Read The Woman for Free Online

this has become more than I bargained for. Sea Crest has no history of violent deaths. The town fathers are demanding that I solve these killings. This is not some Chicago ghetto or Brownsville, New York.”
    “Christ, man, stop being a cunt,” Webster snarled. “You’ve got a town full of yokels. When we’ve finished our work there, I’ll provide closure that will satisfy your locals.”
    The snitch made some sniveling sound before saying, “I should have just told the truth back in Jersey. Maybe I should just tell the truth now. Be done with it.”
    “Oh, stop yanking your pisser,” Webster said, preferring to talk to his minions as if he were a thug himself. “Truth is a wisp of smoke. People reject the truth more often than they accept it. The truth nearly always lacks the substance of preparation that accompanies a well-planned lie. Leave the thinking to me. Now go get laid and forget about all this shit. What about that local banker’s wife? That woman has an ass that can make boys into men, and turn men back into boys. But I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. I’ve got some great pictures of the two of you.”
    “You know about that?”
    “You should know by now that I know whatever I need to know. And as long as you do what you’re told, her husband won’t get the pictures. I’ve paid you a lot of money in the past for doing nothing but maintaining that bug. If your town fathers knew what I know about you they’d drop you out beyond their breakwater. If I can’t count on you, I don’t need you. Do you understand me?”
    Webster also realized that once Linda Darby had been removed and Sea Crest had settled back into its sedentary lifestyle, he would need to remove this mealworm. This conversation had convinced him there was no way he could rely on this man staying quiet about all this for the rest of his life.
    “What do you want from me?”
    “Just keep your eyes and ears open,” Webster said. “Scan and send me copies on the secure line of all police reports. I want to know a minute after you, everything that is even remotely relevant. Everything. And, remember, we’re watching you as well. I may have more for you later so get a grip on yourself and be ready. Linda Darby is the ticket to keeping your past from finding its way into your present.”
    “I won’t do anything more without at least knowing who you are.”
    “You’ll die before you know who I am. The relevant point is I know who you are. So shut up and take care of the assignment I’ve given you.” Webster hung up.
    Webster paid enough to get obedience without having to answer unnecessary questions. Testler knew his identity, but not any of the men working under Testler.
    Webster’s immediate problem, Testler would not get back to Sea Crest until the day after tomorrow. For those two days, the only eyes Webster had in Sea Crest would be his now unstable snitch. He considered immediately ordering Testler to return to Sea Crest, but decided against doing so. Webster had ordered Testler to come east so he could watch the man’s eyes while he explained his failure to interrogate and eliminate one ordinary woman.
    Webster also knew that Testler had nearly a year ago inserted one of his own men into Sea Crest, a sleeper with instructions to become part of the local community, to watch Cynthia Leclair and SMITH & CO., and Police Chief McIlhenny. He would confirm that Testler had put that man on alert while he would be gone, but the man was only an observer. Webster had approved that expenditure, telling Testler that he would be held responsible for the conduct of his undercover man. And that under no circumstances was Testler to disclose Webster’s identity.
    In the meantime, Alistair Webster had an embassy ball to attend. Several politicians and members of the Foreign Service would be attending, insiders with whom Webster needed to stay in contact. To twist the necessary political arms, Webster needed to