‘It’s from the PM. He wanted to make sure you were properly compensated for your services.’
Gray opened the letter and found a handwritten note and a cheque.
‘That’s very generous of him,’ Gray said, noting the amount. ‘I’ll make sure Len and Sonny get their share.’
‘That’s yours,’ Harvey said, tapping his pocket. ‘I’ll be going to see the others when I leave here. And keep that note for when HMRC comes calling. Reed stipulated that the payment is tax free.’
‘I’ll use it as a deposit for my new place,’ Gray said. ‘After what Melissa’s been through, I’ve decided the time is right to move away. Besides, this place is too big for just the two of us.’
‘Any idea where you’ll go?’
‘Just away.’ Gray paused for a moment. ‘I was going to speak to you about something after the holidays, but as you’re here, I need a favour.’
‘Name it.’
‘New identities. For me and Melissa.’
‘That’s a bit extreme, isn’t it?’
‘Two weeks ago I would have agreed, but I haven’t exactly been making any friends recently. I just want Melissa to have a normal upbringing, and that can’t happen unless Tom Gray disappears.’
‘What about your business?’
‘It’s in good hands. Len and Sonny are taking it in the right direction. I’ve already told them about my plans, and they’re very supportive. They’ll continue to pay me a consultant salary, so finding work won’t be an issue. I’ll share my new identity with them, but apart from us four, I don’t want this going any further.’
‘I’ll have to get Veronica’s approval,’ Harvey said. ‘That makes five of us in all.’
‘Okay, but that’s it. Not even Hamad, understood?’
Harvey nodded. ‘Any idea where you’ll go?’
‘It has to be a place where Melissa can get a decent education. Perhaps Europe, maybe even Stateside. If you could organise a green card, I’d appreciate it.’
‘I’ll have a word with a friend, Doug Wallis at the CIA.’
‘Okay, but no names.’
‘No names.’ Harvey rose and offered his hand to Gray. ‘Best of luck with everything.’
‘Thanks. I’m sure our paths will cross again one day.’
As Andrew Harvey walked out through the front door, he didn’t doubt it for a second.
THE END
If you enjoyed this series and want to know when Alan McDermott will release his next book, just send an email to [email protected] with Next Book in the subject line.
About the Author
Photo © 2013 Darlene McDermott
Alan McDermott is a husband and a father to beautiful twin girls, and currently lives in the south of England.
Born in West Germany to Scottish parents, Alan spent his early years moving from town to town as his father was posted to different army units around the United Kingdom. Alan has had a number of jobs since leaving school, including working on a cruise ship in Hong Kong and Singapore, where he met his wife, and as a software developer creating clinical applications for the National Health Service. Alan gave up his day job in December 2014 to become a full-time author.
Alan’s writing career began in 2011 with the action thriller Gray Justice, his first full-length novel.
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