The London Cage Read online

  Mark Leggatt

  In his previous adventures, ex-CIA IT technician Connor Montrose felt like a hero after taking on a squad of international drug dealers. After all, he was only supposed to be an IT guy, not an assassin. But when the dust settled, there was no money and no drugs, just three dead bodies. And when he uncovered a major heroin conspiracy between Western powers and the Afghan government, he was set up to take the rap.

  So he turned whistle-blower and now the CIA want to make him pay. They have ordered every security agency in Europe to shoot this American psychopath on sight.

  Montrose has run to London, the only city where he can feel safe. Under the direction of his boss, Mr Pilgrim, who operates an off-the-grid intelligence network, Montrose is tasked to stay low and monitor a Russian oligarch.

  But the CIA will never stop looking for him.

  “Ticks along with the precision of a fine Swiss watch. A worthy follow-up to Names Of The Dead with all the slick dialogue, action and intrigue we’ve come to expect from Leggatt. A cracking read.”

  Neil Broadfoot

  Author of The Storm and Falling Fast

  Chapter 1

  Norway, 1982.

  Down in the valley, at the foot of the glacier, the lights of the village appeared through the blizzard then blinked out as thick snowflakes flattened against the windshield. The wipers were losing the battle. Another mile. The wind pummelled the windows. He wrestled with the steering wheel, foot hard to the floor, trying to hold the car in a straight line. Keeping his eyes on the overhanging rocks to the right, he traced the edge of the road alongside the glacier that towered above him, leading down to the village. The headlamps dimmed as he ploughed into another drift, slowing the car to a crawl. The snow piled up over the windshield and he pulled the gear stick into neutral before the engine stalled. One more mile. They’ll have a rescue station. And the Norwegian Army. He glanced in the rear-view mirror, but it was black. They’ll be behind me in minutes. A gust of wind slammed against the car and pushed the rear sideways.

  The gear stick crunched into third and he slipped the clutch. The engine groaned and he could smell the clutch plates burning, but the car remained jammed. The wheels spun as he reversed back, then rammed the transmission into second and shot forward. The hood disappeared under the drift and the engine spluttered to a halt. For the love of God, just one more mile. He cranked the engine. The starter groaned then stopped. Soviet crap! He switched off the lights and heater and tried once more. The ignition clicked. Nothing happened.

  He roared and pounded the steering wheel. If I try to walk out of here, I’m a dead man. He peered into the darkness. The wipers stopped as the battery drained. The lights of the village were gone. There’s only one way. Pulling off his gloves, he took a pen from his pocket, pushed up the sleeve of his jacket and began to write on his arm. Jesus, just think of something. Don’t be too clever. He read the list of numbers and letters then slid his gloves back on and pulled up his hood. They’ll work it out. He kicked open the door, forcing it aside enough to squeeze through.

  Holding the roof for support, he looked over to where the rocks bordering the glacier ascended into darkness. Take the high road. They’ll never find me. A hard gust of wind blew him along the side of the car. Or maybe they’ll just find a body.

  In front was a line of thin trees that led up to a small ravine. He struggled forward, pulling on the branches for support, knocking chunks of snow down onto his shoulders. The frozen twigs tore through his gloves as he dragged himself higher. His breathing became heavy and sweat soaked his back under the thick coat. His glove slid off a branch and he twisted right to avoid burying himself face first.

  He turned his head and looked back between the trees. Holy crap, thirty feet? Is that all? The hood of the car was buried and only the top halves of the windows were visible. Doesn’t matter if it’s covered. They’ll run straight into it. He lay still for a moment, gathering his strength. And if I don’t move my ass they’ll find me waiting right here. He rolled over and fought his way through the low branches towards the top.

  The wind seemed to lessen in the shelter of the trees and he saw the edge of the glacier above. He managed a short, sour laugh between rasping breaths. If they don’t kill me, the glacier will. Make some distance. Wait it out. This blizzard won’t last forever. He hauled himself forward to where the trees stopped. Yeah, but long enough to kill me. Before him was a smooth line of snow that led to the edge of the glacier, protected by a deep cleft in the rock. As he left the tree line the wind caught him, knocking him sideways. He kept his body low and crabbed towards the gap, punching his fists through the crust to give him purchase. At the top, he dragged himself over and rolled onto the glacier. A blast blew the hood clear of his head and he shuffled backwards to the rocks, the bitter wind blinding him. He jammed himself tight into a crevice and stared out over the blackness. The wind was deafening. All I need is fifty, sixty feet. Get a snow hole going. They’ll never find me. Head straight down the glacier and make the village in the morning. Then the howling stopped and the wind slackened. The moon emerged from behind low, scudding clouds, casting a pale, amber light across the glacier. Holy shit. This could last seconds. Move! His blood pulsed in his ears and he could feel his back and legs stiffen as he launched himself forward.

  “STOP!”

  Twisting his head, he saw a gloved hand jutting out over the edge of the rocks and holding a gun.

  A man dragged himself onto the glacier, keeping the gun trained in front of him. He stood up on snowshoes and pulled back the fur-lined hood from his smock. “It is over, Pilgrim.”

  The wind dropped to a whisper. Pilgrim got to his feet. The black barrel of a Makarov pistol pointed straight at his chest. “So, you worked it out.”

  The big man shrugged. His guttural Chechen accent was punctuated by wheezing breaths. “I know what you’ve done.”

  Pilgrim looked past the man to the lip of the glacier, a mile in the distance and down to the village where lights glowed. “Yeah, I’m sure you do.” Above him, thin tendrils of cloud flashed across the sky. The stars shone bright and he searched through the constellations for one pinprick of light.

  The Chechen glanced up, following Pilgrim’s gaze. “You have stolen from us.”

  Pilgrim’s eyes fixed on the pulsing, rhythmic light.

  The Chechen pointed the barrel of the Makarov at the sky. “And you have stolen from me. I want them back. I have given too much to let this slip away.” He brought the pistol down towards Pilgrim. “I know how to use this. Now, you will come with us.”

  He’s close enough. And he’s no soldier. “You almost make it sound like a good idea. I could die out here.” Wait for the wind, then rush him. Go for the gun. Push him back over the rocks and run for it.

  “Stay where you are. We will wait for my friends.”

  “Hey, no point hanging about. The weather could turn nasty. You want me or not?” I can’t wait until the soldiers get here. Bringing up an arm against his stomach, he could feel where the Browning pistol was tucked into his pants. You’ll never get to it in time. Pilgrim looked behind. Thick, heavy clouds tumbled across the sky and the moonlight darkened, colouring the glacier a deep caramel. He spun around and made a grab for the Makarov, but his legs plunged through the snow and he caught the man’s arm, dragging it down. A crack rang out and a bolt of pain coursed through his leg. He rolled to the side and saw a dark stain seep out from his clothes. Jesus, he shot me.

  “You’ll live, Pilgrim.”

  Get closer. This isn’t over. He leaned forward, but the pain arced through his spine and his head jerked up, throwing his chin into the air.

&
nbsp; The big man moved back against the rocks. “I admire you, Pilgrim. But I don’t have to shoot you again. In a few minutes you’ll be too weak to do anything.”

  The bastard knows what he’s doing. I can live without the blood, but not its heat.

  The Chechen leveled the gun at Pilgrim’s right leg. “I will carry you. You’ll last long enough until we get to the truck.”

  The wind began to pick up. No matter. I’ll never make it.

  “Pilgrim, come with me. Or you will die here.”

  Pilgrim looked down. The cold had slowed the bleeding. They will tear me apart. But that’s not the worst. He began to shake his head, freezing muscles jerking his hood from side to side. Turning to the west, he saw the sky blacken and heavy clouds fill the sky once more. It’ll be dawn in Texas. And warm. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be warm. The kids will be in bed. My babies. My boys. For a moment the memory of a scent hung in the back of his throat, their warm, sprawling limbs across the bed, the heat building as the sun came up. He sank to his knees, the snow coming up to his chest. She’ll never know. It will tear her apart. The single light pulsed in the sky, then disappeared behind the clouds. But I can’t let this happen.

  Russian voices came from below the rocks.

  It’s over. Make your move. Pilgrim groaned and leaned forward until his chin touched the glacier and keeping his hands buried in the snow, he slid off a glove and pulled the Browning from his waistband. Do it now, before your hands freeze. He cradled the gun behind the sleeves of his jacket then lifted it clear and chambered a round.

  The Chechen stepped back. “You can’t kill us all. Surrender. You have no choice.”

  Pilgrim smiled and his frozen lips cracked. Snowflakes gathered on his eyelashes, obscuring his vision as he looked to the West. “I do have a choice.” He pushed back his hood with the barrel of the Browning, fixed the muzzle hard against his temple and squeezed the trigger.

  Chapter 2

  Covent Garden, London, present day.

  “Would you like to choose your wine, monsieur?”

  Montrose glanced at the menu. What the hell do I order? Get it right. I don’t want to blow my cover by choosing white instead of red. He picked up the wine list and caught the prices. Holy shit, no wonder the place is nearly empty. A thousand bucks for a bottle of wine? He ran down a list of unpronounceable names. I have no idea. He looked over at the Russians. They sat facing the street, sipping water. A man sat on either side of Arkangel, their seats pushed away from the table, jackets open, legs wide and feet planted on the floor. They’re ready.

  The waiter leaned forward. “Perhaps I can ask the sommelier to give his recommendation? Or perhaps choose a wine for you?”

  Montrose grinned. He knows I haven’t got a clue. “That’s a good idea. I’d appreciate it.”

  “I’m afraid we have no wines from the US, monsieur, they will be all French.”

  Yeah, you caught the accent. “That’s good for me.” I couldn’t tell the difference anyway. He watched another waiter approach the Russians’ table, carrying slices of foie gras which he laid delicately in front of them.

  One of the Russians ripped open his bread roll, forked the entire slice of foie gras into the middle of the bread and ate half with one bite.

  The waiter stepped back, his mouth open. He stared at the bread roll for a moment, then turned on his heel and marched past Montrose to the kitchen. “Fucking pigs!” he murmured as he smacked open the kitchen door.

  Montrose pushed his hair over his ears and tapped the wireless earpiece. A voice crackled in his ear.

  “Stop playing with your hair. You look lovely.”

  He lifted his glass with his left hand, covering his mouth and whispered into his Apple watch. “Thanks, Kirsty. You got me on video?”

  “I’m dialed into the restaurant’s cameras. There’s nothing happening on the street, but there’s a waiter in the kitchen going absolutely fucking mental. He’s got a knife. Something I should know?”

  “Yeah, don’t order the foie gras.”

  “He looks like he’s going to go through there and gut someone.”

  “That would be a bad idea.” Montrose shot a glance towards the two bodyguards. They were relaxed, but had angled their chairs so they both faced different areas of the restaurant and out into Covent Garden. Very professional. Not your usual monkeys for a businessman pretending he’s important. Their jackets were loose-cut and unbuttoned. “Those guys are armed.”

  “In London? That’s a dangerous game. Are you sure?”

  One of the bodyguards shifted in his seat and pulled the side of his jacket closer to his body. “Yeah, pretty sure.”

  “Forget them. Keep an eye on Arkangel.”

  “I hear you.” Doesn’t matter anyway, all I’ve got is cutlery.

  “Remember, we’re just here to watch and listen. That’s the order. I want you in one piece so you can take me to dinner tonight.”

  He stifled a laugh. I don’t even know what you look like. But if you look as good as you sound... “It’s a date.”

  “And you can tell me all about yourself. Mr. Pilgrim was very cagey about you. Which makes you all the more fascinating.”

  The smile faded from his lips. You don’t want to know me. I’m nothing but...

  “Heads up!”

  He felt his spine stiffen. “Tell me.”

  “A car just parked outside. He’s watching us.”

  Montrose slowly turned to the window and saw a small Volkswagen on the opposite side of the street. He watched the door open and a stooping, grey-haired man unfold himself from the seat. Holding a folder in his hand and his chin in the air, he looked first at the restaurant, then down both sides of the street. His thick boots, arctic jacket and woolen pullover seemed out of place for a warm London day.

  “He’s a copper.”

  “You sure?” Montrose saw the command-bearing stance of the old man as he stood beside the car. “He seems too old.”

  “I can smell it.”

  One of the bodyguards got up from his seat and moved around to the right, leaving the chair next to Arkangel empty.

  The old man pushed the door open and stood for a moment, scanning the tables.

  Yeah, there’s only me and the Russians and some fat dude stuffing his face in the corner. You’re just trying to be cool.

  Arkangel got up and graciously beckoned the man to the table. After shaking hands, the old man sat down.

  “Hire car. Airport.”

  “Yeah? He looks like he’s from out of town. Wherever it is, it’s cold.”

  “Well, that could be anywhere from Scotland to Canada and everywhere else in between.”

  The sommelier approached and placed a half bottle of wine on Montrose’s table. He cleared his throat and was about to launch into an explanation when Montrose lifted a hand.

  “Thanks, I know that chateau.” The sommelier nodded and turned away. Montrose whispered into his Apple watch. “Or Russia.”

  “Fair point. Did Mr. Pilgrim give you any hints?”

  “He didn’t know the old guy was coming. We’ve just got to watch Arkangel, that’s all.”

  The old man placed the folder on the table and opened it. Another waiter approached, but was waved away by a bodyguard. Arkangel took the papers from the folder and spread them across the table. The old man handed him a magnifying glass and Arkangel leaned in closer.

  “They’re looking at photographs. I’m trying to move the camera.”

  After a few moments, Arkangel nodded then replaced the photographs in the folder and brought out a laptop from his bag. He typed quickly and turned the screen to show the old man.

  “Bank screen. Can’t see which one.”

  The old man checked the screen and held out his hand. Arkangel grasped it as they stood up. The old man headed for the doo
r.

  What the hell was all that about? “Kirsty? You got that?”

  “I’ll have to work on the photographs. But I think the old guy is now a very rich man.”

  “Okay, that folder is the target. Let’s find out what Arkangel has just bought.” He caught a movement in the corner of his eye. “Wait. Check the fat guy.”

  From the rear of the restaurant, the fat guy wiped his lips, then walked over to Arkangel’s table. He took the empty seat left by the old man.

  The voice in his ear made Montrose’s blood chill.

  “The car!”

  Montrose jerked his head towards the window.

  The old man was in the car, wrestling with the door, trying to get out. He threw himself to the side and brought up a leg to kick the windshield before a bright blue flash filled the car and the muted thump of an explosion rocked the window of the restaurant. The fire burned fast and hard through the entire car and around the screaming occupant. A blackened hand clawed at the hole left by the sunroof then slid down into the flames. A pall of smoke and debris stained the sidewalk and white tablecloths outside the restaurant.

  “Jesus! Connor...”

  Montrose felt the adrenalin hit his chest and his breath came short and fast. “Kirsty, keep your eyes on Arkangel.”

  Arkangel glanced at the burning car and sipped his water then spread the contents of the folder across the table. The fat guy leaned in, his head nodding in agreement as details in the photographs were pointed out to him. They shook hands and Arkangel replaced the photographs in the folder and tucked it into his briefcase. The bodyguards stood and Arkangel fell in between them as they headed for the door.

  Montrose pushed back his chair. “Kirsty, tell me which way they go, I’ll give them a moment and then follow them.”

  “Coppers!”