Read Online Aftershock by Sam Fisher - Free Book Online Page B

week earlier, was slightly different. It read: ‘Stop now. This is your last warning.’
    He had told only one other person about the messages – his lawyer, Chuck Warberg. He certainly hadn’t breathed a word about them to his brother. Chuck had, as always, advised caution. But, when it came to self-preservation and retaining power, Johnny was a very cautious man. Chuck had advised him to go to the cops, but to Johnny it was obvious this was the last thing he should do. He did not like the messages, but equally he could not hold up the project because of them. And so he had decided to say nothing.
    The warnings had begun to appear as the hotel infrastructure was completed and crews were starting to fit out the interior. He had employed some tech guys to trace the emails, but they had drawn a total blank. It was then he had turned to Chuck, and been given the advice he did not need.
    He called Chuck’s mobile number. He was in London on business. It was early morning there, but he knew his lawyer would be working even if he was in his hotel room. He was always working.
    â€˜Chuck, I’ve just been going through those emails again.’
    â€˜For Christ’s sake, Johnny. I’m shaving. Can I call you back?’
    â€˜No, I’ve only got a minute.’
    Xavier could hear his lawyer produce a resigned sigh. ‘I told you to go to the cops, didn’t I?’
    â€˜That was not an option, Chuck.’
    The lawyer said nothing for a moment, then produced a small cough. ‘Johnny? Have you thought about ducking out of tonight?’
    Xavier laughed. ‘Chuck, for a smart guy, you can sometimes say the most fucked up things.’
    â€˜Okay.’
    â€˜By the way,’ Johnny Xavier went on, ‘ you are conspicuous by your absence here tonight. You’re probably the only person to turn down the invitation.’
    â€˜I couldn’t make it.’
    â€˜Whatever,’ Johnny slurred. Years of living in California had polluted what had once been the crisp British private school accent his older sibling still retained. ‘Anyway, as if I would duck out and let big brother take all the credit! So, what are you going to do about these messages?’
    â€˜What do you expect me to do?’
    â€˜Jesus,’ Xavier hissed. ‘Sometimes I wonder why I pay you.’
    â€˜Oh please. Don’t give me that BS. You know why you pay me. Don’t forget who’s covering your arse, Johnny boy. Don’t forget who’s cleaning up the money for your little hedge fund. Don’t forget who’s keeping nosy parkers off your case.’
    â€˜So you’re saying there’s nothing you can do about these emails? Is that it?’ Xavier snapped.
    â€˜Got it in ... what? ... Three.’
    There was a pained silence from the other end of the line.
    â€˜You tried the tech guys?’ Chuck Warberg offered.
    â€˜Yes. I tried the fucking tech guys. They were about as useless as you.’
    â€˜Okay, Johnny. Gotta lot of work to do. I’m not going to stand here and let you insult me.’
    â€˜Well go stick your bald head up your fucking arse then, you...’ But the line was dead. Johnny slammed down the phone and looked up as the doorbell sounded.
    â€˜Yeah?’ he called.
    â€˜It’s me.’
    Xavier sighed, pulled himself to his feet and strode to the door. Hilary pushed her way into the room and Johnny closed the door quickly.
    â€˜Hilary! We’re supposed to be downstairs in 20 minutes. What the hell are you doing?’
    She turned to him, swaying slightly.
    â€˜Oh fuck, you’re...’
    â€˜Yes, Johnny. I’m drunk.’ She flopped onto the sofa and buried her head in her hands. Johnny looked around the room using all his reserves of patience to control his anger and frustration.
    â€˜I just don’t know how that man does it.’
    â€˜Which man?’
    â€˜Your damn brother. Who