The Perdition Score (Sandman Slim 8)

I point at Willem and his cop mustache.

“You’re on the list, Willem.”

“What list?”

“The haunting list. If Audsley kills me it’s going to be moaning and rattling chains every night for you. And I don’t take weekends or holidays off.”

He looks to his men, then back at me.

“I’ll just get an exorcist.”

“Then I’ll haunt your car. I’ll haunt your man cave on the boat here. Hell, I’ll haunt your shoes. There aren’t enough exorcists in L.A. to keep up with me.”

“Big talker, all you cons.”

“I have friends in low places, Willem.

You have no idea the shit I can get up to.”

“Are you two done?”

I look around. Abbot is on the deck in chinos and a sporty shirt. He doesn’t look happy. Good.

“Come inside, Stark,” he says.

I follow him into the living room area. He offers me a chair. I shake my head. He goes to a table and picks up a drink.

“So, what’s this about burning my boat?”

“Elsabeth Burgess. That name ring a bell?”

He looks at his drink for a minute and sits down.

“Who do you think has been getting me all the information about Wormwood?”

“Thanks, but I figured that part out. What I want to know is why you didn’t tell me you were connected to Wormwood? And don’t fucking lie to me because I’ll know it.”

That sends Abbot’s blood pressure up a little because he knows I’m telling the truth.

He sets down the drink. Opens his hands and closes them again.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t work with me if you knew I had family in Wormwood.”

“Good guess.”

He looks out a window, then back at me.

“Anyway, while I’m confessing my sins, I’ll tell you something else.”

“What?”

“I was using you a little. See, I was hoping that you’d kill Geoff Burgess.”

I take a step forward and stare down at him. He looks uncomfortable.

“I’d feel much better if you sat down.”

“I’m fine where I am.”