Judgement and Wrath Read Online Free Page A

That’s up to you.’
    ‘Yes,’ Dantalion agreed. ‘It’s up to me. But, worry not, I don’t charge extra for a high body count. I’m just happy with the job satisfaction.’
    ‘Just make sure nothing can be connected to me. You do realise what’s at stake here, don’t you? How much is at stake?’
    ‘I thought you trusted me to do the job?’
    ‘I do. Your record is impeccable. Only …’ he coughed. ‘You can’t blame me for being nervous.’
    ‘No need to be nervous.’ Dantalion smiled, showing his caramel-coloured teeth. He shifted his sunglasses so that he could lock gazes with the man. ‘It’s not as if I’m coming after you .’
    The man stood up fast. He swayed, looking down at the killer on the bench. His face said it all.
    ‘Please,’ Dantalion laughed. ‘Sit down. I’m only funning with you.’
    ‘You don’t look like the type to make jokes.’ The client didn’t sit down again. His gaze sought Dantalion’s hand where it disappeared below his coat.
    With a flourish the killer swept his hand out. The man flinched, but then saw what Dantalion was holding. A book, attached to his body by a silver chain. With a thumb, he flicked open the book. He rifled through the pages, displaying rows of numbers.
    ‘They’re all listed,’ Dantalion said. ‘The names numbered. Each correspond to a different person I have killed. Do you know how many there are in this book?’
    The man shook his head.
    Dantalion neglected to enlighten him. The plethora of handwritten pages should be evidence enough.
    ‘I am still walking free,’ Dantalion said. ‘None of my clients has ever been tied to my work. Does that make you happy?’
    ‘I’m happy.’ The man stuffed his hands into the pockets of his linen jacket, scrunching the cloth between his sweating palms. He took a discreet step away. He glanced around at the men near the statue.
    ‘The alternative is I walk away,’ offered Dantalion. ‘The downside of that is, well, you’ve seen me. You can identify me. If you aren’t happy, you’d best set your dogs on me now.’
    Out on Biscayne Bay a speed boat swept by, throwing out a phosphorescent spray in its wake. Music drifted on the air from the nearby Hard Rock Café. Strolling couples talked in low murmurs. The fountain danced to life amidst a chorus of wonder from the gathered tourists. It was a strange setting for the stand-off that Dantalion had just offered.
    Finally the man turned and walked away. Over his shoulder, he said, ‘I understand your terms, and I trust you. I’m happy, OK?’
    Deal done, Dantalion stood up. He straightened his long coat over his lean frame, adjusted his hat. The two men over by the amphitheatre were watching him with their jaws set. Dantalion flicked the brim of his hat at them – just to let them know.
     

     

4

    It was hot in Miami. But that was OK. I was enjoying the sun on my face and making the most of the sightseeing opportunity. Other times I’d been in Miami, I’d got off a plane, then hightailed it elsewhere. Breezing along the causeway in my Ford Explorer, I had the AC on high, and a John Lee Hooker CD belting out of the surround speakers. My idea of cool.
    Interstate I-95 connects Miami Beach with the mainland. Straddling Biscayne Bay, it’s the main route on to the island, and at this time of the day it was relatively free of traffic in both directions. Sometimes people refer to Miami and Miami Beach in the same breath, but Miami Beach is a city in its own right, a distinct municipality of Dade County. I was heading for the South Beach area – again not just a beach, but an urban sprawl – which was regarded as an affluent area these days. Considered one of the richest commercial areas now, it had suffered from urban blight prior to the fame lavished on it by the TV show Miami Vice . I knew it was just a veneer: in SoBe, as it was known, poverty and crime were still rife, just a kick in the ass away.
    Cutting across the city, I picked up