Keeping with Killers (The Salingers, #1) by Adam Nicholls

Author:Adam Nicholls
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Adam Nicholls
Published: 2015-08-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

When Val Salinger had gone in to hiding, he was simply that–Val Salinger, father, assassin, power to the people who couldn't help themselves. He was a mixed bag of morals with a hell of a paycheque. Days later, when he emerged, he was Oscar Wales, retired Geography teacher with a passport in the same name. His knowledge of the world stood true enough–he could pass off as a teacher just as easily as he had performed other roles in his line of work; postman, poet, preacher. But this time, just like every other time, he couldn't help but let his nerves twinge as he stood at the customs desk at the airport.

'Passport, please,' the pretty young lady was saying to the people at the front of the line.

'Thank you.' And then the next man, woman, or couple would pass through with an uncomfortable embarrassment on their faces, and a fear of the upcoming metal detectors.

Guilt did that to a person. He thought it was funny, trying not to seem like you were up to something was exactly what made it look like you really were up to something, and that was why Val always did the opposite.

There were other benefits too, his background in psychology helped him to see the world the way that others do. It was something he could turn on and off. He was manipulative, crafty, and when needed, very malicious. But one thing that could never be said for Val Salinger was that he lacked empathy. He had felt horrible for leaving his life behind.

'Passport, please,' the lady said to him with a painted-on smile.

Val stepped forward and handed it over to her, but he did it as Oscar Wales.

'Thank you.' She handed it back. 'Enjoy your flight.'

Yeah, right, he thought, but smiled and boarded the plane nonetheless.

Every time he had been on a business trip, he couldn't help but look over his shoulder. He knew the shadows that The Agency worked in. They had their ways, like any other business, but if he ever proved to be anything of a problem they would not hesitate to sever the cord. Even now, en route to his own retirement destination, he had that niggling at the back of his mind that something would catch up to him.

How easy would it be for them to slip something into my drink?

He found his seat, right on the wing, and couldn't have been more happy that he couldn't see below him. The last thing he needed right now was the anxiety of flying to poison the vat. But he had his happy thoughts; sun, cash, and his new life, or whatever was left of it.

More people boarded, pushing and shoving and cramming their luggage into the overhead storage, ever mindless of the poor passengers whose faces they were rubbing their crotches in. An old lady - similar to his age but somewhat less well-kept - gently lowered herself next to him and introduced herself as Gloria.

'Oscar,' he said and shook her hand.

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