‘Because there aren’t too many people in the world wearing this tattoo,’ Ben said. ‘In fact it’s extremely rare, because it takes a unique kind of qualification to even be allowed to wear it. This is the first one I’ve ever seen in the flesh. I’ll explain it to you. But first I think we ought to get out of here.’

Chapter 33

Grace said, ‘What about Jamie? We can’t just leave him here to rot.’

‘I wouldn’t worry about that,’ Ben replied. ‘If nobody else finds them in the next few hours, Jamie and our friend here will ice up like a couple of frozen chickens. They probably won’t thaw out until next year.’

‘God, this is awful.’ She watched as Ben stuck the dead guy’s Glock in his belt. ‘What, you didn’t have enough guns already?’

‘Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them,’ he replied. ‘And I think we’re going to need them.’ He gathered up his bag and jumped in behind the wheel of the Mercedes as Grace piled in the other side. The screen was cracked and there were several bullet holes in the bodywork. He had to hope that the damn thing would still go.

It did. They took off across the field, exited the gate, and Ben skidded out onto the road heading back around the village outskirts.

‘Where to now?’ Grace asked.

‘First I’m taking you back to your car. Your shift starts in a few hours, remember?’

She shook her head vehemently. ‘Screw that. I’m calling in sick. You and I are partners in this now.’

‘People are getting killed, Grace.’

‘So tell me something new. You’re not getting rid of me that easily. Either I ride along with you and see this out, or you can consider yourself under arrest.’

‘And I thought we had an understanding about that.’

‘And I could still change my mind.’

‘Arrest me, you’ll have a hell of a lot of explaining to do to your superiors. Besides, what if I decide not to come quietly?’

‘You want to put that to the test?’

Ben glanced at her. Her eyes were as hard as bullets. He sensed that she wasn’t joking. He could easily prevent her from arresting him. But given how determined she was, he’d probably have to kill her in the process. And that wasn’t an option for him.

She said, ‘So. Partners, or not?’

‘Your choice.’

‘Yes, it is. And I already made it. Partners?’

He sighed, relenting. ‘Fine. Suit yourself. Partners.’

Some of the hardness melted from her expression. ‘You can begin our collaboration by telling me what kind of person wears a D tattoo with a skull and crossed daggers.’