Chapter 4 Sad News

'Which FBI agent is involved?' 'Tarrance. He seems to be in charge.' 'How often has he talked to Kozinski?' 'There's no way to know. We know of four meetings in the last month, but I suspect more. They're being real careful.' 'How much has he given them?' 'Not much, I hope. They're still trying to persuade him. He's frightened. Hodge hasn't talked to the FBI yet, I don't think. He'll do whatever Kozinski does.' 'What have you told Lazarov?' 'Everything. That's my job. They want you in Chicago the day after tomorrow. They want answers, and plans.' 'What plans?' 'Plans to get rid of Kozinski, Hodge and Tarrance, if it becomes necessary.' 'Tarrance! Are you crazy? We can't get rid of an FBI agent!' 'Lazarov is stupid, Ollie, you know that. And that's what he wants from you. Of course, if he does kill Tarrance, the FBI will be all over the place, and all of you lawyers will suddenly have to leave the country.' 'Try to argue with him, will you? And watch McDeere for another month.' 'OK, Ollie. Don't worry.'

Chapter 4 Sad News

When the McDeeres moved down to Memphis they stayed with the Quins. The two couples became good friends. It didn't take Mitch and Abby long to find a house to buy, on a street called East Meadowbrook. After they moved in they were completely

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happy. The new house was everything they had dreamed about: large, comfortable and in a good neighbourhood. Abby went mad buying furniture, while Mitch drove the new black BMW all around town, getting to know the area.

The Thursday before Mitch was due to start work they drove over to the Quins' house for dinner. 'Now that you've spent next year's income on furniture,' Mitch said on the way there, 'what next?' 'Oh, I don't know,' Abby said. 'How about babies?' 'Hey, slow down. Let me get settled first!'

Abby laughed and sat back in her seat. Mitch admired her legs. 'When did I last tell you you were beautiful?' he asked. 'About two hours ago.' 'Two whole hours! How thoughtless of me!' 'Right. Don't let it happen again.'

They parked behind the Quins' two Mercedes. Kay met them at the front door. Her eyes were red from crying. 'Oh, Kay, what's the matter?' Abby asked. 'There's . . . there's been a tragedy,' she said. 'Who is it?' Mitch asked.

Kay wiped her eyes and breathed deeply. 'Two members of the firm, Marty Kozinski and Joe Hodge, were killed today. We were very close to them.'

Mitch remembered them from his visit to the firm. 'What happened?' he asked. 'No one's sure,' Kay said. 'They were on Grand Cayman, diving. There was some kind of explosion on the boat and we think they drowned. A boatman was also killed. There was a meeting in the firm a few hours ago and they were all told about it. Lamar could hardly drive home.' 'Where is he?' Mitch asked. 'By the swimming-pool. He's waiting for you.'

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