"Terry Dowling - La Profonde" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dowling Terry)

of threats - just the beginnings - but Jay kept walking. When he reached the
end of the concrete deck he crouched and jumped down onto the rail-bed,
then began moving north along the tracks.

There were more angry shouts from the platform behind him, but Jay
didnтАЩt stop. He kept walking, smiling into the day, relishing the warm breeze
on his face and the realization that this could indeed be done exactly as he
had planned it.

Back at that hot quiet station Derwent would be running through his
options, railing at the universe, at the insufferable turn of events. Sooner
rather than later, he would accept that there was nothing else he could do
but follow. HeтАЩd been caught out. He could only try to survive this. Maybe
heтАЩd blame Cally, say that she had persuaded him. That was likely.

Finally Jay heard, тАЬWell hold on then!тАЭ But, of course, Jay didnтАЩt slow
his pace. CouldnтАЩt. HeтАЩd checked his watch and it truly could remain a
matter of timing. Let Derwent shed some of those happy fat-cat pounds
heтАЩd been putting on during the past three years.

It was easy to tell when Dee was gaining by the laboured breathing
getting nearer, the growing thud of footsteps out of time with JayтАЩs own. It
was like someone imitating an old-style steam locomotive, exactly that.

Then Derwent was there, staggering, straining, hauling in big ragged
breaths. When he could get words out, they were the expected things.
 тАЬWasnтАЩt personal - Jay. Never - personal. UnтАЩerstanтАЩ?тАЭ It seemed like
all he could manage.

тАЬGlad to hear it, Dee.тАЭ Jay didnтАЩt look at him, just kept watching the
way ahead, reading every detail of the route between the two sets of tracks.
тАЬBut how exactly do you mean that? Never personal?тАЭ

Derwent stumbled along, still trying to catch his breath but probably
exaggerating that, giving himself time to gather his thoughts and, hardest of
all, hold back his anger. Would he blame Cally, take the easy out and blame
it all on her? Difficulties for him later, certainly, but a solution now.

Jay savoured the breeze on his brow and wondered what line the
other man would take. However it went, Derwent would be sensing there
was hope, would believe he knew exactly how he had to play this. Maybe
heтАЩd be thinking he really could reach some private settlement here, buy
himself out of trouble.

Derwent finally answered. тАЬYou were just someone, okay?тАЭ More
ragged breathing. тАЬCouldтАЩve been anyone.тАЭ Another pause, laboured. He
truly did seem to be judging every word. тАЬYou unтАЩerstand? It was just - the
situation. An opportunity. ItтАЩs not like we ever - signed on to get you.тАЭ
Derwent emphasized the last word.