Fightback Read Online Free

true. His father had been murdered and he had jumped from a second-floor window to escape fromhis killers. And now he was about to have breakfast with a girl whose idea of a polite introduction was to shove your face in the dirt.
    In the shower he allowed himself to cry for the first time, tipping his head back and letting the water wash away his tears. But the years away from home had taught him to stay strong. After five minutes, he climbed out and splashed his face with cold water until the redness around his eyes disappeared.
    â€˜OK,’ he said. ‘That’s it. No more.’
    Â *
    Saskia was sitting at a table by the window, coolly sipping her orange juice as if staying in fancy hotels and fighting with strangers was part of her everyday routine.
    â€˜Morning,’ she said as Kier sat opposite her.
    â€˜Hungry?’
    â€˜Starving.’
    She nodded towards the self-service buffet.
    â€˜Then eat.’
    Kier returned with bacon and eggs and looked at the people out on the terrace. They were all smiling and enjoying the sunshine, believing that the world was a safe and wonderful place.
    â€˜So,’ said Kier. ‘Are you going to tell me?’
    â€˜I think,’ said Saskia, carefully spreading honeyon her toast, ‘I’d better leave that to someone else.’
    â€˜Someone else? What do you mean?’
    Saskia looked around to make sure no waiters were hovering within earshot.
    â€˜I had to make a phone call last night. Just to check you’re who you say you are. And to find out what they want me to do.’
    â€˜They?’ Kier was getting frustrated now. ‘Who are they?’
    â€˜Shhh,’ said Saskia. ‘Keep your voice down.’
    Kier leaned across the table and lowered his voice.
    â€˜Who are they?’
    â€˜The people your dad worked for. The people I work for.’ Saskia finished her orange juice and placed the empty glass on her plate. ‘And the people you’re going to work for too.’
    â€˜Me?’
    â€˜Uh-huh.’
    â€˜Oh no. No way.’ Kier balled up his paper napkin and pushed his chair back. ‘You know what? Forget it. I’m going.’
    â€˜Going?’ Saskia raised her eyebrows and regarded him dispassionately across the table. ‘Going where exactly?’
    She was right, of course. He had nowhere to go.
    â€˜I don’t know. Back to school.’
    â€˜You’re on holiday, remember? And anyway, who do you think pays your fees?’
    Kier stared at her, unable to believe what he was hearing.
    â€˜Please, Kier, sit down.’ She nodded towards the waiter. ‘Just relax. Here comes your coffee.’
    Kier sat down and took a sip of espresso.
    â€˜I don’t understand any of this,’ he said.
    â€˜Of course you don’t,’ said Saskia, pushing the remains of her toast to one side. ‘But you should know that these men, the ones who came after your dad – they’re bad people. Very bad.’
    â€˜You don’t say.’ Kier took another sip of his coffee. ‘I kind of figured that one out for myself.’
    â€˜Yeah, but the thing is, Kier, there are lots of them, all working together. And they’ll get rid of anyone who stands in their way.’
    â€˜But I’m not standing in their way. I’m running as fast as I can in the opposite direction.’
    â€˜Ah, but you’ve seen them, haven’t you? They’re not going to risk the fact you might be able to identify them. It’s easier for them just to kill you too.’
    â€˜But it was dark and they had their hoods up. I’d never be able to identify them.’
    Saskia shrugged.
    â€˜You mean they’d kill me anyway? That’s crazy.’
    â€˜I know.’ Saskia licked honey from her fingers and wiped them on a napkin. ‘Welcome to my world, Kier.’
    Kier stared at her, this small, neatly dressed girl sitting opposite him with her blue corduroy