Christmas Witness Conspiracy by Maggie K. Black

Author:Maggie K. Black
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-07-13T11:49:39+00:00

EIGHT

She watched as Liam startled, like his whole being was shaken by the news. Then he stepped back and offered his own hand to help the cuffed constable stand. Liam opened his mouth but no words came out, and he closed it again. He looked up to the sky in what she guessed was either silent prayer, processing or both. Then finally he turned back to the officer.

“Well, that’s a new one,” Liam said. “First of all, Constable Marlie, total respect for trying to tell me that I was under arrest when you were the one in handcuffs. You remind me of myself at your age, and I mean that as a compliment. Secondly, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m not dead and I’m not my own murderer. So why would you possibly think I was?”

Constable Marlie didn’t even blink—instead, his chin rose.

“Let’s start with the fact it’s all over the news,” Marlie said. “The cruise ship had security cameras, plus people posted videos online. There’s clear footage of your...of Bearsmith’s death, including you shooting him—”

“Me?” Liam interrupted.

“A man who looks similar enough to Bearsmith to pass for him,” Constable Marlie explained as he turned to Kelly, “but who clearly isn’t the same man if you look closely enough. This man not only killed the RCMP officer, he stole his identity. There’s a nationwide warrant out for his arrest. Divers are searching Lake Ontario for his body. So I don’t know when the actual funeral will be. But there’s going to be a candlelight vigil for the real Liam Bearsmith in Ottawa tonight at seven. Police officers are coming from across Canada to attend.”

Then Constable Marlie’s eyes cut back to Liam and something hardened in their depths.

“This man’s name is Steve Parker,” he said. “He looks similar enough to Bearsmith, but if you put pictures of him and Bearsmith side by side it’s easy enough to tell them apart. This man’s a bit shorter, heavier set and the shape of his face and nose are different.”

Kelly felt her eyebrows rise. Liam rocked back on his heels and let out a long breath.

“Steve Parker is one of my deep covers,” he said. A rumble almost like a roar was building in the back of his throat. “Last used him about eighteen months ago.”

He ran both hands over his face as if trying to wipe away his former cover. Then he turned to Kelly.

“You know I’m really me, right?” he asked her. And she was surprised to see how much doubt filled his eyes. “I know I look different than I used to. I mean, I know it’s been over twenty years and I probably don’t look anything like you remember. I’m a lot older and battle-worn. I’ve got a few more scars, I’m nowhere near as fit as I used to be and my nose has been literally bent out of shape.”

“Stop it,” Kelly said firmly. “Of course I know who you are. You’re you, and you’re perfect at it.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.