The London Cage E-Book

Mark Leggatt

• Herausgeber: Fledgling Press
• Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Beschreibung

A man who doesn't exist discovers a weapon that doesn't exist. The CIA had hoped it would be buried for centuries, but the retreat of the glaciers has revealed a Cold War secret that could bring down the communications and defence systems of every country on the planet. Connor Montrose must find a way to take control of the destructive power and stop the global race towards Armegeddon. Every major country in the world is desperate for the secret. Including his own. He is faced with the choice of betrayal or survival, but either way, he'll lose.Cold War enemies from Washington and Moscow pursue him across London, and only one young hacker, Kirsty, will stand by his side. Then an old man tells him, "If I had the choice between betraying my friends and betraying my country, I should hope I have the guts to betray my country." His country needs him, but if he gives up the secret, his friends and those he loves will die. And the killing will never stop.

Leseprobe

Mark Leggatt

In his previous adventures, ex-CIA IT technician Connor Montrose felt like a hero after taking on a squad of international drug dealers. After all, he was only supposed to be an IT guy, not an assassin. But when the dust settled, there was no money and no drugs, just three dead bodies. And when he uncovered a major heroin conspiracy between Western powers and the Afghan government, he was set up to take the rap.

So he turned whistle-blower and now the CIA want to make him pay. They have ordered every security agency in Europe to shoot this American psychopath on sight.

Montrose has run to London, the only city where he can feel safe. Under the direction of his boss, Mr Pilgrim, who operates an off-the-grid intelligence network, Montrose is tasked to stay low and monitor a Russian oligarch.

But the CIA will never stop looking for him.

“Ticks along with the precision of a fine Swiss watch. A worthy follow-up to Names Of The Dead with all the slick dialogue, action and intrigue we’ve come to expect from Leggatt. A cracking read.”

Neil Broadfoot

Author of The Storm and Falling Fast

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Names of The Dead

Copyright

Chapter 1

Norway, 1982.

Down in the valley, at the foot of the glacier, the lights of the village appeared through the blizzard then blinked out as thick snowflakes flattened against the windshield. The wipers were losing the battle. Another mile. The wind pummelled the windows. He wrestled with the steering wheel, foot hard to the floor, trying to hold the car in a straight line. Keeping his eyes on the overhanging rocks to the right, he traced the edge of the road alongside the glacier that towered above him, leading down to the village. The headlamps dimmed as he ploughed into another drift, slowing the car to a crawl. The snow piled up over the windshield and he pulled the gear stick into neutral before the engine stalled. One more mile. They’ll have a rescue station. And the Norwegian Army. He glanced in the rear-view mirror, but it was black. They’ll be behind me in minutes. A gust of wind slammed against the car and pushed the rear sideways.

The gear stick crunched into third and he slipped the clutch. The engine groaned and he could smell the clutch plates burning, but the car remained jammed. The wheels spun as he reversed back, then rammed the transmission into second and shot forward. The hood disappeared under the drift and the engine spluttered to a halt. For the love of God, just one more mile. He cranked the engine. The starter groaned then stopped. Soviet crap! He switched off the lights and heater and tried once more. The ignition clicked. Nothing happened.

He roared and pounded the steering wheel. If I try to walk out of here, I’m a dead man. He peered into the darkness. The wipers stopped as the battery drained. The lights of the village were gone. There’s only one way. Pulling off his gloves, he took a pen from his pocket, pushed up the sleeve of his jacket and began to write on his arm. Jesus, just think of something. Don’t be too clever. He read the list of numbers and letters then slid his gloves back on and pulled up his hood. They’ll work it out. He kicked open the door, forcing it aside enough to squeeze through.

Holding the roof for support, he looked over to where the rocks bordering the glacier ascended into darkness. Take the high road. They’ll never find me. A hard gust of wind blew him along the side of the car. Or maybe they’ll just find a body.

In front was a line of thin trees that led up to a small ravine. He struggled forward, pulling on the branches for support, knocking chunks of snow down onto his shoulders. The frozen twigs tore through his gloves as he dragged himself higher. His breathing became heavy and sweat soaked his back under the thick coat. His glove slid off a branch and he twisted right to avoid burying himself face first.

He turned his head and looked back between the trees. Holy crap, thirty feet? Is that all? The hood of the car was buried and only the top halves of the windows were visible. Doesn’t matter if it’s covered. They’ll run straight into it. He lay still for a moment, gathering his strength. And if I don’t move my ass they’ll find me waiting right here. He rolled over and fought his way through the low branches towards the top.

The wind seemed to lessen in the shelter of the trees and he saw the edge of the glacier above. He managed a short, sour laugh between rasping breaths. If they don’t kill me, the glacier will. Make some distance. Wait it out. This blizzard won’t last forever. He hauled himself forward to where the trees stopped. Yeah, but long enough to kill me. Before him was a smooth line of snow that led to the edge of the glacier, protected by a deep cleft in the rock. As he left the tree line the wind caught him, knocking him sideways. He kept his body low and crabbed towards the gap, punching his fists through the crust to give him purchase. At the top, he dragged himself over and rolled onto the glacier. A blast blew the hood clear of his head and he shuffled backwards to the rocks, the bitter wind blinding him. He jammed himself tight into a crevice and stared out over the blackness. The wind was deafening. All I need is fifty, sixty feet. Get a snow hole going. They’ll never find me. Head straight down the glacier and make the village in the morning. Then the howling stopped and the wind slackened. The moon emerged from behind low, scudding clouds, casting a pale, amber light across the glacier. Holy shit. This could last seconds. Move! His blood pulsed in his ears and he could feel his back and legs stiffen as he launched himself forward.

“STOP!”

Twisting his head, he saw a gloved hand jutting out over the edge of the rocks and holding a gun.

A man dragged himself onto the glacier, keeping the gun trained in front of him. He stood up on snowshoes and pulled back the fur-lined hood from his smock. “It is over, Pilgrim.”

The wind dropped to a whisper. Pilgrim got to his feet. The black barrel of a Makarov pistol pointed straight at his chest. “So, you worked it out.”

The big man shrugged. His guttural Chechen accent was punctuated by wheezing breaths. “I know what you’ve done.”

Pilgrim looked past the man to the lip of the glacier, a mile in the distance and down to the village where lights glowed. “Yeah, I’m sure you do.” Above him, thin tendrils of cloud flashed across the sky. The stars shone bright and he searched through the constellations for one pinprick of light.

The Chechen glanced up, following Pilgrim’s gaze. “You have stolen from us.”

Pilgrim’s eyes fixed on the pulsing, rhythmic light.

The Chechen pointed the barrel of the Makarov at the sky. “And you have stolen from me. I want them back. I have given too much to let this slip away.” He brought the pistol down towards Pilgrim. “I know how to use this. Now, you will come with us.”

He’s close enough.And he’s no soldier. “You almost make it sound like a good idea. I could die out here.” Wait for the wind, then rush him. Go for the gun. Push him back over the rocks and run for it.

“Stay where you are. We will wait for my friends.”

“Hey, no point hanging about. The weather could turn nasty. You want me or not?” I can’t wait until the soldiers get here. Bringing up an arm against his stomach, he could feel where the Browning pistol was tucked into his pants. You’ll never get to it in time. Pilgrim looked behind. Thick, heavy clouds tumbled across the sky and the moonlight darkened, colouring the glacier a deep caramel. He spun around and made a grab for the Makarov, but his legs plunged through the snow and he caught the man’s arm, dragging it down. A crack rang out and a bolt of pain coursed through his leg. He rolled to the side and saw a dark stain seep out from his clothes. Jesus, he shot me.

“You’ll live, Pilgrim.”

Get closer. This isn’t over. He leaned forward, but the pain arced through his spine and his head jerked up, throwing his chin into the air.

The big man moved back against the rocks. “I admire you, Pilgrim. But I don’t have to shoot you again. In a few minutes you’ll be too weak to do anything.”

The bastard knows what he’s doing. I can live without the blood, but not its heat.

The Chechen leveled the gun at Pilgrim’s right leg. “I will carry you. You’ll last long enough until we get to the truck.”

The wind began to pick up. No matter. I’ll never make it.

“Pilgrim, come with me. Or you will die here.”

Pilgrim looked down. The cold had slowed the bleeding. They will tear me apart. But that’s not the worst. He began to shake his head, freezing muscles jerking his hood from side to side. Turning to the west, he saw the sky blacken and heavy clouds fill the sky once more. It’ll be dawn in Texas. And warm. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be warm. The kids will be in bed.My babies. My boys. For a moment the memory of a scent hung in the back of his throat, their warm, sprawling limbs across the bed, the heat building as the sun came up. He sank to his knees, the snow coming up to his chest. She’ll never know. It will tear her apart. The single light pulsed in the sky, then disappeared behind the clouds. ButI can’t let this happen.

Russian voices came from below the rocks.

It’s over. Make your move. Pilgrim groaned and leaned forward until his chin touched the glacier and keeping his hands buried in the snow, he slid off a glove and pulled the Browning from his waistband. Do it now, before your hands freeze. He cradled the gun behind the sleeves of his jacket then lifted it clear and chambered a round.

The Chechen stepped back. “You can’t kill us all. Surrender. You have no choice.”

Pilgrim smiled and his frozen lips cracked. Snowflakes gathered on his eyelashes, obscuring his vision as he looked to the West. “I do have a choice.” He pushed back his hood with the barrel of the Browning, fixed the muzzle hard against his temple and squeezed the trigger.

Chapter 2

Covent Garden, London, present day.

“Would you like to choose your wine, monsieur?”

Montrose glanced at the menu. What the hell do I order? Get it right. I don’t want to blow my cover by choosing white instead of red. He picked up the wine list and caught the prices. Holy shit, no wonder the place is nearly empty.A thousand bucks for a bottle of wine? He ran down a list of unpronounceable names. I have no idea. He looked over at the Russians. They sat facing the street, sipping water. A man sat on either side of Arkangel, their seats pushed away from the table, jackets open, legs wide and feet planted on the floor. They’re ready.

The waiter leaned forward. “Perhaps I can ask the sommelier to give his recommendation? Or perhaps choose a wine for you?”

Montrose grinned. He knows I haven’t got a clue. “That’s a good idea. I’d appreciate it.”

“I’m afraid we have no wines from the US, monsieur, they will be all French.”

Yeah, you caught the accent. “That’s good for me.” I couldn’t tell the difference anyway. He watched another waiter approach the Russians’ table, carrying slices of foie gras which he laid delicately in front of them.

One of the Russians ripped open his bread roll, forked the entire slice of foie gras into the middle of the bread and ate half with one bite.

The waiter stepped back, his mouth open. He stared at the bread roll for a moment, then turned on his heel and marched past Montrose to the kitchen. “Fucking pigs!” he murmured as he smacked open the kitchen door.

Montrose pushed his hair over his ears and tapped the wireless earpiece. A voice crackled in his ear.

“Stop playing with your hair. You look lovely.”

He lifted his glass with his left hand, covering his mouth and whispered into his Apple watch. “Thanks, Kirsty. You got me on video?”

“I’m dialed into the restaurant’s cameras. There’s nothing happening on the street, but there’s a waiter in the kitchen going absolutely fucking mental. He’s got a knife. Something I should know?”

“Yeah, don’t order the foie gras.”

“He looks like he’s going to go through there and gut someone.”

“That would be a bad idea.” Montrose shot a glance towards the two bodyguards. They were relaxed, but had angled their chairs so they both faced different areas of the restaurant and out into Covent Garden. Very professional. Not your usual monkeys for a businessman pretending he’s important. Their jackets were loose-cut and unbuttoned. “Those guys are armed.”

“In London? That’s a dangerous game. Are you sure?”

One of the bodyguards shifted in his seat and pulled the side of his jacket closer to his body. “Yeah, pretty sure.”

“Forget them. Keep an eye on Arkangel.”

“I hear you.” Doesn’t matter anyway, all I’ve got is cutlery.

“Remember, we’re just here to watch and listen. That’s the order. I want you in one piece so you can take me to dinner tonight.”

He stifled a laugh. I don’t even know what you look like. But if you look as good as you sound... “It’s a date.”

“And you can tell me all about yourself. Mr. Pilgrim was very cagey about you. Which makes you all the more fascinating.”

The smile faded from his lips. You don’t want to know me. I’m nothing but...

“Heads up!”

He felt his spine stiffen. “Tell me.”

“A car just parked outside. He’s watching us.”

Montrose slowly turned to the window and saw a small Volkswagen on the opposite side of the street. He watched the door open and a stooping, grey-haired man unfold himself from the seat. Holding a folder in his hand and his chin in the air, he looked first at the restaurant, then down both sides of the street. His thick boots, arctic jacket and woolen pullover seemed out of place for a warm London day.

“He’s a copper.”

“You sure?” Montrose saw the command-bearing stance of the old man as he stood beside the car. “He seems too old.”

“I can smell it.”

One of the bodyguards got up from his seat and moved around to the right, leaving the chair next to Arkangel empty.

The old man pushed the door open and stood for a moment, scanning the tables.

Yeah, there’s only me and the Russians and some fat dude stuffing his face in the corner. You’re just trying to be cool.

Arkangel got up and graciously beckoned the man to the table. After shaking hands, the old man sat down.

“Hire car. Airport.”

“Yeah? He looks like he’s from out of town. Wherever it is, it’s cold.”

“Well, that could be anywhere from Scotland to Canada and everywhere else in between.”

The sommelier approached and placed a half bottle of wine on Montrose’s table. He cleared his throat and was about to launch into an explanation when Montrose lifted a hand.

“Thanks, I know that chateau.” The sommelier nodded and turned away. Montrose whispered into his Apple watch. “Or Russia.”

“Fair point. Did Mr. Pilgrim give you any hints?”

“He didn’t know the old guy was coming. We’ve just got to watch Arkangel, that’s all.”

The old man placed the folder on the table and opened it. Another waiter approached, but was waved away by a bodyguard. Arkangel took the papers from the folder and spread them across the table. The old man handed him a magnifying glass and Arkangel leaned in closer.

“They’re looking at photographs. I’m trying to move the camera.”

After a few moments, Arkangel nodded then replaced the photographs in the folder and brought out a laptop from his bag. He typed quickly and turned the screen to show the old man.

“Bank screen. Can’t see which one.”

The old man checked the screen and held out his hand. Arkangel grasped it as they stood up. The old man headed for the door.

What the hell was all that about? “Kirsty? You got that?”

“I’ll have to work on the photographs. But I think the old guy is now a very rich man.”

“Okay, that folder is the target. Let’s find out what Arkangel has just bought.” He caught a movement in the corner of his eye. “Wait. Check the fat guy.”

From the rear of the restaurant, the fat guy wiped his lips, then walked over to Arkangel’s table. He took the empty seat left by the old man.

The voice in his ear made Montrose’s blood chill.

“The car!”

Montrose jerked his head towards the window.

The old man was in the car, wrestling with the door, trying to get out. He threw himself to the side and brought up a leg to kick the windshield before a bright blue flash filled the car and the muted thump of an explosion rocked the window of the restaurant. The fire burned fast and hard through the entire car and around the screaming occupant. A blackened hand clawed at the hole left by the sunroof then slid down into the flames. A pall of smoke and debris stained the sidewalk and white tablecloths outside the restaurant.

“Jesus! Connor...”

Montrose felt the adrenalin hit his chest and his breath came short and fast. “Kirsty, keep your eyes on Arkangel.”

Arkangel glanced at the burning car and sipped his water then spread the contents of the folder across the table. The fat guy leaned in, his head nodding in agreement as details in the photographs were pointed out to him. They shook hands and Arkangel replaced the photographs in the folder and tucked it into his briefcase. The bodyguards stood and Arkangel fell in between them as they headed for the door.

Montrose pushed back his chair. “Kirsty, tell me which way they go, I’ll give them a moment and then follow them.”

“Coppers!”

The door of the restaurant burst open and five black-helmeted figures rushed in, brandishing machine pistols. “Hands on heads! Get on your knees!”

The figures spread around the restaurant, covering all the angles. One of them jabbed the stubby barrel of a Heckler & Koch rifle towards Montrose. “Metropolitan Police,” growled the man. “You heard him.”

Montrose slipped from his chair and onto the floor, watching the bodyguards and Arkangel reluctantly complying. The cops frisked the bodyguards and confiscated their pistols. The fat guy protested loudly before a policeman kicked him behind the knees and crashed a rifle butt down onto his shoulder.

Two men walked into the restaurant. The first man, dressed in an immaculate grey suit, nodded to the policeman. The fat man was pushed face first onto the floor. The policeman kept his boot down hard between the fat man’s shoulders as another policeman ran over and fixed Velcro cuffs to his ankles and wrists then dragged him out of the door to a meat wagon.

The man in the grey suit leaned against the door, rubbing his chin while he scanned the restaurant. Montrose glanced sideways at him. He’s not a cop. He’s a spook. What the hell have I walked into?

Kirsty’s voice hissed in his ear. “If they suss you, you’re fucked. I know you can’t talk. I’m going to try something.”

The man in the grey suit stood in front of Arkangel. “Name.”

Oh, shit. Montrose caught the accent. New York.That means I’m dead meat.

Arkangel turned his head slowly to look up. “I think you will find that under English law you must give me a reason for your request and your behavior.”

“Yeah? That so? Well, I’m an American, so I don’t give a shit. Name.”

Arkangel’s features twisted into a sneer. “You will find my name on my diplomatic passport. And the names of these two gentlemen are also on their diplomatic passports.”

The American nodded slowly. “That right? Show me.”

They each pulled out a passport. A small man in a crumpled suit stepped forward and scanned each one on an iPad. He nodded to the American.

The American shook his head and leaned over Arkangel. “Get the fuck out of here. And your boyfriends. I don’t want to see you again.”

Arkangel and his bodyguards stood, collected their weapons and headed for the door. The American watched them go then faced Montrose.

Kirsty, whatever you have in mind, anytime right now would be a really good idea.

The American walked slowly over to Montrose’s table, staring at the roof, deep in thought.

“Excuse me, sir?” said Montrose. “Can I get up now?”

He didn’t answer for a moment, then the American looked straight into his eyes. “No.”

“I was just eating lunch. I’ve got nothing to do with this. Whatever it is.”

The American took a seat at Montrose’s table, picked up the half bottle of wine and checked the label. “Good choice.” He scratched his lip. “So, you got a diplomatic passport? ID? Note from your mother?”

“Uh, no, sir. Only my credit cards.”

The American nodded at the cop. Two hands appeared from behind Montrose and patted him down. “What’s that in your ear?”

“My ear?” Montrose shrugged. “It’s a hearing aid.”

“Show me.”

Montrose pulled the earpiece from his ear, gathering as much wax as he could, then held it out in his palm.

“Just the one ear?” said the American.

Montrose was about to pretend he hadn’t heard him then thought better of it. Might get me shot for being a smartass. “The other’s not too bad. Can I get up? My knees hurt.”

The American smiled. “Yeah, have a seat. And leave the hearing aid out.”

“Why? I can’t…”

“Use the other ear.”

Montrose pocketed the earpiece and twisted in the chair so his left side faced the table.

The man smoothed his hand over the snow-white tablecloth. “What’s your name?”

Remember the drill. “Fox.”

“Full name, Mr. Fox.”

If you’re gonna tell a lie, make it a big one. “Full name?”

“Go for it.”

“Harris Beauregard Claverhouse Fox.”

The American grinned. “The first?”

“The only, as far as I know. But call me Harry.”

“Right. Yeah. Okay, Harry, let’s find out who you really are. Campbell, give me that thing.”

The man in the crumpled suit scurried over and placed an iPad in front of Montrose.

“Harry,” said the American. “Put your hand on there.”

Shit. “Look, I’ve never been in trouble. Even in college. Although, there was this one time...”

“Shut up. Do it now.”

Montrose heard the policeman behind him shuffle his feet, widening his stance. He placed his hand on the iPad. A light scanned his hand and the iPad beeped.

“Okay, let go.”

He kept his hand pressed down and saw the word Dionysus flash up on the screen before the American grabbed it from the table.

The American considered the iPad for a moment. “Well, I’ll be straight with you, Harry. What we have here is something that worries me. But it tells me good things, too. You’re on the right side. What it doesn’t tell me is who the hell you are. Damn sure it’s not Mr. Fox. And that’s the thing that worries me.”

Maybe, dude. But I’m fucking delighted.

The American looked over Montrose to the policeman. “We’ll take care of it from here. Have your guys wait outside.” The American watched the policemen leave, then pulled his chair closer, moved the bottle of wine out of the way and rested an elbow on the table. “Let me tell you something.”

“But…” Kirsty, get me out of here.

“Listen to me. My name is Paul Kane. I control a team in Langley. And you know very well where that is. Now, I don’t know what the hell you, or the people on the end of that earpiece are doing here, but this is my operation. What happened here today, who those people were and what your connection is, you will tell me right now. Because, I shit you not, what those people are involved in will make 9/11 look like a pool party at the Playboy mansion.”

What the hell is going on?

“So, let’s be very clear, you are going absolutely nowhere until you tell me exactly what you and your team are doing and why.” He held up a hand. “And don’t give me the ‘confidential, need to know, higher authority’ bullshit. There is no way on God’s sweet earth that you have higher authority than me. Now, you tell me and you tell me right now, or I will no longer consider you a friend. And then bad things will happen and they will happen very quickly.”

A phone rang. Kane reached inside his jacket and pulled out his cellphone and stared at the screen. He looked up at Montrose while he thumbed the button. “Yeah?”

I know who’s calling. That fingerprint scan would have set off alarm bells from here to Virginia. He watched Kane’s mouth drop open. I’m fucked. He glanced to the door. An armed policeman stood outside, half-turned in his direction, watching a ring of policeman battling the burning car. Even if I run, he’ll see me coming.

The fire alarm screamed into life and Montrose shot to his feet.

Kane stuck out an arm, shouting over the alarm. “Sit the fuck down!”

Thanks Kirsty, but that’s not gonna work. He watched Kane’s eyes narrow, but couldn’t hear what he said over the alarm, then saw him begin to unbutton his jacket.

Oh fuck, no.

Kane pushed back his chair, shouting into his phone. “You mean here? Right now?” His hand moved inside the jacket.

The fire alarm stopped.

Chapter 3

Water burst over their heads from the sprinklers, soaking the tables and floor. Kane instinctively tried to cover his phone while reaching for his gun.

Montrose launched himself forward and smashed his fist into Kane’s face.

Kane toppled backwards. His phone slid across the floor towards the policeman at the door who made a grab for the handle.

Montrose spun around and shoulder-charged Campbell over a table, then ran for the kitchen, slipping on the parquet as he kicked open the swing doors. Water was gushing out from revolving jets above the stoves and chefs were shouting and running for the exit. An armed policeman stood in an open doorway to an alley. He locked eyes with Montrose and leveled his machine pistol, but the barrel was forced into the air as several chefs tried to force their way out the door at the same time.

Montrose saw steps to his left and ran up a winding staircase, grabbing a fire extinguisher from the wall. At the top was a door which he shoved open into a small toilet. He slid to a halt before he hit the edge of a sink and a window, three feet in front of him. Fire extinguisher against a gun.Yeah, that’ll work. He launched the extinguisher through the window then ducked behind the door and kicked it shut. He heard boots on the stairs. Do it. Make the same mistake I did. The door flew open and the barrel of a gun came first, followed by a policeman who stuck out a hand before he hit the sink.

Use his weight. Montrose stepped behind and shoved him hard towards the window.

Montrose grasped the policeman’s utility belt and hauled him up over the window ledge then leapt to the side as the copper’s boots flew past his nose.

He looked down to see boots sticking out of a dumpster. Okay, not that way. To his right he could see a low roof. He stood on the sink and kicked away the shards of glass, then levered himself out of the window frame, trying to find his balance on the crumbling brick ledge. Don’t dick around. Jump! Throwing out his arms, he launched himself sideways, hoping the flat roof would take his weight. He landed and rolled, his hands scraping the rough stone and grit of the tar-covered roof, then ran to the edge and saw the gap. I can make it. Six feet.

The gap widened as he got closer. Ten feet? Oh, man, just go for it. He glanced down to a filthy alley twenty feet below as he launched into the air. Leg breaker. He landed heavily and ducked behind an air-conditioning unit. Shouts came from the alley. Looking back, he saw a policeman’s head stuck out of the toilet window, wrestling his rifle clear of the frame. They’re not following. They’re not that crazy, they’ll take the streets. He got to his feet and headed for a stone gable, but slipped on the grit and rolled towards the wall. Bricks shattered above his head and hot fragments of metal stung his cheek.

He scrambled behind the corner of the gable end. Sniper. And a silencer. Not a cop’s gun.This isn’t an arrest. They’ve worked it out. They know who I am. The connecting roofs were a jumble of old, steep, moss-covered slates and flat areas with minimum cover. Pick a route and stay low. He got up to run then heard the whump-whump of rotor blades. Chopper. Get off the roof.

Keeping low, he weaved between rattling air-conditioning units. To his right there was a long line of windows: an attic conversion. A round table of suited executives stared out at him. The window was open. He reached up and tugged it aside then pulled himself in. He stood for a moment, ignoring the open mouths, then brushed off his damp suit. “Police. Don’t mind me, I’m just passing through.”

He skirted around the table before anyone could say a word, opened the door and then stopped. “Listen, close that window. There’s a bad guy on the roof.”

He raced down the stairs. At the bottom was a busy open plan office. Several people looked up from their computers. He grabbed an overcoat from a stand and slipped off his jacket, throwing it into the stairwell. A plain wooden door stood in front of him with an alarmed fire exit sign. Like I give a shit.

He pushed the handle and a weak, whining siren coughed into life. Don’t run. Yet. He stepped out into an alley and turned north towards the main drag. Where the hell am I? He pulled the earpiece from his pocket and shoved it into his ear.

“…in because I can’t do this through fucking osmosis!”

“Kirsty, it’s me. Listen, I’m…”

“I know exactly where you are. I’ve got four CCTV cameras on you. And don’t talk into your Apple watch when you’re running, you’ll look like a movie extra. And a complete tit. Cross over Long Acre, that’s the main road at the end. Take the street at your eleven o’clock. Keep going.”

He saw traffic at the end of the road. An unmarked van with flashing blue lights shot past. He stopped in a shop doorway. “Kirsty, any moment now there are going to be police everywhere. I need to get out of London fast.” He ran for Long Acre, searching for a gap in the traffic.

“You’ll never make it.”

He dodged the cars then slid to a halt on the sidewalk. “Jeez, thanks. Should I just kill myself right now? Or wait for them to do it?”

“Keep your knickers on, Yankee boy, you’ll never make it because the cops in London have got containment down to a fine art. They’ll have your section locked tight in minutes. Vans, dogs, helicopters, the whole nine yards. What you need to do is to get out of the sector. Check the end of the road. See that pillar at the end?”

Montrose looked along the line of shop fronts and yellow brick buildings. “Yeah, I see it. So what?”

“That’s the Seven Dials. It’s the border of the Covent Garden containment sector. They’ve been perfecting this ever since the IRA came to town, even if it’s now a different enemy. Get there fast. Then you can hide. Otherwise they’ll lock you in and keep squeezing every street until they find you.”

“I hear sirens.”

“You’ll have a lot more to worry about if you don’t move your arse.”

He stepped off the narrow sidewalk and ran down the street, weaving between the slow-moving traffic. Just get to that pillar? Is she crazy? “Kirsty, there are no exits, all the turnings are dead ends. They’ll spot me a mile off.”

“Probably. Everything will be focused on your sector.”

“Got any good news?”

“We’ll see. Don’t stop. Get to the Seven Dials before the meat wagons.”

He glanced behind. Red buses blocked the end of the street.

“Slow down.”

He stopped and ducked into a doorway, looking out to the ornately carved pillar in the center of the road. “What is it?”

“It’s cool. Only a traffic warden. Thought it was a copper. The bastards all dress the same. Now, walk across the road, take the exit where the traffic warden is standing. See it?”

He could see why the cops would want to control the area. Seven narrow roads converged into a circular junction. Blue lights appeared between the cars at the end of the street. “I see the exit.”

“Go for it. Get to the bike rack.”

The traffic slowed and he strode straight over the junction then stood in a doorway beside the rack. “I’m there. What now?”

“Get on a bike.”

He looked along at the rows of city bikes. “You’re joking.”

“It’s the fastest way across London. Move it.”

The sirens were getting closer. He tried to haul a bike from the stand, but it was locked. “Kirsty?”

“You were given a credit card in the name of Mr. Fox. Use that, hold it up to the machine in front.”

He fumbled in his pants for his wallet then flattened the credit card against the screen. A slip of paper with a code popped out and he punched in the number to the bike. The lock popped open and he grabbed it from the stand.

“Lose the overcoat.”

He tugged it from his shoulders and stuffed it between the bikes.

“Go to the end of the street, turn right then first left. I’m going to keep you off the main drag, so expect a few detours.”

He pointed the bike away from the Seven Dials and jumped on. The wind chilled on his legs and his feet slipped inside his shoes. Trucks and cars lined the street as he flashed past shops and boutiques. The traffic came to a halt at the end of the street. He slowed for the junction and stuck his foot down, sliding along the ground to stop before he ploughed into a bus. He stepped on the pedal again, but his shoe slipped and the pedal spun around and cracked his shin. Pain shot through his leg and he leapt off the bike, pushing it between the bumpers of the stationary cars to the other side of the street.

“Bet that hurt. Take the next left.”

“Got it.” She knows what she’s doing. If it wasn’t for the traffic, the police would have me by now. Or worse, Kane and his goons. He pounded the pedals, standing up in the seat. “Kirsty, where the hell am I going?”

“Soho.”

“Safe house?”

“Soho’s never been safe, but as safe as you can get in London right now.”

He hauled the bike up onto the sidewalk to avoid a delivery van in the road. “Where in Soho?”

“You’ll see. If you knew the address, I’d be worried about you.”

“Tell me exactly where, in case I lose comms.”

“You won’t lose me. I’ve got five cameras on you. Go to the end of the street, ditch the bike, then walk down the alley in front.”

He dumped the bike in a doorway. At the end of the alley, through a brickwork arch, he could see a busy street. “Wait, we need to check that I’m not being followed.”

“Connor, I’m having enough trouble finding you a clear path, so you’ll have to take care of what’s behind you. You’ll be on me in five.”

What the f..? He flattened himself against the wall, the sharp, dirty brick pressing through his shirt into the skin of his back. “Kirsty, that’s really not a good idea. You don’t want to...”

“I’ve got no idea who you are or what you’ve done, but I’m here to do a job, so do what I say, you thick-headed Yank, or I’ll drop you like a sack of hot shit. This is my territory. Get to the end of the alley.”

The stone was cold against his skin as he pressed harder into the wall. I can’t put her at risk. She’s just a tech. Yeah, you know what that feels like. “Kirsty, I can’t lead them back to you. Give me a direction and let me go.”

“Well, that’s sweet, but I can look after myself. And right now, you can’t. So shut up and do what you’re told. They’re going to move containment sectors very soon and you’ll be trapped like a rat up a drainpipe.”

The sirens had stopped and he pushed himself from the wall. The street behind him seemed calm. He stopped at the archway and looked along the road. It seemed normal, except for the neon signs offering peepshows and porn shops. “Kirsty, I don’t want to sound like an idiot, but we’ve never actually met.”

“I know. If we had, you’d remember. I’ll be looking out for a panicking Yank in moist trousers.”

“Just give me a clue in case I don’t spot you.”

“Oh, you’ll spot me. Besides, I’ll be the only chick there. And I don’t dress like other people.”

He left the alley and stepped out onto the street where the smell of fried food and exhaust fumes surrounded him.

“Twenty yards. And get rid of your watch. They’ve had enough time to track it down. It’s got a MAC address like a phone and once they get it they can tell your heartbeat and nail your location to a few feet. Turn into the bookshop on the left.”

He pulled the watch from his wrist and strode forward, glancing into the windows framing the doorway. A display of vintage London books were scattered around, faded with age. Inside, the shop was deserted, only one bored assistant tapping on his phone. The shelves held stacks of haphazardly arranged coffee-table books. On a table beside him a thick layer of dust covered a large hardback edition on sixties fashion. Montrose slipped the watch under a book. He shot a glance around the room. No doors. He saw a steep staircase in the corner. The assistant ignored him as he walked past the desk and down the stairs. The lights became brighter and porn posters adorned the walls. He shielded his eyes against the glare and spotted someone at the bottom of the stairs. She wore a long black leather coat and boots, midnight blue lipstick, and her hair was shot through with purple streaks..

Kirsty tapped a jet-black fingernail on the screen of her iPad. “You’ve got a tail. Follow me.” She turned and threaded her way past several stands of latex suits and rubber masks.

He hurried behind her, through a series of small interconnecting rooms lined with DVD boxes and racks of luridly colored objects that he couldn’t identify.

She stopped in what appeared to be a dungeon with black paper lining the walls and medieval stocks in the middle of the room. Whips of all sizes hung on metal racks. “Check this,” said Kirsty and she held out the iPad, showing a two-camera view split across the screen. “They’re at both ends of the street.”

He watched a two-man team at each end, talking into their radios. One team took up position and the other made their way towards the bookshop. “Kirsty, they know where they’re going.” We’re trapped.

“Well, I hope they know where they’re going. I don’t want to have to go upstairs and wave to them.”

We can’t stay here. They’ll kill her without thinking about it. Give yourself up and let her run. “Kirsty, they used a sniper. He nearly took my freakin’ head off.”

She ignored him and concentrated on the screen. “C’mon, boys, stick together.”

The men checked their phones and headed for the bookshop. I need a weapon. He scanned the room quickly. I’m in an armory for perverts. He noticed a long pole with a rubber grip. That’s a fucking cattle prod. A pair of fur-lined handcuffs seemed the least offensive item. On screen the two men slipped their hands inside their jackets and entered the bookshop. They’ll work it out in seconds. “Kirsty, we can’t hide here. Run for it. I’ll take care of them.”

“Oh, very macho,” she said, concentrating on the iPad. “What are you going to do? Fight them off with a massive dildo?” Kirsty looked up. “They’re here. Follow me.” She swept a curtain aside and headed along a narrow corridor. “The basements of these shops are over three hundred years old. They go right under the street. The Russian Mafia that own this place have shops either side, so they knocked through. The entrance you came in is a cover for the more discerning pervert.” She stopped and pulled a T-shirt, fleece jacket and combat pants from her bag. “Trousers off.”

“In here?”

“You shy, Connor Montrose?”

Holding the combat pants in one hand, he tugged at his waistband, pushing down the wet cloth sticking to his legs.

“Just think yourself lucky I didn’t buy you underwear. They’ve got quite a selection in here, if you like leather and your tackle hanging out. Anyway, that was the only decent thing I could find in Soho. Army surplus. It was either that or a gimp suit.”

“A what?” He stepped into the combat pants and pulled the damp shirt from his shoulders.

She stopped at the foot of another staircase and watched him struggle into the T-shirt. “You’re bigger than you look in the movies. Let’s go.”

He followed her up the steps and into a brightly-lit room lined with manga comics and magazines. “Kirsty, we should split up.” You have no idea what you’re up against.

She grabbed his hand. “Are you ashamed, Connor Montrose? They’re looking for one person, not two lovers.” She held on tight and pulled him into the street. “Make sure they can see this. Big Brother is watching. There are half a million CCTV cameras in London, so be cool and just walk normally.”

Montrose resisted the urge to look behind. They’ll ID me before we get to the end of the street. “Kirsty...”

She pulled him into a long doorway, past a line of glass displays showing faded photographs of showgirls.

A blinking neon sign let him know where she was going. Peep show.