CHAPTER THIRTY
Luke and Eric sat on the beach, their feet buried in the sand, waiting for the man they needed to see. When he appeared, he took a seat beneath one of the umbrellas and lay his head back against the pillow.
They thought they’d give him a moment to enjoy the sun but they were surprised when he spoke.
“I knew you would come,” said Madsen. “I didn’t think it would be this fast. You’re better than I remembered, Robicheaux.”
Luke walked toward him, taking a seat at the end of the lounge chair. Madsen opened his eyes, staring at the man. He looked up and laughed, shaking his head.
“Of course. You’re friends with Bongard, too. You bastards just get bigger and younger. What formula are you taking?”
“I will fucking kill you here, Madsen. I don’t give a shit about witnesses,” said Eric. “Who else has the formula?”
“No one,” he said confidently. “I swear on a stack of bibles, no one. Jericho and Moore were tight-lipped about it all. I didn’t know much, other than what I was able to read when they were away.
They were going to sell it but never got around to it, or at least that’s what I’m guessing if you’re here. ”
“They’re all dead,” said Luke. “John, Judy, and Paul. Sounds like a sixties singing group, doesn’t it?”
“I believe that was Peter, Paul, and Mary, but I get your point,” said Madsen. “What do you want from me, Luke? I gave you them, I gave them all to you. I just want to be left alone. Let me die here on this beach, one way or another.”
“I want to believe you, Madsen. You might have left my team in Accra, but I knew why and a part of me understood. But I’m not so sure I can trust you. You were a good operator once.”
“I was. Once,” he nodded. “I got sideways, Luke. Not everyone has a life like yours with family and friends ready to pick you up and set you straight. We’re old men, or at least I am.
I look it. Feel it and live it every day.
I know I only have a short time left. Believe me, there is nothing I want to conquer. ”
Madsen slapped at his neck, feeling a small bite. He looked at his fingers and there was no blood, but Eric and Luke just stared at him.
“Alright,” said Luke. “I’ll give you this one chance. But so help me, God, if you do one thing, anything that makes me think you’re going back on your word, there will be nowhere for you to hide.”
“You’ve proven that by finding me here,” he said with a frown. “I won’t go back on my word, Luke. I swear.”
Luke and Eric stood and started to walk back down the beach. Madsen sat up on the lounge chair and called out to them.
“Luke? Eric? I always envied what you guys had. I hope you know how lucky you are.” Luke stared at the man and nodded.
“Every fucking day.”
When they got to their rental car, Juan was standing there waiting for them in a hideous tropical shirt and short-shorts.
“That’s what you chose to wear?” frowned Eric.
“Hey, I didn’t develop the stealth clothing. I just wear it so I’m not buck-ass naked when you find me. The tracker is behind his ear. He’ll never know it’s there.”
“Great job,” said Luke. “Let’s go home.”