Wolf Island by Darren Shan Read Free Book Online Page B

“You’re correct — we don’t have a scheduled meeting. But she’ll want to
     see us.”
    “What about the rest of your group?” Antoine asks, smile back in place. He waves at the soldiers in the Farrier Harrier. “I’m
     no expert, but those guns don’t look like toys. Will Miss Athim welcome armed thugs as well?”
    “They’re our traveling companions,” Meera says. “They mean no harm.”
    “What if I asked them to dispose of their weapons and leave the helicopter?”
    “No,” Shark barks before Meera can answer.
    Antoine’s brow furrows, giving the impression that he’s thinking this over, but I believe he knew exactly what he was going
     to say before he set foot on the roof. He doesn’t look like a man who leaves much to chance.
    “I can’t admit you unless I know why you’ve come,” Antoine says eventually.
    “We can discuss that with Prae if you tell her we’re here,” Meera replies.
    “You’re fishing,” Antoine chuckles. “You want me to reveal whether or not she’s in the building. But I’m not prepared to tell
     you unless you answer my questions first.”
    “It’s not your place to make a call like that,” Meera says icily. “Prae Athim is the CEO. I don’t know what your position
     is, but if you —”
    “Actually, there’s been a recent managerial shift,” Antoine interrupts. “I am the current chief executive. If you wish to
     proceed, you’ll have to deal with me. Otherwise…” He shrugs.
    “You’ve replaced Prae Athim?” Meera asks, startled.
    “Not in so many words,” Antoine answers evasively.
    Meera shares a glance with Shark. He’s frowning uncertainly. She doesn’t look sure of herself either. I decide it’s time for
     me to step in. I’ve been standing idly on the sidelines long enough.
    “We’re here to talk about werewolves,” I mutter, drawing my shoulders back to create as much of an impression as I can.
    Antoine blinks, his smile crumbling. “And you are…?”
    “Grubbs,” I tell him, then correct myself. “Grubitsch Grady.”
    “Ah. I’ve heard of you. Dervish Grady is your uncle.”
    “Yes.”
    Antoine doesn’t scratch his head — I doubt he’d ever resort to such a common gesture — but his fingers twitch and I think
     that’s what he’d like to do.
    “Werewolves attacked Dervish,” I say softly. “At his home. In a team. Backed by people with guns.” I stare pointedly at the
     guards.
    “This is an interesting development,” Antoine says after a short pause. He looks down at his highly polished shoes and this
     time I get the impression he really is thinking about what to say next.
    When he looks up, his eyes are clear. “I think I’d better invite you down to my office. Will you accompany me, please?” He
     stands to one side and extends a hand towards the door.
    “What about the others?” Shark asks, jerking his head at those in the helicopter.
    “They’re not necessary.”
    “I want them there,” Shark growls. “Weapons and all.”
    Antoine prods at his lower lip with his tongue. Then, with a shrug, he says, “Why not? I’d hate to be mistaken for a discourteous
     host.”
    Shark’s surprised. This means we either have nothing to fear, or else Antoine Horwitzer has another team within the building
     and is confident they can handle ten armed and experienced soldiers.
    I think Shark would like to pull out, but we’ve nowhere else to turn. If we flee now, our investigation will be blown before
     it’s properly begun. Grumbling to himself, he summons the others, leaving only James inside the Harrier.
    “He’s going to start the engine,” Shark tells Antoine.
    “To be ready for a quick getaway,” Antoine murmurs wryly. “I’d do the same thing in your position.” He winks at me and I find
     myself smiling. I distrust this man — he’s too smooth — but at the same time I like him.
    “Shall we?” Antoine asks as the members of Shark’s team eye up the guards, who look a lot more nervous now