Free Shadow Zone by Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen Page B

executioner?”
    “I didn’t say that.” She moistened her lips. “How do you know he did it?”
    “There was an eyewitness. Have you been in touch with Kirov?”
    “No, not since I’ve been here.”
    He lifted a brow. “I understand you were very close. Should I believe you?”
    “That’s entirely up to you,” Hannah said. “But I’m sure you’ve gone back and combed every satellite transmission to and from these boats.”
    “Of course we have, but we know that Kirov is very adept at telephone relays. If he wanted to contact you without anybody knowing about it, he could have done it.”
    Yes, the Kirov she had known might well have been able to do it. “Yes, and who taught him? He worked for the CIA, didn’t he?”
    “They had an arrangement, but actually I’m sure you know Kirov works for no one but himself.”
    “But they were willing to use him. For all I know, they might still be using him. What does he have to do with any of this?”
    “That’s what we’re asking you. These two men worked for Gadaire.” He held up his hand as she started to speak. “And he wasn’t playing good guy disposing of the scum. Kirov isn’t clean, believe me. He has a lot in common with Gadaire, especially where his interest in Marinth is concerned.”
    Hannah wrinkled her brow. “What are you talking about?”
    “He was after the same information these two men were. Information about Marinth.”
    “If Kirov wanted information about Marinth, he could have asked me himself.”
    “My feelings exactly. That’s why I thought he might have been in touch.” Baker tilted his head to one side. “Are you sure there’s nothing you want to tell me?”
    Hannah closed her eyes. More violence, more killing . . . Naturally Kirov was involved.
    “Ms. Bryson?”
    Her eyes flicked opened. “No. I have nothing more to tell you. What about this eyewitness? Maybe you should spend more time with him.”
    “I’d like nothing more. His name is Sam Debney. Do you know him?”
    “No.”
    “He was in a Venice hospital for a couple of days last week, terrified for his life. He wanted protection, and apparently he was quite talkative.”
    “Protection from Kirov?”
    “No, from Gadaire. Two of Gadaire’s men worked Debney over pretty good. He almost died, and he probably would have if your friend Kirov hadn’t stepped in and eliminated them. Those are the men in the photos I just showed you.”
    “As I told you, Kirov tends to kill people who deserve it.”
    “And as I told you, he’s no white knight. He wanted information from Debney, and he was willing to let him bleed to death if he didn’t get it.”
    “Information about Marinth again. What exactly did he want to know?”
    “Debney didn’t say. He was holding back that little tidbit in exchange for protection from us. In the end, he gave us the slip. He walked right out of the hospital in scrubs.”
    “Funny that he was able to pull that off under your noses. Maybe he was right in thinking that you didn’t have much to offer in the way of protective services.”
    Baker raised his hands in surrender. “I think I’ve had my chops busted enough for one night. I’m becoming irritated. If Kirov gets in touch with you for any reason, we ask that you let us know.” Baker handed her his card, then another one to Melis.
    Hannah shrugged. “Fine, but I really don’t expect to hear from him.”
    “We think you will. Aside from his personal relationship with you, Ms. Bryson, he’s apparently very interested in Marinth. You and Ms. Nemid here have more knowledge of it than just about anyone. I suspect you’ll hear from Kirov sooner than later.” He turned and headed for the door. “And you’d be wise to share anything he tells you with us. I’d hate to have to consider you an accomplice in this dirty business. I could make things very difficult for you.”
    The threat lingered in the air after the door shut behind him.
    “Ugly.” Hannah turned to Melis, who was