Carver - By Tom Cain Page 0,27

him informed of Razzaq’s activities, so his discussions with her never strayed far from the practical consequences of the information she provided.

‘I presume you will supply me with a description and photographs of this man, Samuel Carver. But for now tell me this: how good are his chances of success?’

‘Very good, in my opinion,’ Ginger replied. ‘After all, Zorn’s own head of security is plotting to have him killed. He’s bound to leave gaps in his boss’s protection.’

‘So you say, but you and I both know not to take anything at face value. Leave Razzaq to one side for the time being. How dangerous is Carver himself?’

‘Extremely dangerous, that’s why he was hired. He was a highly decorated officer in the British Special Boat Service, and his record as a private operative is outstanding. I assume your superiors know, even if you do not, that he was responsible for the death of President Gushungo in Hong Kong last year …’

She was pleased to see by his frown that this was news to Choi. She had the advantage over him for once, and wanted to rub it in: ‘It happened on Chinese territory, after all.’

‘I thought Gushungo was killed by jewel thieves,’ Choi countered, his outward equilibrium swiftly restored. ‘If I recall correctly, there were several million dollars’ worth of uncut diamonds in the house. They disappeared at the time he was killed.’

‘I am sure that is the impression Carver intended to give. But he now holds a five per cent stake in a mine sold to foreign investors by Gushungo’s successor, President Patrick Tshonga. He didn’t have to pay for those shares. They were his reward for a job well done.’

Choi looked thoughtful. Gushungo had been the dictatorial president-for-life of the southern African state of Malemba. Under his rule, a fertile country, rich in natural resources, had been reduced to a state of crippling poverty, barrenness and starvation. When the nations of the West increasingly shunned the Gushungo regime on the grounds of its relentless disdain for its people’s human rights, Beijing saw a vacuum to be exploited for its long-term advantage – and sought to cultivate a friendship with the old despot. With his death, and replacement by a democratic, UN-approved leader, that opportunity had been lost.

‘If Carver killed Gushungo then he is certainly a man to be reckoned with. But he is also a man who has caused my government considerable inconvenience. If he kills Malachi Zorn and thereby wrecks his investment fund, he will have dealt us a second blow. That is clearly unacceptable.’

Ginger smiled. ‘Yes, I would think so …’

‘Has Carver revealed how he plans to undertake his mission?’

‘No. He refused to have any further communication with Razzaq once the deal was agreed, and the initial fee deposited in his account. Razzaq put him under surveillance, of course, but he managed to lose the men who were tailing him. Since then, however, a delivery boy has been seen taking food to his apartment, so we assume he’s in Geneva.’

‘Unless that is a smokescreen.’

‘Yes,’ Ginger agreed, ‘it could be. But he will certainly have to be in London some time tomorrow, I should think.’

‘You do not know where he will be staying?’

‘I’m sorry, no.’

‘It does not matter. We will find him.’

‘That may not be easy. He goes to great lengths to remain undetected. His phone calls go through a number of relays and different numbers; he regularly uses satellite handsets so as to avoid the usual means of tracking via mobile network cells.’

‘If he uses a satellite phone that only means that he can be pinpointed with absolute precision.’

‘If you have access to the satellites through which his calls are routed, yes.’

‘My point exactly,’ said Choi. ‘So, we can assume he is somewhere in London. What were the parameters of his assignment?’

‘Primarily, to kill Zorn before the public launch of the Zorn Global fund.’

‘Which is when?’

‘Friday evening. It was also specified that the killing had to be public: something that couldn’t be missed.’

‘A news event …’

‘Exactly.’

‘I presume that you provided him with Zorn’s itinerary. What public appearances is he making?’

‘A few media appearances,’ Ginger said. ‘But those will be in closed studios, or within the grounds of the house Zorn has rented. Carver has the plans of the house, but I don’t expect him to strike there.’

‘Where do you think he will strike?’

‘Wimbledon. Zorn is going to the tennis on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I made a point of emphasizing that, and putting the idea firmly in