Chapter 10: Mike's Pv; new allies

I've been in Manchester for over two months, basically since Nora disappeared. I obtained false papers, which was not really complicated, and I traveled in complete safety, avoiding security cameras as much as possible. I'm here to ask an old acquaintance for help: David Allen.

In the past, we had to collaborate. He working for the British secret service and me for the American army. Later, I returned to the service of "SHARP EYE" and I did not see him again. Between him and me it was not mad love, because everything brought us back to competition. We fought for everything: Who was the strongest? Who was the bravest? Who did what better than the other. But despite this great rivalry, Allen was a man who could be trusted.

This trip also allowed me to escape the surveillance of Kovalski and Anderson who expected me to do the hardest to capture Kovalski and take all the credit.

Before I even had time to get in touch with Allen, I received an invitation from him. At the time of the meeting, I go to the place indicated. Men at the door search me for weapons and then let me in.

I find several people in this old warehouse and among them, the girl who was in my bed when Nora was kidnapped. Who would have thought ? An idea suddenly comes to mind. What if she was in cahoots with Kovalski? She approaches me all smiles, trying to say something. I don't give him time to talk. I grab her neck, slamming her against the nearest wall. I squeeze and I feel her choke under my fingers. I've always been respectful to women unless it comes down to the woman in my life.

- Did you have anything to do with his disappearance?

"Get away from her"

Said a man's voice to me as I felt a gun pointed at my neck. I leave the girl and she starts coughing. David approaches her and helps her up.

David: Are you okay Holly?

Holly: I'm fine thank you.

David: Since when did you get so violent McAllister? And lower your weapon Aaron, I assure you that you are no match for him.

- Nice to see you again, Allen.

David: Me too. This is Holly, but you guys already know each other and that little guy holding the gun there is Aaron.

Pointing to whoever pointed his gun at my head. I found him very young, but looking a little dangerous. I know this kind of person. I've spent enough time capturing scoundrels to recognize one when I see one.

- Do you have anything to do with my niece's disappearance?

David: No.

- So why was this girl at my house while Nora was being kidnapped?

David: Pure coincidence. But let's not stay there. We have a lot to tell each other.

I follow Allen and his men in an upstairs room. I didn't know this warehouse was so well equipped. We sit around a table, David gives us bottles of beer and sits down in turn. I take the floor to try to understand better.

- Why was she at my house that day? (Pointing to this Holly)

David: Holly and Aaron are brothers. They both run a strip club. Their brother Scott is a person who helped me a lot in the past when I left the Secret Service. His brothers needed someone to help them with their project and since he is a lawyer, he couldn't collaborate with them so he asked me for help.

- That still doesn't explain his presence. (Pointing to Holly)

David: Scott owed this service to his brothers, because it is in their club that he drew all his information which raised him to the top. I decided to help him, because that way I was repaying my debt to him. I needed another trustworthy person to carry out this mission. They wanted to know if they could trust you, which is why Holly was sent to watch you. She wasn't expected to show herself to you.

- I don't have the head to work at the moment. You know me and you know how I work. I hung up and if I have to get back into action it will only be for one person.

Aaron: If you're listening, our proposal might be of great interest to you.

David: You need me and I need you. The only way to save your niece is to help us. I know why you are here and I promise I will help you, but first help me.

- But nothing guarantees me that she will still be alive when I have finished helping you. His life is all that matters to me.

David: She's with Kovalski (holding pictures to me). For now, everything is okay.

Holly: Kovalski's bartender is a man of mine. He constantly updates me. So far she's fine, but what if he gets tired of her? Your target is Kovalski and us too. The sooner we work together, the sooner she'll be free.

- What do you blame Kovalski for?

Aaron: We don't blame him. In about a few months, an auction will be held in Pretoria. A diamond will be put up for sale. Men of all status and backgrounds will meet to discuss this diamond. But what they don't know is that the real diamond is currently in Kovalski's hands. The one they will see today is just a vulgar copy. He will put the real one on sale in several months in a very closed circle. That's the day we'll steal it from him and save your niece at the same time.

- I'm afraid it's too late then.

David: It's the only option. Kovalski has been tightening security around him ever since he lost sight of you. He knows you will come to him so he is waiting for you with open arms. The only way to approach him without getting noticed is through his auction.

Aaron: You need us especially now that in addition to Kovalski, the Cabrals are also after you.

- What ?

Holly: Enrique put out a wanted poster for you. Rumor has it old Manuel wants to meet you. Why ? We don't know, but one thing is certain, it's not for tea.

- Why do you want this diamond?

Aaron: It's none of your business.

- Oh yes! I'm risking my life for something so I need to know the details.

Holly: The "Victoria" diamond is a diamond like no other. In addition to being one of the largest diamonds in the world, it is of unparalleled purity. There are no two like him. This auction which will take place in South Africa is only a facade. Whatever the offers, only Kovalski will go with it. You can imagine that in this kind of event, all the sponsors will be present...

Aaron: Which will make Kovalski a target for attacks. That's why he already has the original and I don't know how.

- How did you know he has the original?

Aaron: We broke into his old house where he lived. Basically we only wanted to take valuables, but we came across these two perfectly identical diamonds. I did not understand before but when I received the announcement of an auction with the photo of the diamond, I immediately understood.

- If you had already entered his house once, why did you need my help to do it again?

Aaron: Whoever helped us get into this house was a very well-known man in the business. No security code, no technology stopped him. Unfortunately, he was killed by Kovalski.

Holly: Before we had time to check the diamonds, Kovalski and his men arrived. My brother and I were able to tear each other apart, but Sam was captured.

Aaron: It took us an hour to reach our hiding place and that was the time it took before we found what was left of Sam. We needed someone who knew the plan. Moreover Kovalski's new property is rumored to be impenetrable.

Holly: Please help us. When we go to Kovalski's party, you can take the opportunity to bring your niece back.

Here I am in a dilemma. What to do? I needed some time to weigh the pros and cons.