Forgotten Witness by Rebecca Forster Read Free Book Online Page A

where I’m staying?” Josie asked.
    He pointed at the plastic bag. “The Robert Lee, man. Bad news. Looks good on the website, but it’s a dump. I’ve seen hostels in Russia better than that place. You really shouldn’t stay there. I don’t think it’s safe.”
    Josie looked at the plastic bag and the picture stamped on it. It was a hotel that didn’t meet the standards of a kid who stayed in hostels.
    “I’m not staying there. I’m just looking for someone who is.” Josie folded the bag into a packet and put it in her pocket as she asked, “Is it close?”
    “Five blocks maybe. City blocks, though. You’ve got heels.” His smile brightened. “I could go with you just to make sure you’re okay. There’s a party later. It would be cool if you want to go.”
    “Thanks for the invitation, but I’m leaving on the red eye.”
    She stood up. He stepped back to really get a good look at her. She shrugged into her coat and tried not to laugh. It had been a long time since someone tried to pick her up. She would tell Archer about this kid, Archer would kiss her and say ‘the man obviously has good taste’ and then they would make love.
    “Yeah, well. See ya.”
    The guy gave up graciously and went back to his table. He kept his eyes on the very tall woman, with the very short hair until the door of the coffee shop closed. He went back to his iPad, and Josie went on to find The Robert Lee Hotel.
     
    ***
     
    Across the street and down about thirty yards Morgan sat in his car watching Ian Francis. It had been a long time since he had a call from on high giving him marching orders, but when it came Morgan didn’t ask questions. He knew exactly what was going on. Weller was interested in this schlub for some reason so he had thrown his weight around. That was cool even though this kind of surveillance was a little beneath Morgan’s pay grade. Still, no skin off his nose. It was kind of nice to get out of the office for a change. Besides, following the guy was a piece of cake. Ian Francis wasn’t exactly a sprinter. Even if Morgan ran over his feet the guy probably wouldn’t notice. The only problem was that the cop found it painful to watch him. It would have been so much easier to just pick him up and drive him where he was going because that was all the information his supervisor wanted – that and who the man might meet up with once he got there.
    While he watched Ian, Morgan reached for his stash of jerky. Teriyaki turkey. His wife picked up double packs at Costco. Costco was maybe the greatest contribution the United States ever made to civilized society. You couldn’t beat double packs of jerky anymore than you could beat the buck-fifty hot dog with a refillable soda.
    Sinatra crooned on the radio while Morgan daydreamed about hitting Costco on the weekend with the old lady for a few of those dogs. That was why he almost missed it when Ian Francis started walking ahead of schedule. It was like someone flipped a damn switch. Ian Francis lurched toward the corner and turned with purpose. Morgan chawed on the jerky as he eased the car back onto the street and turned the same corner slowly. Just then the phone rang.
    “Morgan, here.”
    “Eugene Weller.”
    Morgan raised a brow. Weller’s request had gone through the supervisor but now he was on the horn personally.
    “It’s been over two hours. Where is he?” Eugene demanded.
    Morgan swallowed a spearhead of jerky and almost choked. He managed to say: “Still walking.”
    “Do you think he’s living on the streets?” Eugene pressed.
    “I’ll let you know when he stops. So far he hasn’t stopped.” Morgan immediately regretted his tone. Eugene was a pain in the ass but he wasn’t stupid.
    “I would suggest you take this a bit more seriously. Call me if he makes contact with anyone.”
    “Hansen told me to call him.” Surely mentioning the supervisor would be enough to remind Eugene that he had been the one to set the ground rules. It