Alderley nodded. ‘I read the statements Interpol took from everyone. Including Nina. She told them what you told her.’
‘Stikes was in a chopper that was about to take off, with these statues that everybody’s so bloody keen to get hold of. Mac had an RPG lined up on it – and Kit shot him to save Stikes and the statues. They were working together. I don’t know if they were all along, but they definitely were by the time they met up at that gas plant. And there’s something else. Sophia’s involved too.’
Alderley’s eyebrows rose. ‘Sophia Blackwood? I thought she was dead.’
‘So did I. Apparently not. I don’t know what she’s up to or why she wants the statues, but she and Stikes went off with them – and Kit tried to kill me to cover his tracks. If I hadn’t done what I did, I’d be a charcoal fucking briquette right now.’
Alderley rocked on his heels, thinking. ‘So . . . what are you going to do about it?’
‘Find Stikes and kill him, mostly. I hadn’t thought much past that . . . ’ He tailed off as he realised the subtext of the MI6 officer’s words. ‘Wait, what do you mean, me?’
‘I can’t do anything – officially, at least – until I have some actionable evidence. All I have so far is your word, and you’re, well, a wanted fugitive. Your stock isn’t at its highest at the moment. But if you get some proof for me . . . ’
Eddie made a disbelieving face. ‘You’re going to let me go? Why? You can’t stand me!’
‘Just because I don’t like you doesn’t mean I don’t trust you. Mac, God rest his soul, always believed in you, one hundred per cent. And I always believed in Mac.’ His expression became more mournful than ever. ‘You’re not the only person who’s lost a friend, Chase. You say Mac was killed as part of some conspiracy? I’m willing to take you at your word. I want answers as much as you do. So go and get them. Find Stikes, and he should lead you to whoever else is involved.’
‘Me, working for MI6?’ Eddie said dubiously. ‘Christ, and I thought I was already badly off!’
‘Amusing as ever – i.e., not at all,’ said Alderley with a disparaging sigh. ‘But you really should get moving, before my men come looking for me.’
‘So are you going to give me anything to help? An Aston Martin that turns into a helicopter?’
‘Just a head start, I’m afraid. When you run, go right; my men are in a car down the street to the left.’ Alderley took a breath, then braced himself. ‘Make it look convincing. But try not to break my nose again. Oh, and . . . don’t enjoy it too much, will you?’
Eddie managed a faint grin. ‘I’ll do my best.’
It was the second time in as many days that he had punched someone he knew. As Alderley hit the ground, he sprinted out of the alley into the world beyond to begin his hunt.
