Countdown - Iris Johansen [70]
“In time. So far he hasn’t been able to pull up a record. Wickman seems to be the invisible man. But I’ll have Brenner zero in on the coffeehouse and see if he can get us a description from one of the waiters.”
She went still. “I can do better than that.”
He understood at once. “No. Not only no, but hell no.”
“If I can get a good description, I can do a sketch. Since I’ve never seen Wickman, that sketch would tell you what you want to know without question.”
“Then I’ll have Brenner ask the questions and relate the answers over the phone to you.”
“It doesn’t work that way. I have to show the sketch to the witness as I’m doing it to get a confirmation on the features.” Her lips tightened. “And I’m not sitting here and waiting for Brenner to waste time trying to pin down the ID when I can do it faster.”
“It’s not safe for you to go traipsing all over Lucerne. I can keep you secure here.”
“I’m not going all over Lucerne. I’m going to one café, and presumably you’ll have Brenner there to meet me at the airport. Can you arrange for a helicopter and a private plane in Aberdeen piloted by someone you trust?”
“I could. I won’t.”
“Yes, you will. Because you know I’m going anyway.” She turned on her heel. “I’ll go up and pack an overnight case and my sketchbook.”
“What part of no didn’t you understand?”
“The part where you gave me orders that go against good sense. Call Brenner and tell him I’m coming, or I’ll find my own way to that café.”
Mario met Jane as she left her bedroom and was heading for the stairs. He frowned as he glanced at the overnight case she was carrying. “Where are you going?”
“I have to do a job. I’ll be back tonight or tomorrow.”
“What kind of job?”
She was silent a moment, unsure how he would accept the truth. “I’m going to Lucerne to try to do a sketch of your father’s killer, if I can get a good description.”
“Is that possible?”
She nodded. “I’m pretty good. I have a knack for it.”
“Someone saw him?”
“We think there’s a good chance. Your father was well known at the café and—”
He turned back to his room. “I’m going with you.”
“No.”
“It’s got to be dangerous. What if he’s still around? I’m not going to let you run a risk. My father was killed and he didn’t do—”
“No, you’re more valuable here.” He started to protest and she said quickly, “I don’t need you. I’m going to have Brenner to help me.”
He was silent a moment before his lips twisted in a mirthless smile. “Then I guess you don’t need me. I wouldn’t be much good to you, would I? I’m better at dealing with books than the real world. I never realized that I’d ever have to know how to fight people like Grozak.” He paused. “You’re sure that you’ll be safe with Brenner?”
“I’m sure. Good-bye, Mario.” She hurried down the stairs before he could protest again. Trevor was standing at the front door. “You’ve phoned Brenner?”
“Yes, and I’m going with you myself.” He opened the door for her. “Bartlett’s arranged for a helicopter. It will be landing in five minutes.”
“No.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“No.” She repeated his words to her. “What part of that word don’t you understand? You’re not going with me. You have no purpose except to protect me, and Brenner is doing that. You told me that one of your jobs here at the Run was to keep an eye on Mario. Well, that’s more important than ever now.”
“And what about keeping an eye on you?”
“Grozak appears to have changed targets and is aiming at Mario. All the more reason for keeping him safe.” She saw his lips tighten and added fiercely, “I talked Mario into going back to work, and I’m not letting that go to waste. It’s important that he get that scroll done as soon as possible. Someone’s got to be here to encourage and reinforce him. That’s either me or you. And I’m going to Lucerne.” She opened the door. “Don’t try to stop me, Trevor.”
“I wouldn’t think of it,” he said sarcastically. “You’d probably push me out of the helicopter.”
“Right.”
“And I wouldn’t dream of trying to quench that fire I seem to have lit.”
“You couldn’t.” She looked him in the eye. “You were born in Johannesburg