The Secret Crown

Dial took notes, using a cryptic style of shorthand that only he could understand. ‘Who were these guys? Any ideas?’

‘I can send you their names and addresses.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘What can I say? The mountains are huge and filled with wolves. You’ll be lucky to find the bodies. We had some time, so we grabbed their IDs. We figured it would help your cause.’

‘And yours.’

Payne smiled. ‘The thought had crossed my mind.’

‘What about motivation? Did that cross your mind?’

‘As a matter of fact, it did. Unfortunately, that’s where things get messy.’

Dial sighed. ‘Let me see if I got this straight: nine bodies scattered across a mountain isn’t messy, but their motivation is. Do I even want to know?’

‘Trust me, I’d prefer not to tell you because I’m not quite sure how you’re going to react to it. But this is something you need to hear.’

49

Payne tried to ease the sting of the information about Kaiser by framing it in the best possible way. ‘Back when DJ and I were in the military, we had contacts around the globe – people who gave us intelligence or sold us supplies when we were behind enemy lines. Some of them were the scum of the earth – the kind of guys who made your skin crawl – but some of them were pretty solid. Over the years, a few of them even became our friends.’

‘Where are you going with this?’

‘One of those friends is the person who notified us about the possible discovery. He knew we had contacts in the world of antiquities and asked us to contact Petr on his behalf. After weighing the pros and cons, we decided to get involved despite his recent ventures.’

Dial connected the dots. ‘In other words, he’s a criminal.’

‘Yes.’

‘And you think the ambush has to do with him?’

‘I know it does. One of the gunmen told me.’

‘He told you? Do I even want to know how you obtained this information?’

‘Probably not.’

‘Yeah, you’re right.’

Payne smiled. So far the conversation had gone better than he had expected. Then again, he still hadn’t mentioned the name of his contact. ‘Here’s where things get tricky. The gunman gave me the name of his boss. Apparently he has a major vendetta against my friend. I don’t know the specifics, but it sounds like these two are bitter rivals.’

‘Why don’t you ask your friend?’

‘I can’t. He was seriously hurt during the ambush.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes, really. You might find this hard to believe, but I’ve befriended a few criminals during my lifetime as well. Back when I was in the Bureau, I had a weekly dinner with this mid-level Mafioso. He gave me info about his rivals while I gorged myself with the best pasta I ever ate in my life. After a while, a bond was forged – even though I knew what he did for a living.’

‘Then you know how it goes.’

‘Yes, I do. And yet, if I had seen him shoot a man, I would have arrested him. In my mind, there are certain lines that can’t be crossed.’

‘In that case, I’m glad you didn’t see me shoot anyone.’

Dial smiled. ‘Let me ask you a question: what’s the reason for your call? Clearly, you’re telling me all of this for a reason. I’d love to know what it is.’

‘One of my friends was attacked, and three of his colleagues were killed in cold blood. I want to see the men responsible brought to justice.’

‘It sounds like you handled that already.’

‘As far as I know, the boss wasn’t there. He’s the one I really want.’

Dial gave the situation some thought. ‘Okay, Jon, here’s the problem. If you want me to go after the boss, you have to give me his name. After that, I’ll track down his associates and rivals, which will lead me to the name of your friend. Is that something he really wants?’

‘Trust me, he’s already on your radar.’

‘Really? So he’s a big fish?’

‘You could say that.’

‘And his rival?’

‘He’s a big fish, too.’

‘Interesting.’

‘Listen,’ Payne said, ‘I didn’t call you to be coy. I’m willing to tell you their names right now – as long as you enter one important fact into your database.’

‘What fact is that?’

‘My friend and colleagues are innocent in this particular shooting. They were attacked, plain and simple. I’ll vouch for it and so will DJ. Of course, we’d appreciate if you kept our names out of it. Just call us undercover assets or something like that.’

‘If the evidence supports it, I’ll gladly-’

‘You’re not hearing me, Nick. There is no evidence. This shooting went down in the middle of the woods. Sure, you might find some shell casings and some bodies, but there’s no way in hell you’re going to figure anything out without my testimony – especially after the fire.’

Dial groaned. ‘What fire?’

Payne fibbed. ‘Those bastards torched the site.’

‘They, what? Why did they do that?’

‘I have no idea. Maybe you should ask them.’

‘I would if they were still alive.’

Payne smiled. It was why he had been willing to stretch the truth. ‘So, what do you think? Our testimony for their names? Personally, I think it’s a pretty sweet deal.’

‘For you.’

‘For everyone. Without my testimony, you won’t have jack.’

‘Yeah, well, that remains to be seen.’

‘I’m telling you, Nick. My friend is innocent in today’s events. He was hit early, and he’s been unconscious ever since. Plus, you’ll love the name of his rival. He’s a serious player in Germany. I’m sure his name will cause some boners in Berlin.’

Dial mulled over his options. If Payne was painting an accurate picture of the crime scene, the name of a suspect would jumpstart the local investigation and would do wonders with the German authorities. Any time multiple people were killed in a tourist town, there was more to worry about than the loss of life. The local economy was also at stake – especially with ski season around the corner.

‘Fine! Give me their names. But if I find out your friend started this bullshit, I’m coming after him. Then I’m coming after you.’

‘Damn, Nick, I just got chills.’

‘I’m serious, Jon.’

‘I’m serious, too. You’re a scary man!’

Dial couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Give me their names before I change my mind.’

‘You got it. The man you’re looking for is Hans Mueller. Have you heard of him?’

Dial nodded. ‘Of course, I’ve heard of him. He’s a major player in the world of smuggling. From what I’ve heard, he’s one sick bastard. If you cross him, you’re pretty much fucked.’

‘Which explains today’s ambush. Like I said, he considers my friend his number-one rival. Apparently, he’s been trying to take him out for a while.’