It was not long and Brian had to stop the car, there were two others blocking the highway. When they stopped 2 other cars came out of a side road and blocked them in. “This is it,” said Harmon. One of the men came over and talked to Harmon telling him to turn around and get back to town. He had to free me before he could do anything else. After getting charges dropped then the guy told Harmon he would be free to do what he wants. Harmon agreed and Brian turned the car around, heading back to Reykjavik.

“Did you notice anything boss?”, asked Brian. “Only that they had big guns,” said Harmon. “Well, yeah, that too,” said Brian, “but the emblem on their jackets, it said J/T.” Harmon decided to look that up but found nothing with such an emblem. There was also a lion on the emblem. “It was a very nice patch,” said Brian, “how come we do not have something like that?”

“We try to keep The Company a secret,” said Harmon. “Not working so good,” said Brian, “seems lots of people know about us.” “That really does not make me feel better,” said Harmon grumbling. “Sorry boss,” said Brian, “so who you gonna blame for all this once you say that PI is clean?” “I have no idea, but I am thinking right now,” said Harmon, “keep talking and I might just finger you instead.”

“Sorry boss,” said Brian, “but hey, what about that John guy? It would be easy to put the blame on him, he hates that PI, for years even. You could say he was doing all this just to get back at the PI and keep himself clean.” Harmon thought for a few moments. “I like that,” he said finally, “I knew there was a reason I keep you around. Off to the police headquarters.”

They did so and clearly put the blame on John and the police agreed that charges against me should be dropped. And besides, the police chief told Harmon that the head of our international undercover police force had called him about me as well and told him to drop the charges against me. “Apparently there is enough evidence to arrest the real criminal in this case,” said the chief, “but he did not elaborate on the phone what it was. But a representative is coming soon to hand the evidence to me.”

“That is good,” said Harmon, “well, it is late so I will be going.” Then they went back out to the lodge and checked the safe, which was totally empty. “Hmm, that guy was right after all boss,” said Brian. “I think it is time for you to stop talking again,” said Harmon. Off they went back to Reykjavik and their hotel. Harmon is getting very nervous now since he figures the evidence coming to the police chief will be that stranger that keeps calling him.

That will finish him for good. He called the airport and there was a flight leaving for London in 2 hours and he was able to book 2 seats on it. “What about that guy that wants ten million more from you boss?”, asked Brian, “he will not be so happy if we skip without paying him.” “I know that,” grumbled Harmon, “but he knows how to get in touch. He needs to tell me how to get the money to him.”

“Good thought boss,” said Brian, “I just hope he does not get in touch with the directors. Keeping away from the police is one thing, but hiding from the directors, that will not be so easy.” “Yes, I know that,” said Harmon, “maybe when this guy phones I can talk some sense into him about that.” “I hope so too boss,” said Brian rather nervously. What they did not know was on that same plane was another man, following them. They landed safely and picked up their luggage and headed for the exit.

Just as they got there they both felt something touching their backs. Then a familiar voice began speaking, “okay Harmon, our van is right over there. Do anything wrong and you will be dead.” They walked quietly to the large van and sat down inside. It was John! Harmon was very nervous now, but hoping John had not heard about what he did back in Iceland in framing John. “I know what you did Harmon,” said John, “a bad move on your part. The police here just might find your body somewhere in a bad part of town.”

“Wait,” said Harmon, “how much do you want, I know that is what this is about.” “Now you are talking sense Harmon,” said John, “I know you have investments that total around 50 million, I want 20 of that.” “That is a lot,” said Harmon. “How much is your life worth?”, asked John. So Harmon agreed and John told him where to put the money. But, things were already happening…

To Be Continued.

©2022 Steve McLeod.