Deception - Excerpt

everybody felt ADS should be accountable to them. There were dozens of people, scores of people, like Dick Bierman, just waiting for Keyes to fuck up. Then they would step in and make a grab for the reins themselves.

So he couldn’t go to the DIA—not while there were other options available to him.

Daisy came into the office and set a file on his desk. He gave her a nod and turned his attention back to the phone in his hands. He was speaking with an Italian policeman who believed Keyes was a detective second grade of the New York City Police Department, tracking a murder suspect who, according to a tip from his ex-wife, had fled to Venice.

By the time Leonard called again, he was ready.

“Epstein boarded the ship this morning,” Keyes said. “It means he doesn’t think anyone’s followed him. So you’ll have no problem.”

Leonard muttered something.

“Spilled milk,” Keyes said. “No use in dwelling on it.”

Leonard said nothing. Keyes quickly moved on, all business.

“They’ll reach Methoni tomorrow, spend the day there, and pull out again after dinner. What I want you to do is get yourself to that island tonight—” He consulted one of the several files open on his blotter.

“—and find a room. There are six hotels; any one will do. The nearest airport is Kalamata, about thirty miles away. Once you’ve got that taken care of, let Daisy know the details. I’m putting together some backup on this end.

They’ll meet you at the hotel, and lend a hand.”

“Backup?” Leonard said.

“Mm. After you book the room—” “I work alone,” Leonard interrupted.

“Not this time, you don’t. If it had gone right in the hotel …”

“That wasn’t my fault.”

“I realize that,” Keyes said steadily. “But you’ll need backup. Because you’re going to do it at the fortress of Sapienza, tomorrow morning. And while you’re doing it, we’ll need someone to go aboard the ship, to clean out the man’s cabin.”

In fact, Keyes thought, this was likely not necessary. Epstein may or may