Read Terror's Reach for Free Online

said. You’ll give yourself a heart
attack, working so hard in this heat.’
'I quite enjoy it,’ said Joe. The glass was slippery with condensation.
He was careful not to drop it, or let his fingers brush against
hers.
He drank gratefully, while Cassie turned and inspected his handiwork.
'It’s coming on well,’ she said, without much enthusiasm. He
knew she’d have preferred to leave the shrubbery untouched.
'Thanks. Is Jaden okay?’
Yeah. He still wouldn’t have a nap. And Sofia didn’t have long
enough, so they’ll probably end up being grumpy tonight.’
Joe tutted. 'I bet you’re looking forward to seeing your friends?’
Yes, I am.’ Her gaze flickered towards the house. 'Oh, and there’s
been a change of plan. Yuri wants to see you.’
'He didn’t send you out here, did he?’
It was a curt response, enough to make Cassie blush.
'I was bringing you the drink.’
'I know. Sorry.’ Trying to soften his tone, he said, 'It’s just… I don’t
work for Yuri. I work for you.’
She crossed her arms, clapping her hands against her shoulders as
if suddenly cold. 'Actually, you work for Valentin,’ she said, and there
was an unspoken message in the pause that followed. And so do I.
    Liam leaned into the van and reached for a heavy-duty metal toolbox.
He was aware of Priya’s scent, something light and floral. She was
standing just behind him, her hands clasped together. Anxious but
not panicked, which was a relief. Maybe she wouldn’t turn out to be
a total liability.
'Did anyone notice you on the way here?’ she asked.
'A guy out front at Nasenko’s place.’
'A gardener?’
'No. One of the staff Then he remembered. 'What was that noise
you made?’
    'Oh, I lost my balance. Sorry.’
Yeah.’ Liam gave a brusque nod. Maybe not a total liability . . .
He opened the box and the top tier concertinaed out. He removed
a set of drill bits and examined the weaponry concealed beneath them.
Half a dozen semi-automatic pistols, complete with silencers, and a
selection of knives.
He stopped mid-delve. At this point he knew nothing about the
threat he was facing. Was a gun a tad excessive? Was a knife too messy?
'Ah, fuck it.’ The remnants of his Irish accent were strongest when
he cursed: sounded more like feck it. He left the toolbox and shut the
van doors. Gave Priya an encouraging glance. 'Come on.’
The boundary wall was about five feet high, painted a brilliant
white, its curving design mirroring that of the house’s front elevation.
The wide double gates were carved from Iroko hardwood, electrically
operated, with an intercom set into the wall beside them.
Liam knew the building had an extensive security system, with a
network of movement sensors and high-definition cameras. It was quite
feasible that someone would be monitoring their approach, so he made
sure to stroll up to the front door, his leisurely manner and pleasant
smile reinforcing his entitlement to be there.
Priya followed, studying the large potted palms along the driveway
as if half expecting someone to leap out at her.
'Relax,’ he said.
'I’m perfectly relaxed, thank you.’
Definitely an attitude there. He found himself dwelling on her mouth
again, that tantalising little gap, and had to push the image away.
Later.
The car was a red Renault Megane Sport, parked close to the house.
Liam casually trailed his hand along the bonnet as he passed it. Still
warm.
The front door was made from heavy oak, flanked by narrow windows
of opaque decorative glass. There was a security camera mounted
above the door, and a covert one embedded at eye level in the door
itself.
'Go with me,’ said Liam, and knocked firmly.
'What are you planning to say?’
'Depends who answers.’
He heard movement inside. The door was opened quickly, without
any caution, by a young man in pinstriped trousers and a puce-coloured
shirt. He was about thirty, with dark hair and big brown eyes. A good
looking guy, and didn’t he just know it.
But his glib smile died as he