The Call
Harry glared at the phone as he pressed the button for speaker phone.
"Pearce." He snapped, glad that Fortescue was already being interviewed. He narrowed his eyes aware that Lucas, Ruth and Ros were all listening in. He hoped Calum traced the call quickly. He hadn't wanted to deal with Ilya. He had even less desire to deal with the prodigal brother.
"Time has served you well, Harry."
"What the Hell are you playing at?" Harry spat. Calum held up his hand. He needed more time. Ruth bit her lip. Memories of Sasha stabbing Lucas and Elena manipulating them all came back to haunt her. It made her feel sick. Harry watched her for a moment; knowing what she was thinking.
"Old friends should look each other up from time to time."
"Igor. We have never been friends."
"My enemies enemy is my friend? Is that not the old saying?" Igor paused. "My brother is dead. His wife is dead. Evil bitch."
"One thing we agree on."
Calum held up for fingers.
"Why Icarus? Why get Fortescue involved? Sabine? The Fire Angel, Black Widow? You were hardly a ladies man."
Igor laughed.
"Not like you, Harry. No I'm not a fan of the female form as you and my brother were. You wish to know why the bank raid? Why the murder and betrayal? Meet with me."
Ruth glared at him. Harry looked away.
"When?"
"No time as the present. Today. Cafe Nero in Oxford Street. Come alone."
"I know what happened the last time a spy had coffee with one of your friends." Harry snapped. Igor laughed.
"You want to know the truth. You want to know why now? You want to prevent a terrorist attack? Four this afternoon. Fortescue will tell you nothing. He's already dead." The call ended abruptly as Catherine burst into the room.
"She gets that from you." Harry nodded to Ruth. "Yes?"
"Tariq has called paramedics. Fortescue is in cardiac arrest. Beth and Stan are trying to resuscitate him now." Catherine frowned. "Collapsed in front of them. Mike is on the way."
Harry pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew the resusitation attempt would be futile; Igor Gavrik was finished with games.
Xxxxx
