Read Terror's Reach for Free Online Page A

registered their presence. His gaze
was drawn to Priya, then reluctantly back to Liam, and in his narrowing
eyes Liam spotted an unmissable trace of guilt. With that, a number
of things became clear.
    'We’re here for the viewing,’ Liam said, taking a step forward.
'What?’
'We arranged it with the agents, Taplin Ward.’
'You must be mistaken. I’m from Taplin Ward, and I don’t recall—’
    'They told us you’d meet us at the house.’
'But they don’t know I’m—’
    Thank you, Liam thought, and he punched the man in the throat.
    Seven
    Joe followed Cassie across the driveway, her flip-flops slapping against
her heels with a sound like insistent wet kisses. She branched towards
the playroom, where the electronic thwock of a virtual tennis ball
was accompanied by a cry of victory. Jaden was a demon on the Wii,
regularly defeating Joe not just at tennis but at bowling and even
boxing.
Joe continued on to the kitchen. It was divided into two distinct
spaces. The rear section was about twenty feet square, as sterile as an
operating theatre with its white ceramic floors, Poggenpohl units and
Corian worktops. A step led up to the front half, where a breakfast
table and a couple of easy chairs looked out over the terraced gardens
and the grand sweep of the bay.
While he’d been working out front, a sleek motor yacht had appeared
and was sitting at anchor just inside the deep-water channel. On the
bridge, a crew member in white raised a pair of binoculars and seemed
to focus in their direction.
Yuri Deszniak paid it no attention. He was sitting at the table, a
pair of mobile phones set before him like cutlery. In one fist he
clutched a glass of cognac, and with the other he lifted a cigar to his
mouth and took a long, appreciative suck. The maid, Maria Vargas,
had just delivered a pot of coffee. In place of thanks, Yuri flapped an
impatient hand towards the wall of glass. He required ventilation.
Sniffing disdainfully, Maria turned away. She was a short, squarish
woman in her fifties, wearing a plain grey dress and a white apron.
Still oblivious of Joe’s presence, Yuri watched her stretch up on tiptoe
to open one of the high windows.
You have a big ass, woman. Did I tell you that before?’
Maria made a small gesture, acknowledging that she had heard but
didn’t necessarily agree. She knew not to take Yuri too seriously, but
nevertheless she still feared him.
'I ask myself, is there a man alive who would fuck you, eh?’
Joe snorted. 'That’s rich, coming from an ugly bastard like you.’
Yuri spun round, glowering as he saw who was speaking. Maria
scurried past, briefly making eye contact with Joe. She was smiling.
'Another thing,’ said Joe. 'Next time you want to speak to me, come
and get me yourself. Cassie’s not here to run errands for you. She’s
your boss’s wife.’
Yuri’s bark of laughter told Joe exactly what he was thinking. The
marriage was a mistake, easily rectified.
'I answer to Valentin. Nobody else. Not her,’ he growled, stabbing
a finger at Joe, 'and not you.’
'That’s crap.’ Joe felt his heart beating faster again. So much for self
control. 'It’s time you started showing her a bit more respect.’
Yuri looked amused. 'Or. . . ?’
Joe held his gaze. He was aware of Maria retreating to the depths
of the kitchen.
'Or face the consequences,’ he said.
You would fight me?’
Angela’s advice came back to him. Accept that it’s part of who you
are.
You bet I would,’ said Joe. 'I’d kick your arse right into next week,
and I’d enjoy every minute of it.’
    With the element of surprise, a punch in the throat can be just as
effective as any weapon. The estate agent keeled over and landed
heavily, his head thumping against the solid oak floor. His eyes shut
and for a few long seconds he didn’t move.
Maybe he’s dead, thought Liam, surprised by how calm he felt.
He and Priya entered the house and closed the door behind them. He
listened for signs of inhabitation, but the building