‘I bet I know what you’re saying!’ The man’s voice had a chuckle as he spoke, tearing Danny away from his memories. ‘You’re trying to tell me that this isn’t true at all, aren’t you? I know that, Danny! You didn’t run some old woman down or kill her dog. You didn’t steal a car either, well, that I know of! But what does that matter? Just think how you’ll be doing your bit for this poor old man who was facing going to his grave without his moment of vengeance. It’s eating him alive, too. But now he can have it. The fact that he is shooting the wrong man in the roof of the mouth won’t matter because he’ll never know. But he will know freedom. Freedom from what holds him back every day of his life. You know what that’s called, Danny? Pay it forward. A good deed for your fellow man. A sacrifice. There are worse ways to go.’

The light’s flicker seemed quicker than ever, the pinging sound that accompanied it louder. But Danny was still able to make out the sound of footsteps moving away. He tried to call after them, but all he got was a pain in his jaw.

‘Oh, and I bet you’re also wondering about Marcus Olsen, you know, seeing as there’s not a shred of truth in that black folder there.’ Even from a distance the man’s words were still clear. ‘Marcus Olsen had nothing to do with your daughter, Danny. I want you to know that. And as for the woman you killed, she was a police officer. Your daughter met her. She liked her too by all accounts. I think it’s only right you know what you did before you die. Lies, Danny – that’s what this is all about. Do you see where they can lead? Do you see what lies can do? There’s an important lesson here, one you need to understand. Call it my good deed.’

Danny hardly noticed the pain in his jaw now as his voice came back with a higher pitch still, as close to a scream as he could manage. The sounds of the footsteps became more and more distant, and when Danny paused to suck in another lungful of air, they were gone completely.

Chapter 28

Richard’s vision blurred to the point where he couldn’t read any more of the printed words. He had to focus on his breathing, wait for his heart to stop hammering, take his time. Only when he got himself under control was he able to start reading again.

Information suggests that EVANS was at a house party near to the address where the vehicle was stolen. He was heavily intoxicated while also high on cocaine. A member of his party gained entry to the car and committed the theft by taking it back to the party but we now know it was EVANS who drove the vehicle from this point. The incident occurred within the first two miles of the journey. EVANS was described as ‘showing off’, or at least playing up to his persona. He was swerving the vehicle and using rapid acceleration and deceleration to scare or thrill the passengers.