Page 93 of We Chase Shadows

‘Correct,’ says Vern. ‘You’re very good. I didn’t think you’d be this good.’

‘And Connor Brooks became Jakob Eriksson?’ says Rosie. ‘With your help?’

‘Yes,’ says Vern. ‘I will just say this doesn’t change anything. Perhaps I should have told you, but why confuse things?’

‘Would it be fair to say,’ says Rosie, ‘that you and Connor Brooks are friends?’

‘I don’t know about friends exactly,’ says Vern.

Rosie raises an eyebrow at Vern.

‘Okay,’ says Vern. ‘Yes, we were friends.’

‘You helped him escape Spain,’ says Steve. ‘You no doubt helped him in other ways. You helped legitimize his new identity as Jakob Eriksson?’

‘Well, a long time ago,’ says Vern. ‘But, yes. All of the above.’

‘So would it be fair to say that Connor Brooks owes you one?’ Steve asks.

‘I mean, sure,’ says Vern.

‘Is that why he’s never come after you?’ Amy asks. ‘Until now?’

‘I couldn’t say,’ says Vern.

‘That’s why killing Esteban was such a shock?’ says Steve. ‘That’s why you couldn’t believe it?’

Vern is calculating again. ‘I felt … yes, I felt we had a deal. I still feel we do. Jakob Eriksson, Connor Brooks, what’s the difference? It doesn’t explain why Esteban died with that note in his pocket.’

‘You must have a way of contacting him?’ says Rosie. ‘Convincing him to tell you the truth?’

‘I don’t,’ says Vern. ‘We haven’t spoken in a long time.’

‘So we start again from here,’ says Steve. ‘We are looking for Connor Brooks. And Connor Brooks is your friend. Or was your friend.’

‘Look,’ says Vern, ‘I shouldn’t have lied. In fact, I shouldn’t have dragged you into this at all. I just wanted help.’

‘Well, we’re well and truly dragged in now,’ says Amy. ‘Tell us everything we need to know about Connor Brooks.’

‘I can’t,’ says Vern. ‘If he knows that I’ve told anyone, he’ll kill me. And that’s the truth.’

‘It sort of looks like he might kill you anyway,’ says Amy.

‘I can’t ask you to do any more,’ says Vern. ‘I can’t. I’ll fly home and face the music.’

‘No one is flying anywhere,’ says Rosie.

‘Is that a promise?’ says Steve.

‘Not now, Steve,’ says Amy.

‘This is our case,’ says Rosie. ‘And we’re going to solve it with you or without you.’

‘No,’ says Vern. ‘It’s too dangerous for you. You know too much about a very dangerous man. I can’t let you carry on.’

‘I’m afraid we’re at the stage,’ says Rosie, ‘where you can’t stop us.’

Vern covers his face.