He entrusted the Banker with almost all his funds. The Banker and the Banker alone has the account numbers and access codes that can release those funds. The Tiger will be desperate to find him, to recover the account numbers and codes before he hands them over.”
    â€œHis bargaining chips,” Dad said. “That’s what he’ll be offering in return for the death run – access to the money, and the names and details of the people he worked for. A huge coup for Ardman. But the Banker will hold out for the very best deal he can get.”
    â€œAs long as he holds out, the Tiger will be after the money.” Ralph sipped at his wine. “Even after the money is gone, the Tiger will want to get his hands onthe Banker. And,” he added significantly, “on anyone who helped him get away.”
    â€œDad,” said Rich quietly.
    â€œYou look for trouble, don’t you?” Jade told him.
    â€œIt’s my job,” he replied.
    Ralph turned so he was face to face with John Chance. “ That is the warning, my friend. If I can find out who helped the Banker to escape, then you can be sure that the Tiger can too. And when he does…” Ralph sighed and shook his head. “Now, who wants ice cream?”

6
    It was evening by the time they got back to the hotel.
    â€œYou go up to the room and get packed,” Dad told Rich and Jade as they reached the small lounge bar. “We leave tomorrow, so we might as well be ready.”
    â€œAnd what are you going to do?” Jade asked. “Just off to smuggle some double agent out of the country?”
    Dad forced a laugh. “No. But I am going to call Ardman and give him a piece of my mind.”
    â€œAnd warn him about this Tiger bloke?” Rich asked.
    Dad nodded. “I expect he already knows. But yes, I’ll pass on Ralph’s warning.” He pulled out his mobile.
    â€œYou going to phone from down here?” Jade wondered.
    â€œIt’s impossible to get a drink when you want one,so I think it’s the best place if you don’t want to be overheard.”
    â€œMeaning you don’t want us to overhear,” Rich said.
    â€œYou’re welcome to stay and listen.” He was already dialling.
    â€œLet’s go and pack,” Jade said.
    Dad gave them a wave as he spoke into the phone. “This is Chance. Can you have Mr Ardman call me back on this number with maximum encryption… Yes, it is rather urgent.”
    The hotel manager arrived and offered Chance a drink while he was waiting for his call. The manager was a stooped, middle-aged man with slicked back hair that was obviously dyed as well as oiled. He poured a double whisky and dropped in