also by jack higgins the death trade a devil is waiting...
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Also by Jack Higgins
TheDeathTradeADevilIsWaitingTheJudasGate
TheWolfattheDoorADarkerPlaceRoughJustice
TheKillingGroundWithoutMercyDarkJustice
BadCompanyMidnightRunnerKeysofHell
EdgeofDangerDayofReckoningPaytheDevil
TheWhiteHouseConnectionFlightofEagles
ThePresident’sDaughterYearoftheTiger
DrinkwiththeDevilAngelofDeath
ShebaOnDangerousGround
ThunderPointEyeoftheStorm
TheEagleHasFlownColdHarbor
MemoriesofaDance-HallRomeo
ASeasoninHellNightoftheFoxConfessionalExocet
TouchtheDevilLuciano’sLuck
SoloDayofJudgment
StormWarningTheLastPlaceGodMadeAPrayerfortheDyingTheEagleHasLandedTheRuntoMorning
DillingerToCatchaKing
TheValhallaExchange
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Version_1
Infondmemoryofmydearmother-in-law,
SarahPalmer
ContentsAlsobyJackHigginsTitlePageCopyrightDedicationEpigraph
NANTUCKETChapter1Chapter2
NEW
YORK/LONDON/IRELANDChapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6
WASHINGTON/PARIS/LONDONChapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13
Chapter14
RainontheDeadAndWashawaytheirSins
—IRISH PROVERB
TheislandofNantucket,Massachusetts—highsummer,thewesternendoftheharborcrowdedwithboats,manytiedupatthejetty.Amongthemwasascarlet-and-whitesportfishermannamedDolphin.Ontheflying
bridge,agray-hairedmansatatthewheelplayingaclarinet,somethingplaintiveandtouching.Hewasaroundsixty,awhitecurlingbeardgivinghimthelookofanoldsailor.
Themanwhojoinedhimfrombelow,wearingswimmingtrunks,haddarktousledhairandthebeardofsomemedievalbravo.Hewasfitandmuscular,hissmilepleasantenough,hisonly
unusualfeaturetwoscarsonhisleftchestwhichanydoctorwouldhaverecognizedasrelicsfromoldbulletwounds.
HespokeinIrish.“Bignight,Kelly!”
Theotheransweredinthesame.“Youcouldsaythat.It’llbedarksoon,Tod—ifyou’regoingtograbthatswim,it’dbetterbenow.”
“Iwill.Keepyoureyeoutforthatkid,Henry,fromthe
harbormaster’soffice.He’sbringingourpassportsandthecreditcard,sodon’tforgettospeakliketheYankyourpassportsaysyouare.”
Hesliddowntheladder,vaultedovertherail,andswamaway.Kellyheardacallfromthedock.
“Mr.Jackson,areyouthere?”
Kellydescendedtheladder.“He’shavingaswim.I’mhispartner,Jeremy
Hawkins.”Henryhandedoverthe
twopassports.“Thereyougo,sir,Mr.Jackson’screditcardisintheenvelopeandyourmooringlicensecoversyouuntilFriday.”
Kellytookthepackage.“Thanks,son.”
“That’sgreatclarinetIjustheard.KindofsoundslikeGershwin,thoughIdon’trecognizethetune.”
“It’sanIrishfolksong
called‘TheLarkintheClearAir.’Andyou’reright,IdidputabitofGershwininthere.”
“Ithinkhewouldhavebeenpleased,sir.Areyouandyourfriendprofessionalmusicians?”
“Iwasforawhileandhedoesplaydecentpiano,butonthewhole,wefoundotherthingskeptgettingintheway.”
“Well,thatseemslikea
damnshametome,”Henrysaid,andwalkedaway,callingatanotherboat.
KellyturnedandlookedoutovertheharbortoseehowTodwasgettingon,andsawhimswimmingtowardaroundbuoyfloatingonachain.Manypeopleweredivingorjumpingofftheboats,someinwetsuits,generallyhavingagoodtimewhilethelightstillheld.
Forhispart,Todstroked
thelastcoupleofyards,thengrabbedontothechain,awareoftheunmistakablesoundofahelicopterdescendingsomewhereinthedistance.
Hehungthere,listening,andtwoyoungmeneruptedfromthewater,likeblacksealsintheirwetsuits.Theywereliketwins,darklyhandsome,thesamewildnessapparentintheirfaces.
Thenearestonegrabbedthechainandlaughedashis
brotherjoinedthem.“Mr.Jackson,Irecognizeyoufromyourphoto.We’retheonesyoucametomeet.TheMastersendshisregardsandhopesthatsuccessinourventurewillmakeusyourfavoriteChechens.I’mYanniandthisisKhalid.”
Hehadnoaccent,whichhisbrotherexplainedinarathermockingtone.“OurparentswerekilledbybarbaricRussiansoldiersin
theChechenwar.ThewonderfulAmericanRedCrosssavedusandourgrandparents,andgaveusanewlifeingoodoldNewYork.”
“Wherethankstothepublicschoolsystem,weemergedasnormalAmericanteenagers,”Yannisaid.
“CreatingaproblemforWesternerswhoexpectMuslimstolookandsoundlikeArabs,”Khalidsaid.
“SowhatcanMuslimswholooklikeWesternersdo?”Yanniadded.
“Why,serveAllahasundercoverwarriorsinthegreatstruggle,”hisbrothersaid.“Andhereweare.We’vealreadycheckedoutthehouseofourtarget.It’sjustoffthebeach,surroundedbytrees,noproblem.Aneasyone,this.”
Todsaid,“Exceptthateverysecuritycameraon
everypropertyyoupassedwalkingalongthatbeachprobablyhasyourfacesnow.”
“Sowe’llwearskimasksforthehit,”Khalidsaid.“Whyshoulditmatteraslongasthetargetisdead?That’sallthatcounts.”
Theywerenolongersmiling.Theirfaceswerelikedeathmasks,theireyespinpricks.Theywereobviouslyondrugs,which
exasperatedTod,thoughtherewasnopointinmentioningitnow.
“I’mgoingbacktothatboat.”HeindicatedtheDolphin.“I’llseeyouthereinforty-fiveminutes.”
Theydidn’treply,simplyturnedandswamaway,andsodidhe.
—Hawkins was Tim Kelly,andJackson,TodFlynn,both
ofthemProvisionalIRAwhohadservedsentencesintheMazePrisoninNorthernIrelandformanykillings.Releasedduringthepeaceprocess,theyhadbecomemercenaries.ThesituationsinBosnia,Kosovo,Iraq,andelsewhereofferedhighlypaidsecurityworkandsometimesrathermorethanthat,forFlynnhadbeenatopenforcerwiththeIRA,andreputationwaseverythingintheDeath
Trade.Itbroughtthecautiousphonecalls,theoffersofthebigmoneythatwentwiththem,andtheofferforthispresentjobhadbeenverybig.
Inthecabinbelowdecks,hehadalargewhiskey,feelingstrangelycold,andtoldKellyabouthismeetingwiththeChechens.Kellysaid,“IknewitwasamistaketogetinvolvedwithsoddingMuslims.Whatarewegoingtodo?”
“There’snotmuchwecando,butI’lltellyouthis.I’mputtingapistolinmypocketforwhentheycome,justincaseitgetsnasty.Youshould,too,”andhehurriedawaytohiscabin.
—He showered and dressed,andashedidso,rememberedthefirsttimehe’dheardtheMaster’svoice,filledwithquietauthority,andatouchof
Englishupperclass.“WouldthatbeMr.Tod
Flynn?”thevoicehadasked.“Whowantstoknow?”“I’vejustcreditedyour
bankaccountwithahundredthousanddollars.Checkforyourself,andI’llbebackinfifteenminutes.”
Todfrowned,butcalledhisbankandreceivedthehappynewsthatthemoneyhadindeedbeendepositedfromaSwissbankinGeneva.
Whenthesecondcallcame,hesaidinstantly,“Whoisthis?”
“PeopleknowmeastheMaster.Thatwilldoforthemoment.”
“Al-Qaeda,”Todsaid.“Everyoneinthebusinessknowsaboutyouguysandthewayyouoperate.Don’tyouhaveenoughofyourownpeopletocallon?Whatdoyouwantmefor?”
“Oh,I’magreatadmirer.
ThatfinancemaninNigeriayoutookcareof—fivehundredyardsthroughanopenwindowofacardoingseventy.Splendidwork.Ihavealist.MyfavoritewastheRussianparatroopgeneralwhoglancedoutoftheturretofhistankforamomentduringastreetbattleandyoutookhimatfivehundredyards.”
“Fourhundred,”Todsaid.“Anditwassnowing.So
whatdoyouwant?”“Ihaveatarget,living
quietlyinahouseontheislandofNantucketwithamanservant.I’msendinginacoupleofChechenboystoknockhimoff.AllIneedfromyouistokeepaneyeonthingsandpickthemupwhenthey’redone.You’llbewaitinginaboatoffthebeachandthey’llswimouttoyou.”
“SoI’mthegetaway
driver,isthatit?”Todlaughedharshly.“What’shedone,thistarget?”
“Noneedforyoutoknow.Let’sjustsayhe’sanoldenemy.”
Todnodded.“Andwhatwouldbeinitforme?”
“You’vealreadygotonehundredthousand.That’sforyouandyourfriendKelly.I’llgiveyouanotherhundredafterwardandtakecareofyourexpenses.”
Asusual,greedwontheday.“Addanotherfiftythousand,”Todsaid.“Whichroundsittoaquarterofamillion,andIexpectthefulladvancebeforewego.”
ThemanwhocalledhimselftheMasterpaused,thensaid,“Agreed.”
AndTod,somepartofhimalreadyregrettingit,said,“Done.Whendowemeet?”
“Thatwillneverhappen,myfriend.You’llhavetobe
contentwithmyvoiceonthephone.I’llsendyouacodedmobilewiththetickets.”
—Tim Kelly was shockedwhenTodtoldhimaboutthecall.“HolyMary,dowehavetogetinvolvedwithabunchofMuslimslikeal-Qaeda?”
“You’lldanceajigwhenthatmoneyturnsupinyourbankaccount,”Todsaid.Later,hedidwonderwhythe
Masterwantedhimatall.Themysterymanhadmadeallthearrangementsandtheplanitselfwassimpleenough.Itwastheheightoftouristseason,andthetwoassassinswouldbejustanothercoupleofpeoplestrollingalongbynight,carryingbeachbagsthatwouldcontainacoupleofsilencedGlocks,morethanadequatetohandlethesituation.Whentheyweredone,theycouldjustwalk
awayfromthesceneofsilentslaughter,whichwouldn’tbediscovereduntilmorning,longaftertheyhadswumouttosea,eachwithaphosphorescentsignalingballheldinhispalmtoguideinthewaitingDolphin.
Itseemedtoosimple,andTodcouldn’tthinkwhy,stillcouldn’tashefinisheddressingnow,andthenheheardadisturbanceabove.Hehurriedthroughthecabin,
wentondeck,andfoundKellyswitchingonallthelightsagainstthehurryingdark.TheChechenswerethere.
“What’sgoingon?”Toddemanded.
“Thesetwobastardsarecracked,ifyouaskme,”Kellysaid.“Theyweresharingabottleastheycamealongthejetty.Thatyoungguyfromtheharbormaster’sofficeremonstratedwiththem
astheywereboarding.”HepointedatKhalid.“Thisonetoldhimtofuckoff.”
TodgrabbedKhalidbythefrontofhisshirt.“Stupidbastard,areyoucrazy?Thatkindoftroubleisthelastthingweneed.”
YannireachedinhisbeachbagandproducedasilencedGlock.“TouchmybrotheragainandI’llkillyou.”
Kelly,standingbehind
them,drewaWalther,butTodreleasedKhalid,laughingharshly.“Goon,doit.Killbothofus,whydon’tyou?Thentellmewho’sgoingtowaitoffthatbeachtopickyouup.”
YanniputtheGlockawayandsmiledfalsely.“Hey,can’tyoutakeajoke,Mr.Jackson?Khalidwashavingalaugh.Likeboxersgoingintheringforabigfight.Yougetkindofnervouswaiting
fortheaction.”“ThenIsuggestyougo,
findtheaction,andgetonwithit,andwe’llgetonwithourpartofthejob.”
Yannilaughedoutloud.“Youknowsomething,you’rearealfunnyman,Mr.Jackson.Ilikeyou,Ireallydo...”
Hegavehisbrotherapushandtheyscrambledupontothejetty.Khalidtookabottlefromhispocket,helditup,
thentosseditintotheharbor.“Justkidding,Mr.Jackson,”hesaid,andtheywalkedaway.
“Totalfruitcakes,”Kellysaidindisgust.“WherethehelldidthisMasterfindthem?Don’ttellmehedidn’tknowtheyhadproblems.”
“Nevermindthatfornow.We’vegothalfanhourtosparebeforewehavetocastoffandgoroundthecoasttowaitforthem.Icoulddowith
coffeeandasandwich,”Toddsaid.
Heledthewaybelow,andastheyreachedthekitchenarea,thecodedmobilephonetheMasterhadgivenhimtrembled.Hetookitoutandswitchedittospeaker.HeturnedtoKelly,touchedafingertohislipsandwaited.
“Mr.Flynn,I’mafraidsomething’scomeupthataffectsourplans,”thevoicesaid.
“Andwhatwouldthatbe?”Toddemanded.
“I’vejustheardfromasourcethatthetargetisreceivinggueststonightbyhelicopter.”
“Weheardonearrivingsomewhereintheislandnotlongago,”Todtoldhim.
TheMaster’svoicewasunemotional.“Probablytheonedeliveringthem.”
“They’llgetashockwhentheyfindthemselvesinvaded
bytwocrazyChechens.”“It’stheChechenswe
needtoworryabout,”theMastersaid.“HisguestsareGeneralCharlesFerguson,whocommandstheBritishPrimeMinister’sprivatehitsquad,andhehastwoofhistoppeoplewithhim.ACaptainSaraGideonandoneSeanDillon,anotoriousIRAgunmanwhonowworksforFerguson.”
“ButIknowthesepeople,
everyoneintheDeathTradedoes.”Flynnwasangrynow.“Whythehellwouldtheybehere?”
“It’stimetotellyouwhoourtargetis.It’stheformerpresidentoftheUnitedStates,JakeCazalet.”
Todwasshocked.“Youlousybastard.”
TheMastercontinued.“Youmustcanceltheoperation.Ican’tdoit.YanniandKhalidhavenophone.”
“Isee,”Todsaid.“Youknewtheywerewildcardsandtoountrustworthytohandleyourspecialphone.”
“Youmusttryandstopthem.Surelythere’sstilltime?”
Todwassoangryheswitchedoff.
Kellysaid,“Christ,whatacock-up.Maybewe’llbeluckyandcatchthemwalkingthebeachtoCazalet’shouse.”
“No,wewon’t,”Todtold
him.“Idon’twantanythingmoretodowiththis.We’llcastoffrightnow,sailovernighttoLongIsland,andleavetheboatatQuogue.Thenwe’llheadstraighttotheairportandfindthefirstplanethat’lltakeusbacktoDublin.”
“Andnoteventrytopicktheboysup?”
“Doyoureallythinkthere’llbeanyonetopickup?SeanDillonisabloodyliving
legendoftheIRA,asnooneknowsbetterthanyou,andthisSaraGideonlasshasaMilitaryCrossforkillingTaliban.NottomentionFergusonhimself.No,thoseChechensaredeadmeat.Andfrankly,Icouldn’tcareless.”
—The house stood in treesbehindavastbeachreachingoutfromtown.Thehelicopterhadlandedsomedistance
away,whereCazalet’sSecretServiceman,Dalton,waitedinaJeep.HewenttogreetFergusonandhispeople,whowalkedtomeethim.
Fergusonshookhands.“HereIamagain,AgentDalton.Nicetoseeyou.”Theywaitedasthehelicopterdriftedaway.
Daltonsaid,“It’llbebackinthemorning.”HeeasedSara’sbagfromherhandandledthewaytotheJeep.
“PresidentCazalet’sreallypleasedtobeseeingyou.Mrs.Boulderhasleftoutalovelysupperintheconservatory.”
“ThePresident?Isthathowyoustilladdresshim?”Saraasked.
Fergusonsaid,“Technically,allformerholdersoftheofficeretainthetitleforlife,butIthinkit’samatterofindividualchoice.Cazaletsaystherecanonlybe
oneMr.PresidentandasksthatIcallhimJake.Icouldneverbringmyselftodoit,soImakedowith‘sir.’”
“Then‘sir’itwillbeformealso,”Sarasaid.
“I’mlookingforwardtoseeingMurchisonagain,”Fergusonsaid.“That’sthedogofthehouse,Sara,awonderfulflat-coatedretriever.”
“WhooncesavedthePresident’slife,asIrecall,”
Dillonsaid.“Althoughthere’snoofficialdocumentationofthat.”
“Toobadheisn’theretonight,”saidDalton.“Mrs.Boulderhastakenhimhomewithher.Shegetslonelysinceherhusbanddiedlastyear,andthePresidentdoesn’tmind.”
Heturnedofftheroadatapointwherehigh-wirefencingfrontedthetrees.Hepaused,waitingforaten-foot
gatetoopenslowlybetweenstonepillars,anddrovethrough,pinetreesandlotsofshrubberycrowdinginfrombothsides.Totheleft,theycouldseeaterracedconservatoryandtheycontinued,circlingaroundtoaformalgardenthatfrontedtheoldColonial-stylehousewithstepsleadinguptoapillaredentrance,thedoorstandingopen,lightpouringout,andJakeCazaletwaiting
togreetthem.“Charles,mydearold
friend,”hecried.“Marveloustoseeyou,marveloustoseeallofyou.”
Thenherusheddownthestepstogreetthem,armsoutstretched.
Afterembraces,Fergusonsaid,“Now,thiswasallmostmysterious.It’salwaysapleasuretoseeyou,sir,butwhywerewesummoned?”
Cazaletsaid,“Oh,it’s
nothingdire.ThePresidentwantedtoinviteyoutotheOvalOffice,butcouldn’tbecauseofthepublicitysuchavisitwouldhavecaused.HesaidyouwereinNewYorktomeettheBritishambassadorandproposedthatwekidnapyouforanightsothatIcouldsayaheartfeltthanksonhisbehalfforyourhandlingoftheHusseiniaffair.IfIranhadbeenabletousehisworktoperfecttheirnuclearbomb
—well,itwouldn’tbearthinkingof.Allthreeofyoudidaremarkablejob,andweareinyourdebt.”
“PleasetellthePresidenthowgratefulweare,”Fergusonsaid.“Butit’sallinthegamethesedays,andadamnuglygameitis.”
“You’vegotthatright,”Cazaletsaid.“It’sacompletemess.Jihadistsalliedtoal-Qaedahaveinfiltratedinternationalterrorismlike
theplague,linkinggroupsworldwide,eachcontrolledbythatanonymousleaderalwaysknownastheMaster,ashadowyfigure,avoiceonthephone.Backedbymillionsobtainedfromoil-richstatesintheMiddleEast.They’reextremelydangerous.”
“AsCaptainGideoncanattesttofirsthand,”saidFerguson.
CazaletturnedtoSara,
whosaid,“DillonandIweretargetedbyal-QaedainLondon,withorderstodisposeofus.”
“Inoticeyou’restillhere,”Cazaletsaid.
“Youshouldseeherinaction,sir,”Dillontoldhim.
“Sothere’saMasterresponsibleforLondon?”
“HealsohandledaffairsinParis,”Dillonsaid.“AndlaterinBeirut.”
“Andturnedouttobe
GeneralAlibenLevi,thecommanderoftheIranianArmy’sSecretFieldPolice.”
“HewaskilledinLondon,thoughweweren’tresponsible,”Fergusonsaid.“Butwehadhisbodydisposedof.Wecouldn’tseethepointofsendingthedetailstotheIranianmilitary,andthey’restilllookingforhim.Theyhadnoideaofhisal-Qaedaconnection.”
“AndI’msurehehas
alreadybeenreplaced,”saidCazalet.“Thatthere’sanewMasterouttherenow.Terrorismhascompletelychangedwarfareasweknowit.Enemieswithoutuniforms,bombseverywhere.”Heshivered.“Endofanera.Butenoughofthatforthisonenight.Tonight,let’sgooutontheterraceandhavesomechampagne.Orperhapsyou’dpreferaglassofport,Charles?”
“Nowyou’retalking,sir,”Fergusonsaid,andledthewayout.
Thediningroomopenedintotheconservatory,wheregreatslidingdoorsgaveaccesstotheterracewithtablesandloungingchairs,thegardencrowdingin,floweringshrubsofeverydescription,tallpinesandpalmtreesthatsomeonehadexperimentedwithovermanyyears.Thescentofflowers,
thesoundofgrasshopperschirpinginthelights,allcombinedtocreateakindoftropicalsplendor.
“Wonderful,”Sarasaid.“Ilovethesmellofit.”
Cazaletsaid,“It’sabitofajunglereally,butatmyageIcandoasIplease,soIletitrunriot.RemindsmeofmytoursinVietnam.Come,havesomethingtoeat.”
YanniandKhalidhadreachedthehousewithouttheslightesttrouble,followingthebeach,passingtheoccasionalbarbecue,sometimesafire.Therewerelotsofotherpeopleinthedarkness,laughter,guitarmusic,buttherewasnoone
bytheCazalethouse.Theypassedit,turningup
theleftsideoftheestatethroughamarshyareawithreedsgrowinghigh,foundaplacewherethefencinggapedandsqueezedintothegarden.Theycouldhearconversationandlaughter,lightthroughthetreesandshrubbery.
Theyhadtakenpillsbeforeleavingthecottageandwerefeelingtheeffects.“Are
yougettinghigh,brother?”Yanniwhispered.
“I’mfloating,man,”Khalidtoldhim.
“Thenputonyourface.”Yannipulledtheskimask
on,andgrinnedashisbrotherdidthesame.“Youlooklikeaclown.”
“Sodoyou,”Khalidtoldhim,andtookhisGlockoutanddroppedtheshoulderbagtotheground.“Let’sdoit,”hesaidtoYanni,andledthe
waycautiously.
—On the terrace,theywereatthecoffeestage,FergusonandCazaletsittingdownandDaltonpouringitout.Dillonwasstandingbytheopenwindow,enjoyingacigarette.Therewerethreestonestepsleadinguptotheterracecrowdedwithovergrownshrubbery,andSarastood
therewaitingforhercoffee.Yannicrouched,watchingheradmiringly.Hisbrotherstoodafewfeetawayinheavybushesbehindthebalustrade.
Theycouldhavekilledeveryoneifthey’dfiredwithouthesitating,butthedrugshadtakenfullcontrolandtheywereshakingwithexcitement,anditwasYanniwhomadethefirstmove.
“Let’sgo!”heshouted,andtookthreequickstepsup
totheterrace.Sarahalfturnedandhehithersidewaysintheface,pulledheragainsthim,andrammedthebarreloftheGlockintoherside.“ApresentfromOsama,withregardsfromtheMaster.”
“OhGod,”shemoaned,asifterrified,andclosedhereyes,apparentlyfainting,startingtoslidetothefloorsothathewaslosinghisgrasp.
Daltonwasalreadydrawinghisweaponand
jumpinginfrontofCazalet.Khalidsteppedoutofthebushesandshothiminthechest.Inthesamemoment,DillondrewtheColt.25healwayscarriedinarearbeltholderandfiredrapidlythreetimes,thehollow-pointcartridgestearingKhalidapart,hurlinghimbackintotheshrubbery.
Yannihowledinrage,allowedSaratoslide,andfiredonceatDillon,denting
thewall.Sarawithdrewtheflickknifefromthesheathshealwaysworearoundherrightankle,sprangtheblade,andstabbedhimunderthechin.Hedroppedhisweapon,fellbackdownthesteps,andlayinthemiddleofrosebushes,kickingashechokedtodeath.
Therehadbeensurprisinglylittlesound,justthedullthudofsilencedweapons,andCazaletwas
alreadyonhiskneeswithFerguson,examiningDalton,Dillonstandingoverthem,hisgunstillinhishand.DaltongroanedandCazaletlookedupinrelief.
“ThankGod,hewaswearinghisvest.I’llleavehimtoyou,Charles,whileIraisethealarm.”
HefoundDalton’scellphoneandcalledin.“ThisisCazalet.Empiredown.Twointrudersdown.Request
NightbirdRetrieval.”Hesaidtotheothers,
“Whichmeansacover-upjobbytheCIA.Itshouldbeeasyenough,sincealltheweaponsweresilenced,sotheneighborsshouldn’thaveanyideawhat’sbeengoingon,andasyouknow,theoccasionalhelicopterlandingisnothingnewhere.”HeturnedtoSara.“IcanseewhytheyawardedyouaMilitaryCrossinAfghanistan,but
yoursuitwillneverbethesameagain.It’sbadlybloodstained.”
“Noproblem,sir,Ihaveanotherinmyluggage.Ifyou’llexcuseme,I’llgotomyroomtoshowerandchange.”
“Ofcourse,”hesaid.Asshemovedout,Dillon
murmured,“Areyouokay?”Sheheldupabloodstained
hand.“Asusual,notevenshaking.”
“JustlikeintheBible.TheswordoftheLordandofGideon.”
“Whichdoesn’thelpmeintheslightest,”shesaid,andwentout.
CazaleteasedDaltonontoachairandgavehimsomebrandytosip.DillonpouredchampagneforhimselfandFerguson,whosaid,“Godknowswhywe’redrinkingthis,butit’sapitytowastegoodstuff.”
“That’swhatIwasthinking.”Dillontoastedhim.
Cazaletcutin:“Didyoutwohearwhattheoneshekilledsaidtoher?”
Dillonnodded.“ApresentfromOsama,withregardsfromtheMaster.”
“Itappearsthatal-Qaedahasfoundus,righthereinNantucket.”
—The Nightbird was of
medium size,blackincolor,theenginenoiseremarkablyquiet.Adozenmeninblackoverallsgotout.Theofficerincharge,wearingthesameblackuniform,wascalmandefficient.
“ColonelSamCaxton,Mr.President.We’llbetreatingthisasacrimescene,althoughit’snotapoliceinvestigation.Ifyouwould,I’dlikeyoualltowaitinsideandtwoofmymenwill
recordinterviewswithyou,bothindividuallyandtogether,tocoverallthebases.Wealsohaveadoctorwithus,justtocheckyouallout.”
“We’reatyourservice,Colonel,”Cazaletsaid.
“Ifyoucouldmovein,we’llgetstarted.Itgoeswithoutsayingthatwe’redelightedtofindyouinonepiece.”
Hewentout,andCazalet
saidtoDalton,“Howdoyoufeel,Frank?”
“ThevestI’mwearingcanstopaforty-four.”
“Youdeserveamedal,jumpinginfrontofmelikethat.”
“That’swhatI’mpaidtodo,sir.”
Cazaletclappedhimontheshoulder.“Let’sallreturntothekitchenandhaveacupofcoffee.It’sgoingtobealongnight.”
—On the Dolphin out at sea,thelightsofNantuckethadfadedwhenKellyenteredthewheelhousewithtwomugsofteaandgaveonetoTod,whowaslisteningtoajazztrio.
“Soundsgood.Whoisit?”Kellyasked.
“Noidea.It’sNantucketlocalradio.Iwaswaitingtoheariftherewereanynewsreports.”
“WhatareyougoingtotelltheMaster?”
“I’llthinkofsomething.”Hesighed.“Probablybettergetitoverwith.”
“I’dliketohearthat,”Kellysaid.“Putitonspeaker.”
Inamoment,theywereconnected.
“ThisisTodFlynn.”“I’vebeenwaitingtohear
fromyou.AreyoustillinNantucket?”
“We’reatsea.Couldn’tcontacttheChechens,andtheredidn’tseemtobeanysignofactionattheCazalethouse.Nothingonlocalnews,either,soIdecidedthesmartthingtodowasleave.”
TheMastercutin.“ThenIhavenewsforyou.YanniandKhalidaredead,bagged,andwaitingtobeflownaway.”
Shocked,Todmadeaninstinctiveresponse.“That’simpossible.Howcouldyou
knowthat?”“BecauseIprovided
backupthateventheChechensdidnotknowabout.AwomansympathetictoourcausethatIhadinplace.AfterIphonedyou,Icalledher.Shehadseenyoucastingofftogotoseaandsmelledarat,wentaftertheChechensherself,andwasrightbehindwhentheyenteredCazalet’sjungleofagarden.Therewasnotimeto
warnthem.”“Sowhathappened?”Tod
asked.“TheChechenswere
butchered.DillonshotKhalid,andtheGideonwomanstabbedYanniwithaknife.WhenaCIAblackunitarrivedbyhelicopter,sheslippedaway.”
“Ahellofacoolcustomer,”Todsaid.
“Yes,aremarkablelady—buttobusiness.Admitit,you
weredoingarunner.Youneverevenattemptedtowarnthoseboys.”
“Okay,wewere.WeknowDillonfromwaybackintheTroubles.Nobodymesseswithhim,he’sakillingmachineandtheGideonwomanisthesame.Ifwehadtriedtofindthem,we’dbelyingdeadnexttotheChechens.”
“Nevertheless,thatwasyourcharge.Youowemea
quarterofamilliondollars.”Todsaid,“Wedidn’tsign
upforanyofthis.Youliedabouteverything.Itwasn’tourfaultthatthingsturnedoutthewaytheydid.”
“Don’tthinkyoucanshirkyourresponsibility.Everybodyisaccountable.Butyoucankeepthemoney.”
Todwasastonished.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“YouandKellyaremen
ofamercenarypersuasion,asthesonggoes.GohometoDrumgoole,toyourhorsesandthestudandyourauntMeg—sherunsthingsthere,correct?Oh,andyou’llbelosingyournieceHannah;shejustheardyesterdaythatshe’sbeenacceptedbytheRoyalCollegeofMusicinLondon.”
“Damnyou,howdoyouknowallthis?”
“Iknoweverything,Tod,I
thoughtyouknewthat.Ijustwanttomakesureyourealizethatthereisnowherethatyou—andyours—cangothatIcan’ttouch.Now,Ihaveticketswaitingforyouattheairport.Whenyougethome,shaveoffthebeardsanditwillbeasifyouneverleftIreland,andI’msureyou’llhaveplentyoffriendstoswearyouneverdid.Goodluckandtrytostaysober.I’llbeintouchsoon,andthis
timeyouaregoingtoearnthemoneyyouhavefromme.”
Hefadedaway,theDolphinplowedon,rainbouncingoffthescreen.Kellysaid,“Isheforreal?”
“Oh,yes,andabarreloflaughs,too.Iadmirehisfineturnofphrase.”
“Well,he’sgoingtowantsomethingforhisquarterofamillionbucks,Godknowswhat.Here,youtakethehelm.I’mgoingbelowtotry
togetalittleshut-eye.”
—Sara Gideon lay in bedinabathrobe,unabletosleep.Outside,thewindhowled,rainrattledagainstthewindow.Therewasaknockatthedoor,whichopenedandDillonpeeredin.“What’shappening?”sheasked.
“FergusonandCazaletaredownstairsandthere’san
intermittentflowofinformationaboutthetwopeopleweknockedoff.They’reChechenbrothers,butAmerican,broughtintothecountryasrefugeeswiththeirgrandparents,whohavesincedied.Shouldn’tbelongbeforeweknoweverythingaboutthem.”
“Wouldn’tbetoosureaboutthat.”
“Why?”“Itwasallsowild,weird
even.Itwasasifapieceoffoolishnonsensecametoanunlooked-forend.”
“That’sreallyquiteliterary,”Dillontoldher.“Areyoubychanceregrettingthefactthatyouhadtokillthatmaniac?”
“Notatall,he’dhavefinishedusalloff.Dammit,Sean,hegotashotoffatyouthatjustmissed.”
“Andyouputtheknifeintosavemylife,girl,”Dillon
said.“Soblessyouforthat.”“Anythingelse
happening?”“Well,Ferguson’sspoken
toRoperinLondon,andI’msurehe’sbeenputtowork.Youcanfeelfreetocontacthimonyourmobileifyouwant.”
—In the Holland ParksafehouseinLondon,MajorGiles
Ropersatinhiswheelchairinthecomputerroom,wearingabathrobe,atowelabouthisneck,hisbomb-ravagedfaceshiningwithsweat.HewassmokingacigaretteanddrinkingaglassofwhiskeywhenSaracalled.
“Mygoodness,love,soyou’vebeenplayingexecutioneragain?”
“Nochoice,Giles,notthistime.Seanwashisusualdeadlyself.”Sheshivered.
“Seconds,Giles,justseconds.Itcouldhaveturnedoutsobadlyforallofus.”
“Well,itdidn’t,andthat’sallthatcounts.”
“Sowhodoyouthinkwasbehindthem?You’rethebestthatIknowatsqueezinganswersoutofcyberspace.”
“Ihavetoagreewithyou,butthesethingstaketime.Besides,youhavetorememberthatwhathappenedtonightinNantucketdidn’t
happen.Nobodyheardathing,nobodysawathing.Andifnothinghappened,thennoonecanclaimresponsibility.I’mcertainlynotgoingtogoonlinesayingthere’sarumorthattherewasanassassinationattemptonformerpresidentJakeCazalet.Theneveryonewouldknow—andallthewrongsortofpeoplewouldclaimresponsibility.”
“Sowhatcanyoudo?”
“Justwaitandwatch,seeifanythingunusualpopsout.Youneverknow.Anyway,getsomesleep.I’llseeyouwhenyougetback.”
—Dalton had reluctantlygonetosleeponacouchinthesittingroom,andCazaletandFergusonsatinthekitchen,drinkingcoffeeandturningthingsoverbetweenthem.
“I’malmostflatteredthatsomeonefeelsI’mworthbeingatarget,”Cazaletsaid.
“Nonsense,youwereagreatpresident.Yourdeathwouldhavemadeheadlinesaroundtheworld.”
“Maybe,”Cazaletadmittedgrudgingly.“Anyway,therewasonematterIwasaskedtoraisewithyoubeforeyouleave.”
“What’sthat?”“ColonelDeclanRashid.
HewasanenormoushelpintheHusseinibusiness,sodisgustedatthewayHusseiniwastreatedbytheIraniangovernmentthathedesertedtheirarmyandsupportedyourpeopleineverything.”
“Andtookacoupleofbulletsinthebackdoingit.He’sagreedtoworkforuswhenfitagain,”Fergusonadded.
“Well,apparentlytheCIAwouldliketotalkwithhim.
They’rereallyquitekeenonit,thoughIexpectIknowyouranswer.ItoldthemI’dpassitalong,butwouldn’tpromiseanything.”
“Andyouwereright.YouknowRashid’shistory.Hewasaparatrooperatsixteenand,duringIran’swarwithSaddamHussein,madehisfirstjumpintoactionwithouttraining.Overtheyears,hehasbeenwoundedmanytimes,andnowhisdoctors,
includingourownProfessorBellamy,sayenoughisenough.Heneedstimetorecuperate.TheCIAwilljusthavetoretiregracefullyfromtheconflict.”
Cazaletlaughedoutloud.“That’llbetheday.Anyway,letmejustcheckmyofficemessages.I’vegivenMrs.Boulderthemorningoff,sowhenitcomestobreakfast,we’llallhavetopitchin.”
Hewentout.Ferguson
boiledthekettle,madetea,andDillonentered.“Youlookfit,”thegeneralsaid.
“Didn’tsleepworthadamn,butIdry-shavedandhadacoldshower.Icouldkillforacupoftea.”
“Helpyourself,”Fergusontoldhim.Cazaletcamein.“Yourhelicopterarrivesateleven.Also,photosoftheChechenshavejustcomethrough.Themachine’spumpedoutsomeextra
copies.”“Goodnessme,”Ferguson
said.“Theylooklikeanyyoungconvictsfromaboutacenturyago.”
Dillonhelpedhimself,tookoneofthesheetsandslippeditinapocket.Cazaletsaid,“Right,who’sforbaconandeggs?”
“Soundsgoodtome,”Fergusonreplied,butDillonsaid,“IthinkI’dpreferalastwalkonthebeach,sir.Ican
getsomethingdownthere.”Soheleftthemtoit,
tiptoeingpastDaltonstillsleepingheavilyonthecouchandlettinghimselfoutonthedrive,andwassoonwalkingalongthebeach,plentyoftouristsoutalready,foritwasaparticularlyfineday.
Hewanderedthroughthem,uncertainaboutwhatitwashewaslookingfor.TheChechensfascinatedhim.Tworealwildboys,andhow
hadtheygottoNantucket?Lookingatthecrowdedharbor,hefoundaverypossibleanswer.Thesea,becausethat’swhathewouldhavedone.
Hewentuponthejettyandstartedtowalkalongpastpeopleworkingonthedecksoftheboats,othersdivingintotheharborandswimming.Ayoungmanwithamoneysatchelaroundhisneckandaregisterinhis
handswasworkinghiswayalongthelineofboats.Thenametagonhisshirtsaid“Henry.”
Dillonsaid,“Canyouhelpme,haveyoueverseentheseguys?”
Heunfoldedthesheetwithbothphotos.Henrystoppedsmiling.“Whathavetheydone,areyouacop?”
“Iworkforasecurityfirm,”Dillonsaid.“They’vebeenleavingunpaidbillsall
overtheplace.”“Sure,I’veseenthem.
Yesterdayevening,theywerearoundherereallyhighonsomethinganddrinkingbooze,andtheyhadanargumentwithpeopleononeoftheboats.Wentoffmakingahellofarow.”
“Showmetheboatinvolved.”
“Isawitleavelastnightasitwasgettingdark,whichwasstrange,becausethe
mooringfeewaspaiduntilFriday.Itwasasportfisherman,arentalfromQuogue.TwoguysonboardnamedJacksonandHawkins.Ibroughtthempassports.Maybethey’rejustcruisingaboutoutthere.”
“Idon’tthinkso.Didyoudoanycopyingoftheirpassportdetails,photosandsoon?”
“No,thatwouldbeillegal.Anyway,thenationalagency
justtellsmeeitherit’sokayornotokay.”
“It’sjustthatI’dbeenwonderingwhetheryoucoulduseafifty-dollarbill.”
Henrysmiled.“Onlyifyou’dbehappywithapictureItookofthemonmyphone.Theywerechattingondeck.”Hetookthephoneoutofhispocket.
“Whydidyoutakeit?”“Becausejazzandswing
aremything,andMr.
Hawkinsplaysagreatclarinet.HeturnedanoldIrishfolksong,‘TheLarkintheClearAir,’intopureGershwin,specialenoughtobringtearstotheeyes.That’shimwiththewhitebeard.”
Thedisguises,whichineffectthebeardedfaceswere,hadsucceededbrilliantly.NotforamomenthadDillonrecognizedthemfromthephoto,butHenry’smusicalanecdotewasunique.It
relatedtothedeepestandmostpoignantmomentinDillon’slife,whichmeantthemaninthewhitebeardwasTimKellyandtheotherwasprobablyTodFlynn.
“Doesitringanybells,sir?”
“Notreally,itwasahellofalongtimeago.I’dliketohaveacopyofthephotoanyway,ifthat’sokaywithyou.Canyoue-mailittome?”Dillonheldoutthefifty
andgaveHenryhisnumber.“You’remorethan
welcome,sir.”Henrysentitandslippedthebillintohispocket.“Haveaniceday.”
Dillonwalkedaway,hismindinaturmoil,neversoconflicted.ItwasobviousthatheshouldtellFergusonwhathehaddiscovered,butitwasimpossibletodiscusswhyatthemoment,andcertainlynotwithSaraaround.SheservedtheCrown,woretheuniform.
Ontheotherhand,theywerereturningtoRoper,thebomb-scarredherotrappedinhiswheelchair.Henoddedtohimself.Roperwouldknowwhattodo.Hehurriedalongthebeach.
—At the end of the strandacrossfromthehouse,amobilebeachconcessionhadappeared,asandwichandburgerbaronwheelswith
canvaschairsandfold-uptables,mostofwhichweretaken.Dillonstoppedandorderedteaandaneggsandwich,sittingclosetothebar.
ThewomansympathetictotheCausewhomtheMasterhadmentionedtoFlynnsatnottoofaraway,keepinganeyeonthesituationovertheroadwherethehelicopterhadjustdriftedinbehindthehouse.Her
namewasLilyShah,andsheworkedinthedispensaryattheArmyofGodheadquartersinLondon.
Shewasquitesmall,woresandals,aPanamapusheddownoverfairhair,herbluelinenshirtlooseoverkhakishorts.SheremovedherRay-Banstoscratchhernose,revealingacalm,sweetface.Shewasforty-fiveandlookedyounger.OnseeingDillon,shereplacedherRay-Bans,
tookasoundenhancerfromhershirtpocket,slippeditintoherrightear,andadjusteditasSaraGideoncrossedtheroad.
“AnythingspecialhappenwhileI’vebeenout?”Dillonaskedashefinishedhistea.
LilycouldhearperfectlyasSaraanswered.“ThePresidentwantsCazaletsafe.Theblackteamfromlastnightiscomingintomorrowtostartdoingallsortsof
securitythingstothehouse.Sinceit’sbeeninthefamilysincebeforetheCivilWar,Cazaletisnotpleased.Evenmore,thestaffhasbeensuspended.Dalton’sgoingtohangontohandovertotheteamandMrs.BoulderkeepsMurchison,blessher.AndI’mheretotellyoutogetamoveon—we’reboardingthehelicopterinminutes.”
Theyhurriedacrosstheroadandenteredthedrive,
cuttingitveryfine,foritseemednomorethanfiveminuteslaterthatthehelicopterliftedabovethetreesandturnedaway,causingacertainexcitementamongthetourists.
—Once things settled down,Lilywanderedalongthebeach,turnedacrossanddownthesideofthehouse,themarshyareawiththe
reedsgrowinghigh.Shestoodlookingattheplacewherethefencinggapedand,onimpulse,scrambledthroughintothegarden,andthenventuredalittlefarthercautiouslytowherethecarnagehadtakenplace.
ThewindowsontheterraceslippedopenandDaltonwalkedthrough,comfortableinshirtsleeves,acanofbeerinonehand,andsatdownontheswingchair.
Heopenedthenewspaper,andshepointedherrightindexfingerathim,thumbraised,thensmiled,easedbackthroughthejungleofthegarden,andleft.
Walkingbacktotown,barefootatthesea’sedge,shephonedtheMasterandtoldhimwhathappened.“SoFergusonandcompanywillbebacktotroubleyouagainverysoon.”
“Andtroubleistheright
word.He’sbeenathorninoursideformuchtoolong.I’msurehewasresponsibleforthedisappearanceofGeneralAlibenLevi.Weknowthatheflewinhere,toNortholt,inpursuitofthetraitorDeclanRashid.Thisisafact.”
ReferringtoAlibenLeviasflying“inhere,toNortholt”Airporthadbeenanunfortunateslip,forhischoiceofwordshadindicated
thattheMasterwasspeakinginLondon.Cometothat,Lilywassureshe’donceheardBigBenchiminginthebackgroundofoneofhiscalls.Lilywasintrigued,butconcentratedonthematterathand.
“TheRussianstriedtoeradicateFergusonandhisprimeminister’sprivatearmysomeyearsago.Alltheygotwasabloodynose,”shesaid.
“Whotoldyouthat?”
“Dr.AliSaif,whenhewasheadofeducationattheArmyofGod.”
“Whatadamntraitorheturnedouttobe.Anotherturncoat.”
“ButnottoFerguson.AsfarasIknow,MI5claimedhim.Perhapshefounditpreferabletofacingtwenty-fiveyearsinBelmarshunderantiterrorismlaws,”Lilysaid.
“Atraitorisatraitor.AndasfarasFergusongoes,I’ve
receivedanorderfromtheGrandCouncil.TheywantrevengeforbenLevi.Nothinglessthanassassination.Bulletorbomb,I’mopentoeither.”Helaughed.“IsupposeIcouldputittoTodFlynn.”
Lilywasshockedattheimplication.“Thepoliticalupheavalwouldbeenormous.”
“Andsoitshouldbe.Thatwouldbethepoint.Thatno
oneissafe,noteventhoseworkingatthehighestlevelforthePrimeMinisterhimself,andthere’sathought.”
Lilytriedtosoundenthused,butmanagedonlyamuted“Ihearwhatyousay.”
“Good.Withluck,youshouldbebackinLondontomorrow.GivemysincerethankstoHamidBeyforallowingyouthefewdays’leavetoassistmeasyou
have.Hehasbeenarevelationoncehetookoverasimam.AQacknowledgesitsdebt.”
“I’llspeaktohimassoonasIgetback.IsthereanythingmoreIcandoforyou?”
“Yes,I’dlikeyoutolookupTodFlynn’snieceattheRoyalCollegeofMusic.Sheinterestsme.Itseemsthatwhenshewasfourteen,shelostherparentstoacarbomb
onatriptoUlsterandwascrippled.”
“DearGod,”Lilysaid,genuinelyshocked.
“HerfatherwasFlynn’selderbrother,Peter.Flynnbecameherlegalguardian,andshe’sbeenraisedbyhimandhergreat-aunt.Iwanttoknowmoreabouther.Somethingtellsmeit’llcomeinhandyforkeepingMr.Flynninhand.”
“Theusualfile?”
“Exactly,nowbeonyourway.Godgowithyou.”
—She continued to walkatthewater’sedge,thinkingofPoundStreetMethodistChapel,nowconvertedtothemosqueandtheheadquartersoftheArmyofGodcharity.Shewasacockneygirlwhofromchildhoodhadonlywantedtobeanurse,had
qualifiedagainsttheoddsandthenjoinedtheArmyMedicalCorps.Inthesevenyearsthatfollowed,onewarafteranotherhadgivenheranunrivaledexperienceofthebarbarism,thebutchery,thatpeoplecouldinflictononeanother.
InBosnia,she’dseenopengraveswithhundredsofMuslimbodiestumbledintothem,asiftheNazishadreturnedtohauntEurope.In
Kosovo,youhadtogetoutoftheambulancestopullthecorpsesofmothersandtheirchildrentoonesideoftheroadsoyoucouldcontinue.InnorthernLebanon,shehadservedwiththeRedCrossandUNwithonlyahandfulofsoldierstotrytocontroltherapeandpillageoutsidethemissionhospital.
Itwastheonlytimeshe’dfought,andthatwasindesperation,pickingupa
deadsoldier’sBrowningpistolandemptyingitintosavagefacesoneafteranother,andthenthetruckshadroaredupwiththemenandrifles.Al-Qaeda,ruthlesslyshootingwrongdoers,bringingorderwheretherewasnone.
Twoyearslaterandoutofthearmy,anursingsisterattheCromwellHospitalinLondon,she’dmettheloveofherlife,KhalidShah,a
handsomeAlgerianchargenurse,marriedhim,andthey’dmovedtothedispensaryatPoundStreet,whereitbecameclearthathewasafollowerofOsamabinLaden.
Itwasayearlaterthatthecrueltyoflifetookhimawayfromher,whenal-QaedacalledhiminforserviceinGaza,anIsraeliairstrikeamonthlaterensuringhisstaywaspermanent.Shecouldn’t
hateJewsbecauseofwhathadhappened,forherdarksecret,evenfromKhalid,wasthatshewasonlyaChristianthroughherfather,becausehermotherwasaJewandhadmarriedout.HamidBey,theimamatPoundStreetMosque,seemedareasonableman,andasthedispensarywasmultifaith,Lily’sChristianitycausednoproblem.Thefactthathealsolookedtheotherwaywhere
al-Qaedawasconcernedwasunderstandable,whenoneconsideredthatthegreaterpartofhiscongregationsupportedit.ShehadyettorealizethatshewasentirelywronginherassessmentofHamid,asavagezealot,whosupportedtheCauseasmuchastheMaster.
Asherhusband,Khalid,hadbeenveryopenabouthisdedicationtoal-Qaeda,Lilyhad,toacertainextent,been
drawnin.Afterall,itwastheruthlessactionsofal-QaedainLebanon,savingmanylives,includingherown,whichhadmadeitpossibleforthemostimportantrelationshipofherlifetotakeplace.Andwhenthathadended,thetelephonecallfromtheMastertocommiserate,hadopenedadoorintowhatfollowed.WhenGeneralAlibenLevihadbeenkilled,shehadnot
wonderedwhytheMaster’svoicehadsuddenlybecomedifferent,foritwasherplacetoservewithoutquestion.
ButwhathadtakenplacehereinNantucketwaslikeabaddreamthatwouldn’tgoawayandnotlikeanythingthathadhappenedbefore.NotevenlikeLebanonandthemassacreandtheinterventionofal-Qaeda,whichhadsavedsomanylives.
Sheglancedatherwatch
andsawthetime.Ifshewasgoingtocatchtheferry,she’dhavetorun.Sheslungherbeachbagoverhershoulderandstartedtodojustthat.
Thehelicopterwascomfortableenough,threetableswithbenchseatsaroundthewindowsandaroominthebackforprivacy,intowhichCazaletandFergusonvanishedonboarding.Ayoungmanandwomanwereinattendance,
wearingidenticaldarkbluesuitsandties,andtheyusheredDillonandSaratooneofthetables,beltedthemselvesupfortakeoff,andafterwardindicatedthatcoffeeorteaandaselectionofsandwicheswereavailable.
“Wouldtherebeanythingstronger?”Dillonaskedthewoman,hercolleaguehavinggoneofftoservethebackroom.“LikeBushmills,orwouldthatbetoomuchto
ask?”“Ofcoursenot,sir,we
keepafullrangeofspirits.Andyou,Captain?”
“Youmustforgivemyfriendbeingsoparticular,buthe’sIrishandnotasothermen.I’mprobablybeingjustasawkwardbyaskingifyouhaveanyEnglishbreakfasttea.”
Therewastheghostofasmileasthewomansaid,“Ofcourse,Captain,IthinkIcan
managethat.”Shereturnedwiththeir
drinksonatrayandservedthem,andSarathankedher.TherewerethreedoubleminiaturesonDillon’ssmalltray,aglass,butnowater.“Thatshouldmakeyouhappy,”Sarasaidasshepouredhertea.“It’salmostasifsheknowsyou.”
Dillonhadopenedhisfirstminiatureasshespoke,pouredit,andtosseditdown.
“Maybeshedoes,”hesaidasheopenedanother.
“Idon’tunderstandyou,Sean,”Sarasaid.“Youwerefineearlierwhenyoucametotellmeyou’dhadawordwithRoperandsoon,butnowyou’reinanotherplace.”Shedranksomeofhertea.“Youseemedokaywhenyouwentofftohaveawalkonthebeach,butsincethen,notevenasmile.What’swrong?Areyouupsetabout
something?”“Youmeanlikeshootinga
guythreetimesintheheadlastnight?WhyshouldIletalittlethinglikethatbotherme?You,ontheotherhand,theswordoftheLordandofGideon.”Hepickedupthethirdminiature,startedtoopenit,andslammeditdown.
Sarareachedoverandputherhandonhis.“Whatisit,love?Thisisn’tyou.Justtellme.It’swhatfriendsarefor.”
“Damnyou,Sara,forbeingsobloodynice.I’mtrulysorry,butlet’sleaveit.Ifyou’llexcuseme,I’mgoingtotherestroom.”
Shesattherethinkingaboutit,thoroughlyworried,thenhereturnedfifteenminuteslater,afreshfaceonhim,haircombed.Hesmiled.“IfIdothatagain,punchmeinthemouth.Idon’tusuallystressupthateasily,butIseemtohavedonesothis
trip.”Notthatshebelievedhim,
butshecouldn’ttakethematteranyfurtherwhentheyoungmanappearedfromthebackroomandtoldthemthatCazaletwantedtoseethem.
Itwascomfortablyfurnished,somechairsclampedtothefloor,adesk,alargetelevisionscreen,acomputer.Cazaletsatbehindthedesk,Fergusontooneside.Fergusonsaid,“We’ll
beinNewYorkprettysoon,sothisisthelastchanceforthefourofustodiscusswhat’shappening.Sitdown.”
Whichtheydid,andCazaletsaid,“ThePresidenthasdecidedtobeguidedbytheCIAinthismatter,andtheiradviceisthis.Theyagreethattheattackwassponsoredbyal-Qaeda,buttheywanttokeepitunderwraps.They’llimmediatelystartinvestigating,butwant
tokeepal-Qaedaoffbalancebynotsayingawordaboutitpublicly.Allthey’llknowisthatI’mobviouslyaliveandwalkingaround.Al-Qaedawon’tknowwhattomakeofit,won’tknowwhatdidoccur.”
“Onlythattheirtwoassassinshavegonemissing?”Saranodded.“Thatmakesforaninterestingsituation.”
“Well,theylovetheir
martyrs,”Fergusonsaid.“Weallknowthat,sohandledthisway,itdeniesAQtheoxygenofpublicity.”
Cazaletsaid,“Maybethey’llslipup,makeamistake,trytocommunicatewitheachother.That’shelpedusbefore.”Cazaletsmiledgrimly.“Andwehavealotofdrones.”
“Whichstillrequiresustoknowwherethebastardsareinthefirstplace,”Dillonsaid.
“Tobeabletoscore.”Therewasaslightpause.
SaraglancedatDillon,thensaid,“Thankyouforbeingsoclear,sir.”
“Veryweird.”Dillonshookhishead.“WewereinNewYorkattheUNtodiscusstheHusseiniaffairwiththeBritishambassador,thengotyankedoutforaneveningwithyou,anditwasthatwhichscrewedupal-Qaeda’splan.I’msurprised
theydidn’tgetwindofourtriptoNantucket.TheUN’sasieve,allthosecountriescrammedintothatbuildingontheEastRiver.Don’ttellmeal-Qaedadoesn’thaveitsfingersinthatpie.”
“Thatmaybe,”Fergusonsaid.“Thepointishowwehandleitnow.I’vehadwordfromLondon.ItseemsthePresidenthasspokentothePrimeMinister,whohasagreedtoallthisbutwith
somereluctance.Sothatsettlesit.Asfarasthepublicisconcerned,noneofthiseverhappened.”
HeturnedtoDillon.“Haveyouanythingtosay?Youusuallydo.”
“AboutthedreamIhadlastnight?It’sfadingrapidly.”
“Goon,backtoyourseats.Weneedalastfewwordstogether,don’twe,sir?”hesaidtoCazalet.
DillonandSaraturnedtogo.HehadhishandonthedoorhandlewhenCazaletcalled,“Justamoment,youtwo.”
Theyturned,andSarasaid,“Yes,sir,wastheresomethingelse?”
“Yes.”Cazaletwassmiling.“Veryprivateandbetweenus.Frankly,Idon’tgiveadamnabouttheCIA.ThankGodyouweretherelastnight.It’speoplelikeyou
whoguardthewallforallofus,andI,forone,amextremelygrateful.”
Therewasasilentmomentashiswordssankin,andthenSarasmiledandsaid,“It’sbeenaprivilegetoserve,Mr.President,”andshefollowedDillonout.
—Later that day,intheGulfstreamheadedhome,
FergusonstayedtowardthefrontofthecabinvideoconferencingwhileFlightLieutenantParrymovedalongfromthecockpit,visitedthekitchenarea,andcameoutwithcoffee.
“We’vegotsomestormsthreateninginthemid-Atlantic,somakesureyoubeltupifyougotosleep.And”—helookedalittleuncomfortable—“couldyou
adviseDillontowatchhisdrinking?”
HeandSaraexchangedalook,thenhemovedbacktowardthecockpit.Shereacheduptoalockerandfoundacoupleofblankets,andDillon,who’dbeentotherestroom,returnedwithaglassinonehand.Shetossedoneblankettohimanddrapedherselfintheother.
“I’dbecarefulwithyourboozeintake,Sean,”she
advised.“Roughweatherforecast.”
Theysatwiththeirbacksagainsttherearbulkheadoneithersideoftheaisle,andhetouchedher.“Justtheone,andthenI’llprobablyhaveasleep.”
“Soyou’vestillgotproblems?”
“Asamatteroffact,I’vebeenthinkingaboutwhatCazaletsaidaboutpeoplelikeusguardingthewall.”
“Thatwasafinethingforhimtosay,butthenhe’safineman.”
“Iagree,butitmademefeelashamed.”
Shefrowned.“Butwhyshoulditdothat?”
“Oh,notlivinguptotheimage,inmycaseallowingamentalaberrationtocloudmyjudgment,butIseesensenow.I’vebeenwrong,butatleastwhenyouseeyouhave,youcanputitright.”
“AreyougoingtotalktoFergusonaboutit?”
“Eventually,butIneedtoconsultRoperfirst.”
Fergusonswitchedoffthescreen,turned,andcalledtothem,“That’sitforme.I’mtakingapill.Withanyluck,I’llsleepthroughtoFarleyField,”andhepulledoutablanketandsettleddown.
Saraloweredhervoice.“Comeon,Sean,what’sgoingon?”
“Well—IbelieveIknowtheidentityoftwopeopleinvolvedintheNantucketbusiness.”
Shewasastonished.“Butyouhaven’tsaidawordofthistoanyone.Whynot?”
“There’sanIrishconnection,aquestionofmistakenloyaltytofamilyonmypart.IthastodowiththedeathofmyfatherinBelfastin1979,whenheblunderedintoafirefightwithBritish
paratroopersandwaskilled.IcanseenowIwaswrong.Itwillbeputright,that’sallthatcounts.GodknowswhatFergusonwilldo,butI’lltakethatasitcomes.”
“Sean,whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Well,ifyou’llshutupforawhile,girldear,I’lltellyou,”Dillonsaid.“InmyearlyyearsinCollyban,myfatherinLondontryingtomakeaplaceforus,Iwas
raisedbymyuncle,MickeenOgeFlynn.Hisson,Tod,andIwerelikebrothers.Wetackledtheolduprightinthefrontparlortogether,learnedtoplaypassablebarroompiano,accompaniedbyourfriend,TimKelly,onclarinet.Aboywitharealgift,believeme.ThenIwenttoLondonandgotinvolvedwiththetheater,asyouknow.”
“Sean,whatonearthhasthistodowithanything?”
“Ithastodowitheverything,”Dillonsaid.“Bepatient.WhatwiththeTroubles,wejustkeptintouchwiththefamilybyphonefromLondon,andIknewthatTodandTimKellyhadmadesomethingoftheirmusic,playedinbarsandclubs,anditwasUncleMickeenwhophonedmewiththenewsofmyfather’sdeath.HesaidthatnobodyfromCollybanwouldbe
goinguptoBelfastforthefuneral,asitwouldbetoodangerous.”
Sarasaid,“AndIimaginehethoughtthesameforyou.”
“Isupposeso,butItoldhimI’dbethere,andhesaidheoughttowarnmethatTodandKelly,whoweregoingtotakecareofthefuneral,wereProvisionalIRAandontherunasfarasthearmyandpolicewereconcerned.”
Sarashookherhead.“So,
needlesstosay,youwent?”“Arushedflight,Belfast
greetedmewithpouringrain.Taxiswereavailable,thoughexpensive.IwasdroppedatSt.MarytheVirginChurchinSamsonStreetnearthedocks.Threevanshadmenstandingaroundthemunderumbrellas,watching.Ihurriedthroughadecayinggraveyardandenteredthechurch.”
“Andwhatdidyoufind?”“Itwaslikemostofthem,
halfdark,burningcandles,aneffigyofMaryandtheChristchildbythedoor.Irememberputtingmyfingersintheholywater—habit,Isuppose.Therewastheaislebetweenthepewstowardthealtar,aclosedcoffinontrestles,anoldpriestinacassock,novestments.Todstoodthere,obviouslystartledbythedooropening,aBrowningready,andTimKellywasopposite,aclarinetinhishands.”
“‘Godinheaven,you’vecome.’Todsteppedforwardandgavemeahug.
“‘It’swhereIshouldbe,’Itoldhim,‘Buttherearevansoutside,andweseemtobeattractingattention.’
“‘UVFProtestantbastards,’Kellytoldme.‘They’dhangthelotofusiftheycould.’
“‘Nevermindthatnow,’Todsaid.‘FatherMurphy’sdonewithhisprayersandwill
seetotheburialwiththesextonafterwe’vegone.ItonlyremainsforTim’stribute.’”
“Tribute?”Sarasaid.“Whatwasthat?”
“MyfatherhadafavoriteoldIrishfolksong,‘TheLarkintheClearAir,’andthesoundofthatclarinetplayedintheGershwinstyle,soaringuptotheroof,wasthemostpoignantthingI’deverheard,hasremainedwithme
forever.Therewerevoicesoutside,butthemusicstilledthem.TherewasamomentofsilenceasKellyfinished—thenabrickcameinthroughawindow.TodpulledaSmith&Wessonrevolveroutofhispocketandpusheditintomyhand.I’ddoneatrainingcourseontheuseofweaponsonstage.”
“Whichwasyouronlyexperienceofhandlingagun?”Sarasaid.
“Exactly.FatherMurphyshouted,Youknowthewayout,boys.Don’tworryaboutme.Theywouldn’tdaretoharmapriest.Thechurchdoorswungopen,menburstin,thefirstonealreadyfiringapistol,”Dilloncontinued.“Hehitmeintheleftshoulder.Istaggeredback,firingblindly,andcaughthiminthethroat.Todshotthemanbehindthem,drivingtheothersback,thengotanarm
aroundme,hustledmeintothevestry,Kellyfollowing,downsomestepstoacellar.Therewasamanholeinacorner,theyopenedit,andwescrambledintoasewagetunnel,bigenoughtowalkalong,allthewaydowntothedocks.”
“Andobviously,yougotaway,”Sarasaid.
“Thatpartofthecityisanundergroundnetworkofsimilartunnels.Iremember
ussurfacinginsomesortoflargegaragefulloftrucksandvans,andthenIblackedout,soIcanonlytellyouwhatIwastoldlater.”
“Andwhatwasthat?”“TheProvoshadthetrick
ofusingambulancesthey’dgottheirhandson,manningthemwiththeirownpeoplewearinghospitaluniforms.Todtoldmetheyhadarealnursepumpmefullofmorphine,thenheandKelly
scrambledinthebackwearinghospitalscrubsandwewereaway,sailingthrougheveryroadblock.”
“Towhere?”Saraasked.“Overtheborderintothe
Republic,toacharityhospitalcalledSt.Mary’sPrioryrunbytheLittleSistersofthePoor,anursingorder.”
“Strictlyspeaking,thatwasillegal.”
“Ofcourse,buthowfardoyouthinkthey’dgetputting
nunsincourtinIreland?TodandKellyleftmetoit,thencamebackthreeweekslaterwhenIwasfittoleave.”
“Anamazingstory,thewholebusiness,changingyourlifelikethat.YouwereforcedintokillingthatUVFman,Icanseethat,butwhydidyoujointhePIRAandsetfootonsuchacourse?”
“ItwasnothingtodowiththedeathofthatUVFman,everythingtodowithwhat
happenedtoFatherMurphy.Heandthesextonburiedmyfatherashehadpromised.Aweeklater,somebodyranhimdownonenight,lefthimdeadintheroad.”
Sarawasdistressed.“Itcouldhavebeenanaccident,Sean.”
“Youdon’tbelievethatanymorethanIdidatthetime.Butnevermind.You’vebeensogrippedbymystorythatyou’velostsightofwhyI
toldittoyou.”“Whatareyousaying?”
sheasked.Heshowedherthephoto
onhisphone.Sheexaminedit,frowning.“Whooneartharethesetwo?”
“SupposedlytheirnamesareJacksonandHawkins,twoAmericansvisitingNantucketinasportfishermanoutofLongIsland.IgotthatphotoofthemfromanicekidnamedHenryworkingoutof
theharbormaster’soffice.RememberIwentforawalkonthebeachdowntotheharbor?IfoundHenrycheckingboatsandshowedhimtheChechenphotos.HerecognizedthemashavinghadarowwithJacksonandHawkinsthepreviousevening,toldmehewassurprisedtofindthattheyhadalreadyleftintheirboat,whichwasbookedtostayuntilFriday.”
“Areyoutryingtosayyouknowthesemen?”
“Icertainlydon’trecognizethem,butbeardsandbushyhairdosareaverysuccessfuldisguise,soI’vealwaysfound.Butsomethingscan’tbedisguised.WhatifItoldyouthatHenry’sajazzenthusiastandheardHawkins,theonewiththewhitehair,playingthefinestclarinethe’deverheardbutdidn’trecognizethe
music.Whenheaskedwhatitwas,HawkinstoldhimitwasanoldIrishfolksongcalled‘TheLarkintheClearAir,’whichhe’dplayedinthestyleofGeorgeGershwin.”
Hereyeswidenedasshestaredathim,stunned.“Oh,myGod!”
“Yes,mylove,mycousinandTimKellycandisguisethemselvesasmuchasyoulike,butnoonecoulddisguisethatmusicfromme,
wouldn’tyouagreeafterhearingmystory?”
“Butwhatwouldtheybeupto?”
“ObviouslyIdon’tknow,butwhatIdoisthattheywerebothreleasedfromtheMazePrisonduringthepeaceprocess.Iheardsometalkofthembeinginthesecuritybusiness,socalled.Asweknow,thatcouldmeananything.Itgavemethegreatestshockofmylife
whenHenryspoketome.Itwassostrange,broughteverythingback.MyfirstthoughtwasthatI’dhavetoturnthemin.Icouldn’tfacethat,butI’vegotmyheadrounditnow.I’llhavetotelltheGeneralandfacetheconsequences.”
TherewasastirringupinfrontofthemandFergusonlookedaround.“Noneed,Dillon,Iheardthewholebloodysaga—tapedit,asa
matteroffact.HowluckyformethatmypillboxwasemptysoIhadn’tbeenknockedoutasIusuallyamontheseflights.”
“Soit’stheTowerofLondon,nextstop?”Dillonsaid.
“Youcertainlydeserveit.You’vegivenmeallsortsofproblemsnow.WhatdoIdoabouttheCIA,whatwillthePrimeMinisterhavetosay?I’mgoingtosenditallonfor
Ropertodigest.Inthemeantime,wehaveanotherfourhourstoFarley.MayIsuggestwedimthelightsandtrytogetsomesleep?”
—At the Holland Park safehouse,Roper,seatedinhisbathrobeinhiswheelchairinthecomputerroom,wasecstaticandlaughingtohimselfashereachedtheendoftherecording.Hereached
fortheBushmillsIrishwhiskeybottleandpouredalargeone.
Hetosseditback,brokeintolaughter,andsaid,“Godblessyou,SeanDillon.Whenmydayisdull,Icanalwaysrelyonyoutobrightenitup.”
TonyDoyle,themilitarypolicesergeantonnightduty,hadjustpushedinatrolleywithbaconsandwichesandateaurn,hisbomb-devastatedbossbeingunabletodrink
coffeeanylonger.“You’reahappyman,
Major,what’scausedthat?Havetherebeendevelopments?”
HehadbeeninthecomputerroomthepreviousnightwithRoperwhenFergusonhadcomeonscreenfromNantuckettomentiontheassassinationattemptandDillonandSara’spartinit.TheHollandParksafehouseoperatedoutsidethenormal
securityservicessuchasMI5and6,whohatedthefactthat,thankstoRoper’sgenius,agreatdealthatpassedthroughhiscodedcomputersstayedprivateexcepttoFergusonandhispeople,allsworntosecrecy.
Ropersaid,“You’vegottohearthis,Tony,freshfromtheGulfstream.Passmeabaconsandwichandamugoftea.Nopictures,justaudio.”
Whenitwasfinished,
TonyDoyleshookhishead.“ThatwasabadthingsomebastarddidtoFatherMurphy.”
Roper,takingamoresoberattitudenow,agreed.“TheTroubleswerenotonlyhellonearth,theyweredisgustingmorally.”
“Yes,butyouonlyrealizedthatbybeingthere,”Doylesaid.“Takeme.AJamaicanCockneybornandbredinLondon.Iwantedto
seetheworld,soIjoinedtheBritishArmy,andwhatdidIget?”
“SeventoursofdutyinNorthernIreland.”Ropertookanothersandwich.“AndwhatdidIgetoutofit?Thiswheelchair.”Heswitchedonmultiplescreens.“Letmeseeifthere’sanythinginterestingIcanfindabouttheFlynnclan.”
Doylesaid,“Yes,Major,youreallyareacasualtyof
war.”“Soareyou,”Ropertold
him,notlookingathimbutscanningthescreens.“AndsowereDillonandTodFlynnandTimKelly,whomarchedtothebeatofthewrongdrum.Hmm.Apparently,theonlypersoninthisaffairwhoshowedgoodsensewasTod’selderbrotherbytenyears,Peter.HeavoidedtheTroublesbymovingtotheRepublictoworkforadistant
relativeonhishorsefarmandstudataplacecalledDrumgoole.”
“Asensibleoption,I’dsay.”
“I’dagree,especiallyassevenyearslater,therelativediedofaheartattackandleftthefarmtoPeterandhiswife,ontheconditionthattheygaveahometohiswidowedsister,MargaretFlynn,knowntothefamilyasAuntMeg.”
“Somepeoplehaveallthe
luck,”Doylesaid.“EspeciallywhenTodand
KellywerereleasedfromtheMazeandhewasabletoofferthemahome.”
“Toworkonthefarm?”“Someofthetime.It’s
alsotheaddressofasecurityfirm.Obviously,itdidn’ttakethemlongtogetdowntobusiness.”
“SoyouthinkNantucketwaspartoftheiragenda?”
“Idon’tknow.”Roperwas
frowning,manipulatinghiscontrol.“Notgood,”hesaid.“Thatwasunfortunate.There’sadaughter,Hannah,whowaseighteeninJune.Fouryearsago,onatriptoBelfast,shelostherparentstoacarbomb.Shewasbadlyinjuredandinhospitalformonths.Herfatherdiedintestate.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”“Nowill.Sheinherited
everything,butasshewas
onlyfourteen,thecourtappointedTodandAuntMegasjointguardians.”
“Well,asIwouldn’ttrustthatProvobastardaninch,I’mhappytheaunt’saroundtokeepaneyeonhim,”Doylesaid.
“There’ssomepersonalstuffhereonherFacebookpage,”Ropersaid.“Goodnews.Shemustbearealhotshotonthepiano.She’sjustbeenacceptedasa
studentattheRoyalCollegeofMusic.”
“Soundslikeyou’retakingapersonalinterest.”
Roperswitchedoffmostofthescreens,leavingonlyone,theemergencycover.“Enoughalready.Icoulddowithasteam,shower,andshaveandfreshapparel,thenI’lldozeuntilourlordandmasterappears.”Hewasverycheerful.“Canyouassistme,Sergeant?”
“That’swhatI’mherefor,Major,”Doyletoldhim,andfollowedasRoperswitchedonhiswheelchairandledthewayout.
—And in Ireland,highonahillthatloomedaboveDrumgoolePlace,HannahFlynnreinedinamarenamedFancyasshesawtheLandRoverapproachingthehouse
inthefardistance.Itwasraininglightly,eveningdrawingin,andsheworeanAustraliandrover’scoat,abroad-brimmedhatpulleddownoverauburnhairthatframedacalmandseriousface.Shespokeintoacellphone.
“They’rehere,AuntMeg.”
MargaretFlynntookthecallinthekitchen.Atseventy-six,shewasa
handsomewomanstill,injerkinandridingbreeches,hairwhite,facetanned.Therewasstillahintoftheactressshehadbeeninheryouth.
“Wonderful,butwhenyouruncleTodcalledfromDublinAirport,hesaidtheywantedtochangeassoonaspossible.”
“Morecloakanddaggeragain,”Hannahsaid.“WhenaretheygoingtolearnthattheIRAispastitsprimeand
nobodywantstoknowanymore?”
“Ofcourse,love,TodandKellyknowthat.It’sjustsecurityworktheydothesedays.Anyway,I’vegiventhestablehandsthenightoff,soyougetherewhenyoucan.We’llhavedinneralittlelater.”
TherehadlongbeenadarksuspicionthatthecarbombwhichhadkilledHannah’sparentsandinjured
hersobadlyhadbeenmeantforTod.Perhapssomeonewassettlinganoldscore?Hannahfrequentlyrememberedthatpossibilitywithsomebitterness.
Shesatthereforamomentlonger,strokingandpattingthemare.“That’smenforyou,Fancy,stillplayinggamesintheschoolyardandthenneverseemingtolearnthatsometimespeoplegethurt.”Sheshookherhead.
“Security,myarse,”andsherodeaway.
—Tod and Kelly showeredinthewetroomonthegroundfloorofDrumgoolePlace,thensetaboutshavingtheirbeards,whichtookquitesometime.Afterthat,theysatsidebysideandMegcuttheirhairinturn.
“Willyewatchwhat
you’redoing,woman?”Todsaid.
Shecuffedhim.“You’reingoodhands.Ilearnedeverythingthereistoknowabouthairdressinginmytheaterdays.I’llseetothecutsfirst,thenusetherightsolventstotreatthecolor.”
Hannahmovedinfromthecorridor,limping,awalkingstickinherrighthand.“Whatacoupleofbeauties.”
“Youshowsomerespect,
girl,”Todtoldher.“We’vebeenawayearningacrust.Takesmoneytorunthisplace.”
“Wheretothistime?”Kellylookedhunted,but
Todsaid,“Nothingmuch,justinspectingthesecuritysystemforthecompanythatrunstheferriesfromHarwichtotheHookofHolland.Nobigdeal.”
“Apity.”ShetossedsomematchesintoTod’slap.“I
foundthoseinthekitchen.TheyadvertiseacaféinNantucket.Thatwouldhavebeenmuchmoreexciting.”
Shewentout,andMegpickedupthematches.
“Iwonderwherethesecamefrom?”
“Don’taskme,”Todsaid.“Idon’tknow.”
Shesaid,“Youtoldmeyouweredressinguptoputoneoveronarivalfirmforsomeoneyouwereworking
for?”“Sowewere,”hesaid.
“Justbusiness,Meg.IsshepleasedabouttheRoyalCollegeofMusic?”
“I’mnotreallysure.It’snotresidential,soaccommodationisgoingtobeaproblemwithitbeingLondon.”
“Don’tworry,thesedayswe’vegotplentyofmoney.Justkeeponcuttingandbringbackmyauburnhair.”
Whichshedid,cutKelly’sveryshortanddarkenedthewhitetogray.
“Marvelous,”Todsaid.“Ifeelhumanagain.Let’shavedinner.”
—Ferguson’s Daimler anddriverwerewaitingwhentheGulfstreamlandedatFarley.DillonhadlefthisMiniCooperthere,butSarahad
nothing.“I’vedecidednottogo
hometonight,”Fergusonsaid.“I’dliketohavewordswithRopersoonerratherthanlater,soI’llstayintheguestwingatHollandPark.”
Dillonoftendidthesame,andsaid,“I’dliketojoinyou.”
“That’sfinebyme,butIexpectyou’llbewantingalifttoHighfieldCourttoseeyourgrandfather?”hesaidtoSara.
“Hewon’tbethere,he’stouringthelecturecircuit.‘GodandtheMindofMan,’hisfavoritetopic.EveryonewantsRabbiNathanGideonthesedays.”
“Andsotheyshould,”Dillontoldher.“He’sagreatman.”
“Actually,I’dwelcomeyourinput,Captain,”Fergusonsaid,“Sojumpinandwe’llbeonourway.We’llseeyouthere,Dillon.”
—When Roper returnedfromtheshower,itwastofindthatFergusonandtheothershadarrivedandhadgoneupstairstounpack,buthehadanothervisitorwaiting.
Dr.AliSaifwasanEgyptianwithanEnglishgrandmotherwho’dnotonlysenthimtoEtonbutsuppliedhimwithaU.K.passport
underfiliallaw.Abrilliantscholar,aseniorlecturerinarchaeologyatLondonUniversity,hehadinitiallyfoundOsama’smessageattractiveenoughforhimtoofferhisservicestotheArmyofGodcharity.Aswithothers,onecouldbedrawnintotheactivitiesofal-Qaedawithoutrealizingit,especiallywiththehypnotictonesoftheMasteronthetelephonetoguideyou.
He’dbeencaughtinabadsituation,however,andhisdecisiontoactonthesideofrighthadnotonlysavedlivesbutimpressedFergusonenoughtosavehimfromprisonandfindauseforhistalentsasaninterrogatorofMuslimssuspectedofterrorism,atTenbyStreetsafehouserunbyMI5.
“Havetheyarrived?”Aliinquired,andbeforeRopercouldanswerhim,Ferguson,
Sara,andDillonwalkedin.“Ali,it’syou,”Ferguson
saidinsurprise.“Weweretalkingearlier,”
Ropertoldhim.“He’sbeenfullyinformedaboutthelatestdevelopment.Afterhispastservicestous,Ifelthecouldbetrustedtokeepittohimself.”
“YouraccountofBelfast1979wasextraordinary,Mr.Dillon,”Alisaid.“It’scertainlypossiblethatthese
men,FlynnandKelly,couldhavesomethingtodowiththeaffair.I’vealreadylearnedinmyshorttimeatMI5thatindividualsfromdissidentIrishgroupshaveusedtheirpastexperienceinallkindsofviolentsituations,fromEasternEuropetotheMiddleEast.Doesanyoneelseknow?”
“No,actually,whichisratherinteresting.”Fergusonsaid.“Ihaven’tmentioned
themtoanybody,noteventhePrimeMinister.”
“Sowhatareyougoingtodo?”Roperasked.“KeepingthePMuninformedseemsriskytome.”
“You’llhavetowaitandsee.”HeturnedtoAliSaif.“Ineedhardlyremindyouthatwhatyou’veheardisprivilegedandnotforyourmastersatMI5.Now,meanwhile,you’vehadpersonalexperiencewithAQ
inLondon.What’syourtake?”
Sarasaid,“Consideringit’snotverylongsincethelastMasterdied,thisnewoneseemstohavegottoworkprettyquickly.”
“Butal-Qaedaisorganizedforsuchsituations,”Alitoldher.“ThereisaGrandCouncil,nobodyknowswhere,whichissuesitsdecisionsinParis.GeneralbenLeviwaskilled
inLondon,andnobodyoutsideoftheCouncilknewhistrueidentityuntilthedayhedied.Hisreplacement,fromwhatlittlewehavediscoveredaboutthisworldwidecult,willhavebeenputinplaceinstantly.”
“SowhatwasthepurposeoftheattemptonJakeCazalet’slife?”
“Helookedlikeeasymeat,andtheywouldhavedestroyedanAmericanicon,
showntheworldtheycouldgetawaywithit,giventwofingerstotheGreatSatan.”
“Onlytheydidn’t,”Fergusonsaid.
Alinodded.“Becauseofthecoincidenceofyourvisit,General.”
“Ironic,really,”Dillonsaid.“IfthePresidenthadn’tdecidedtohaveusprivatelythanked,Cazaletwouldbedeadnow.”
“Exactly.”Alishrugged.
“Ofcourse,theGrandCouncilwillwantrevenge.TheywillattackushereinLondon,aspectacular,perhaps.YounoticeIsayusbecauseImustincludemyselfnow.I’maturncoatofthefirstorder,asfarasthey’reconcerned.IfIdaredtoshowmyfaceatPoundStreet,I’dbestoned.”
“Come,come,Ali,wemustn’texaggerate.TheArmyofGodisalegally
organizedcharity.Theirdispensaryservesalldenominations,andtheimamofthemosque,HamidBey,ishighlyrespected.”
“Smokeandmirrors,General.Asyousay,IhavehadpersonalexperiencewithAQ.TheCityauthority,thepolice,treadcarefullyforpoliticalreasons.InmytimewhenIwasonthewrongside,theMasterspoketomeonaregularbasis,andI’m
notnaïveenoughtothinkIwastheonlyone.AsforHamidBey,heisadogandnottobetrusted.”
“Allright,I’lltakeyourwordforit,”Fergusonsaid.“We’llhavetotakeextracarefromnowon.”
AliopenedhisjackettoshowaWaltherinashoulderholster.“I’malsowearinganylon-and-titaniumvest.Ihopetherestofyouare.”Hesmiled,leaneddown,and
kissedSara’shandgallantly.“Youalwaysastonishone,CaptainGideon.Godisgoodtoyou.”Henoddedtotheothers.“Ifyou’llexcuseme,General,I’monnightdutyatTenbyStreet.”Heturnedandwalkedout.
“Mygoodness,”Fergusonsaid.“He’sreallycomeon.Itwasawisechoicetotakeachanceonhim.I’msureyou’llalltakeheedofhisadvice.Hisexperiencewith
thiscultoftheMasterthingisobviouslyunique.Anyway,Ithinkwecouldalsodowithsomesupper.Let’sseewhatthekitchen’sgotforus.AsforHamidBey,Ialwaysthoughtthebastardwastoogoodtobetrue.”
Therewasaloudbang,thefrontdoorcrashedopen,andDoyleshouted,“Help,mandown!”
DillonandSararanoutintothehall,tofindDoyle
draggingagurneyoutofthehallwayandoutside.
TheJudasgatehadswungopenandAliSaifwaslyinghalfoutsideit.Astheyracedtowardhim,Doylesaid,“HetoldmehewasgoingtowalkbacktoTenbyStreet,soIaccompaniedhim,openedtheJudasgate,andsomebodyshothim.Hebouncedoffthegate,halfturning.Therewasasecondshot,hestaggeredintomeandwentdown.
Silencedweapon,justacoupleofcoughs.GodknowsI’veheardenoughofthoseinmytime.”
SaraappearedwithtwowoundpacksandrippedoneopenassheexaminedAli,whowasobviouslyinshock,eyesstaring.
“Thevestseemstohavestoppedoneround,buttheotherhasplowedintohisrightthigh,noprotectionthere.”Shestaunchedthe
bloodflowasbestshecould.“Helpme,Sean,therearemorphineampoulesinthepack,getoneintohim.”
Fergusonwastalkingbrisklyintohisphone,andAlireachedandclutchedSara.“Youmusttakecare,Sara.ItoldyoutheGrandCouncilwantsrevengeandI’mthefirsttobepunished.Thetraitor...”
Hefainted,andFergusonsaid,“Rosedene’salerting
ProfessorBellamy.Let’sgetSaifintotheLandRoverandgethimupthere.”
—A couple of hours later,thematronatRosedene,MargaretDuncan,approachedthegroup,stillintheaterscrubsandlookingtired.“Mygoodness,General,anotherone.Whenwillsomebodysayenoughis
enough?”“Notintheworldasitis
today,I’mafraid.Howishe?”
ProfessorCharlesBellamywalkedinandansweredforher.“Alive,andthatisonegoodthing.Thevestdidexactlywhatitwassupposedtoandstoppedaheartshot.”
“Which,ifsuccessful,wouldhavekilledinstantly,butAlistartedthrashingaround,sotheshooterputa
randomroundintohimandclearedoff,”Dillonsaid.“What’stheverdict?”
“Aseriouswoundintheleftthigh,damagetoboneandsinew,”Bellamytoldhim.
“Justhowbad?”Fergusonasked.
“He’llbehereforseveralweeks,andrecoveryandtherapywilltakesometime.”HesmiledatSara.“Asyouknowonlytoowell,Captain,
betterthananyoneelsehere,includingmyself.”
“Godhelphim,”Sarasaid.“WhileI’mhere,canIaskhowDeclanis?”
“He’sasleep.Youcanseehimtomorrow.”
“We’llleavethembothinyourgoodhands.”Fergusonturnedtotheothers.“BacktoHollandPark,Ithink,andmayIpointoutthatwestillhaven’thadanysupper.”
—It was much laterthattheyrejoinedRoperinthecomputerroomanddiscussedtheattack.
“TakesmebacktoAfghanistan,”Sarasaid.“Allthetrappingsofhighsecuritymeannothingonceyoustepoutsidebasewheresomefifteen-year-oldwithanAKcantakeapopatyouatany
moment.”“Andgetawaywithit,”
Dillonsaid.“ThoughI’dsayinthiscase,whoeverwasresponsibletonightwasawareofAli’shabitofwalkingtoTenbyStreetaftervisitingus.It’snotmuchmorethanamile.Lotsoftreesontheothersideoftheroad.”
“Iagree,”Ropersaid.“LooksliketheworkofasilencedAKwithafoldingstock,probablycarriedinan
ordinarysupermarketshoppingbag.”
“AreinforcementofAli’swarningearlieraboutal-Qaeda’sGrandCouncilseekingrevenge,andthatmeansfullalert,people,”Fergusonsaid.
Therewasafewmomentsofsilenceastheyallthoughtaboutit,anditwasSarawhospokefirst.“ThereisthebusinessofFlynnandKelly,sir.Whatarewegoingtodo
aboutthat?”“Yes,youleftithanging,”
Roperpointedout.“Perhapssomebody
shouldgoandseethem,”Sarasaid.
“Maybeweallshould.”Fergusonlaughedoutloud.“Thatcouldbefun.”
“YoumeanjustturnupatDrumgooleoutoftheblue?”sheasked.
“It’sathought.”Fergusonwasconsideringit,aslightly
wickedsmileonhisface.Helookedathiswatch.“Justaftereleven.AmanlikeFlynn’sboundtobeup.Findthenumber,Major.I’llleaveittoyouwhattosay,Dillon.”
—In the parlor at DrumgoolePlace,theyweresittingbyalogfire,TodFlynnandKelly,AuntMegandHannah,afilmjustfinishingontelevision.Hannahwasnearesttothe
housephonewhenitrang,andsheanswered.
“DrumgoolePlace.”“PutmeontoTod,”
Dillonsaid.Shebridled.“Andwhothe
hellareyou,mister?”Dillonlaughed.“Fromthe
soundofyou,you’dbeHannah.”
“Aren’tyouthecheekyone.”MeghadturnedoffthetelevisionandtheywerestaringatHannah.“I’llonly
askyouoncemore,thenI’mputtingthephonedown.Whoareyou?”Sheputitonspeakersotheycouldallhear.
“Yoursecondcousin,girldear,SeanDillon.Now,puthimon.”
Thelookofincredulityonherfacewasquitesomethingassheheldoutthephonetoheruncle.“Hesayshe’sSeanDillon.”
Therewassilencefora
moment,Kellyinimmediateshock,butTodtookadeepbreathandthephone.“Isthisajoke?”
“No,itisme,youoldsod.HowdidyouenjoyNantucket?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
“Stopbeingstupid,itdoesn’tsuityou.TellKellyifhe’dnotbeennoticedplaying‘TheLarkintheClearAir’onhisclarinet,I’dneverhave
knownyouwerethere.IworkforCharlesFergusonthesedays,butI’msureyouknowthat.”
“SoldouttotheBrits,Sean,didn’tyou?”Todsaid.
“Oh,weallsoldouttosomebody,inyourcasetheMasterandal-Qaeda.We’llbeovertoseeyouinafewdays,anddon’ttrytorunaway.There’snowheretogo.”
Hecutoffthecall,leaving
Todsittingbythefire,numbwithshock,theothersstaringathim.ItwasMegwhoshookherheadandspokefirst.“TheLordhelpus,Tod,whathaveyoudonenow?”
ButHannahwasalreadyonherfeet,leaningonherwalkingstick.“Theglorydaysareback,isthatit,UncleTod?Well,youandthedamnIRAandal-Qaedacangotohell,”andshelimpedoutoftheroom,bangingthedoor
shutbehindher.
—In the computer room,itwasallsmiles.“Goodwork,Sean,you’vestirredthepotthere,”Ropersaid.
“Excellent,Dillon,youreallyputthebootin,”Fergusontoldhim.“Iwouldjudgehe’sinastateoftotalshock,butwemuststrikewhilehe’sstilloffbalance,
givehimtimetogetreallyworried,thenwe’lltaketheGulfstreamtoIrelandanddescendonhim.”
“Onthem,sir,”Sarasaid.“Ithoughttheyounggirlwasprettyfeisty.Ilikedthesoundofher.”
“Well,justremembershemightbetheenemy,Captain,butI’mforbed.It’sbeenarougholdweek.”
“Tomorrowisalwaysanotherday,”Sarasaid.
“Hangontothatthought.”Theyfiledout,leavingRopertodozeinhiswheelchair,hisscreensstillon.
Halfpastmidnight,HannahsatonastoolinFancy’sstallinthestudstableatDrumgoole,ahorseblanketoverhershoulders,themarecontentwithanoccasionalglanceather.Ithadbeenarefugeduringfouryearsofpainfromthecarbomb—the
dimlights,thestablesmelloffourteenhorses,alwayshadadeeplycalmingeffect.Sheleanedbackandclosedhereyes,allowingherragetoebbaway,heardthedooropenattheotherendofthestables,thenvoices.
Kellysaid,“Whathappensnow?”
“You’reforgettinghepresenteduswithoneofhiscodedmobilephones.”Tod’ssmilewasmirthless.“I’m
goingtocallhimrightnow.”“Atthistimeinthe
morning?”“Heboaststhathecan
operatefromanywhere,doesn’the?Let’sseeifhedoes.”
Kellylaughedharshly.“Putitonspeaker,Idon’twanttoloseaword.”
—A couple of minutes,no
more,andthenthevoiceechoed,calmandfullofauthority.“Saywhoyouare.”
Todtoldhim.“Sowecancutthecrap.”
“Why,Mr.Flynn,you’reangry,”theMasterreplied.“Anemotionthatleadstostupidityandthat’snottoberecommendedinourlineofwork.Isthereaproblem?Ifso,tellme.”
“Withpleasure,”Todsaid.“WhatwouldyousayifI’d
hadaphonecallfromSeanDillonacoupleofhoursago,askingmeifwe’denjoyedNantucket?Theyknowaboutyou,Master-whoever-you-are,andtheal-Qaedaconnection—everything.”Therewasaperceptiblepause.“Areyouthere?”
“Oh,I’mhere,Mr.Flynn,andconsideringwhatactofhumanstupidityhasbroughtustothissituation.”
Kellybrokein,shouting,
“Tryingtofindsomebodytoblame,areyou?”
“Becausethereusuallyis,”theMastersaidcalmly.“Dogetyourfriendtoshutup,Mr.Flynn,thenyouprovidemewithasaneexplanationanddon’tleaveanythingout.”
WhichToddid,andwhenhewasfinished,said,“Andthat’sthetruthofit,sowhatdoyouthink?”
“Thatitwasjustbadluck.
ItwaspurechancethatsentthemtoCazalet’shouse,andpurechancethatDillonmadetheconnectiontothetwoofyou.”
“Onehellofacoincidence,”Todsaid.
“Chance,Mr.Flynn—lifeis,inmanyways,ruledbyit.Ofcourse,sometimesit’sfate.Itwasn’tbychancethatyourfatherwasSeanDillon’suncle.There’ssomethingalmostkarmicaboutit.”
Kellyintervenedagain.“We’venotimeforallthisshite.WhatdowedowhenFergusonandhiscrewturnuphere?”
“Wrongquestion,”theMastertoldhim.“Itshouldbe,Whatcantheydo?There’snoevidencetheattackeventookplace,andCazalet’swalkingaroundasifnothinghadhappened.Sowhatcantheydotoyou?It’sratheramusingwhenyou
thinkofit,Fergusoncouldn’tevengetyouarrested.”Somewhereinhisbackgroundwasanunmistakablesound.
Atthat,HannaheruptedfromFancy’sstallandtookafewstepstowardthem,leaningheavilyonherwalkingstick.
“There’snothingamusingaboutit,becauseI’veheardeverything.”
Kellytriedtograbher,
andsheslashedthewalkingstickacrosshisshoulders.Toddroppedthephoneonthetableandcaughtherasshetriedtogetpasthimtothedoor.
“It’sallright,Hannahlove,I’llhandleit.”
“It’snotandyouwon’t.”Sheshookherhead.“Idon’tknowwhothisMasterofyoursis,UncleTod,butI’veheardenoughtorecognizeanevilbastardwhenIhearone.”
Sheraisedhervoice.“AbastardwholivesinLondon!Youshouldkeepyourwindowclosed.EverybodyknowsthesoundofBigBen.”
Shepulledawayfromhimandreturnedtotheotherendofthestable,leaningheavilyonherstick,anddisappearedintoFancy’sstall.Kellywatchedhergo,thenpickedupthemobileandhandeditover.
“Areyoustillthere?”Tod
asked.TheMasterreplied
calmly,“Dowehaveaproblemwithyourniece?”
“No,Ipromiseyou.Sincethecarbombthattookherparentsfouryearsago,painhasbeenherconstantcompanion.She’sstressedaboutit,andnowthis.I’lltakecareofit.”
“Suchsentimentalitycomesratherlateinthedayfromamanwhohasbeen
responsibleforasmanydeathsasyouhave.Butit’sunderstandable,consideringtherearethosewhothinkthebombwhichkilledherparentsandcrippledherwasmeantforyou.”
Todsaidgravely,“Therewasalwaysthatpossibility.”
“Notinthiscase,Mr.Flynn.Infact,Iknowthenamesofthetwomenwhosetthatbomb.”
Todwasverystill.“And
whatmustIdoforthosenames?”
“Dillontoldyouhe’dbecomingwithinthenextfewdays.Iwouldn’tbesurprisediftheGideonwomanandpossiblyevenFergusonhimselfcamewithhim.Thosepeoplehavebeenarunningsoreinal-Qaeda’ssideforlongenough.I’msureamanofyourexpertise,andKelly’s,canfindawaytodisposeofthemonewayor
another.”Kellyshookhishead.
“Theman’scrazed,Tod.”“Notatall,”theMaster
said.“IhappentoknowthatatthebackofDrumgoolePlace,atthefootofthemountain,isabog—theBogofSalam,isn’tthatwhattheycallit?Accordingtolegend,itcouldswallowaregiment.”
“Anditcouldswallowyou,”Kellytoldhim.
“OrHannahFlynn.Itrust
we’reclearonthat.Now,Fergusonandcompany,canItemptyou?”
Tod’sfacewasbonewhite,eyesdark.“Notinamillionyears.ButI’lltellyouwhatIwilldo.NeverleaveHannah’ssideforamoment,aslongasyouwalkthisearth.AndI’mkeepingyourmoney.Sotohellwithyou,Master-whoever-you-are,andbringitonassoonasyoulike.”
Heswitchedoff,slippedthephoneintohispocket,turnedandfoundHannah,standingoutsideFancy’sstall,facetearstained.Hewalkedtowardher,passingKelly,whosimplysmiledgrimlyandnodded.
Shemanagedasmile.“Thatwastellinghim.”
Heputanarmroundher.“YouknowwhatI’vebeen,girl,theterriblethingsIdid.MyexcusewasthatIwas
fightingforacause.Trueornot,itmadeabadmanoutofme,butasfarasthisbastardisconcerned,I’llbehisworstnightmare.”
Shenodded,thenhuggedhimsuddenlysothatshedroppedherstick.“Dammittohell,”shemoaned,andtriedtobend.
Hepickeditupandgaveittoher.“AniceCatholicgirlandsuchlanguage.Comeon,child,we’llfindAuntMeg
andseeyoubothtobed.Thingswilllookbetterinthemorning.”
Notthathebelievedit,notforasinglemoment.
—On the Belfast waterfrontthefollowingday,ithadrainedearlyandthefogcamelater,rollingacrossthedocksintoCagneyStreet,theOrangeDrumatoneend.Thepubwaslongpastitsprime,a
leftoverfromthegreatdaysoftheVictorianera.Itwouldbeahavenforharddrinkersanddruguserslaterthatday,butitwasemptyatthatmomentexceptforFergusTully,drinkingscalding-hottealacedwithIrishwhiskeyattheendofthebar.HewasreadingtheBelfastTelegraph,whileFrankBell,thepublican,workedhiswaythroughthesportspages.
Theyhadservedtime
togetherintheMazePrisonformultiplemurders,menofaProtestantpersuasion,thePIRA’sbitterestenemies,TullyofsuchfearsomereputationthatnewspapersnicknamedhimtheShankhillButcher.Thepeaceprocesshadunleashedthemintotheworldagain.
Tullyemptiedhisglassandpusheditacrossthebar.“I’llhaveanother,Frank,”andhismobilephone
sounded.“IsthatMr.FrankTully?”“Whothehellwantsto
know?”Tullysaid,immediatelyoffendedbytheEnglishaccent.
“I’vejustcreditedyourbankaccountwithonehundredthousanddollars.Checkforyourself.I’llcallyoubackinfifteenminutes.”
Tullybangedhisfistdownonthebar.“Stupidbastard.”
“Whatwasallthatabout?”
Bellasked,andwhenTullytoldhim,said,“Well,allyouhavetodoiscallthebank.Theyopenedatnine.”
WhichTullydid,andwasstaggeredtobetoldthatsuchasumhadonlyjustbeendepositedfromabankinGeneva.HebarelyhadtimetoinformBell,whenhisphonerangagain.
“Whoareyou?”Tullydemanded.
“ThepeopleIservehad
dealingswithyousomeyearsago.IfIsayAQ,doyouunderstandme?”
“Icertainlydo,”Tullysaid.“Al-Qaeda.IdealtwiththeMasterthen,fouryearsago,buthewasn’tyoufromthesoundofit.”
“Hehaspassedon,Ihavereplacedhim.YouweregiventhetaskofdisposingofamannamedTodFlynn.Instead,youcar-bombedhiselderbrotherPeter,killinghimand
hiswifeandinjuringthedaughter.”
Tullywasimmediatelyindignant.“Idon’tknowwhotoldyouthat,becauseit’scompletelywrong.I’dhavelovedtohavestiffedTodFlynn.HegaveushellduringtheTroubles,butmyordersfromtheotherMasterwerequiteclear.PeterFlynnwastryingtotakeoverthedrugsceneinBelfastandwasseriouslydispleasingalotof
people.Al-Qaedawanteditsorted,andmeandmyfriendFrankBelltookcareofitasordered.”
“IgettheimpressionthatthefamilyandthosearoundthemhavealwaysbelievedTodFlynntohavebeentheintendedtarget,especiallyashisbrotherhadborrowedhiscarforthetriptoBelfast.”
“AreyousayingitleftTodfeelingguilty?Ifthat’strue,you’vemademyday.”
“Didyourordersincludethegirl?”
“No,andtheydidn’tincludehermothereither,”Tullysaid.“Fortunesofwar.They’realwaysgoingonaboutcollateraldamagethesedays,aren’tthey?Anyway,what’sthisallabout?”
“You’vealreadygotonehundredthousanddollarsinyouraccount,andit’syoursifyouandyourfriendgetyourselvesdownto
DrumgoolePlaceandtakeoutTodFlynnandTimKelly.”
ThelookonTully’sfacewaspuredelight.“You’venoideahowmuchofapleasurethatwouldbe.”
“Andanotherhundredthousandifyoudisposeofthegirl.”
Tullystoppedsmiling.“Isthatnecessary?”
“Shecouldbeaseriousthreattous.Ifthereisa
difficultyhere,Imustgoelsewhere.”
Bellwaslookinggrim,ranafingeracrosshisthroatandnoddedslightly.Tullysaid,“Noproblem,wecanseetothegirl,too.”
“I’llplacethesecondhundredthousandinyouraccountandonholdforthreedays.Afterthat,allbetsareoff.IntheglovecompartmentofyourJeepatthepub,youwillfindapackage
containingamobilelinkedonlytome.ItalsocontainsphotosofeveryonewhocouldbelinkedinanywaytoTodFlynn.”
“Whatabastard,”Tullysaidwhenthecallended.“HesoundedjustlikeoneofthoseBritjudgeswhousedtosentenceus.”Helaughedharshlyandreachedtotaketheverylargewhiskeythatwaspushedacrossthebar.
“Twohundredthousand
dollars.”Bellwassmiling.“HecanlookliketheQueenofSheba,asfarasI’mconcerned.Happydays,myoldson.”Heraisedhisglassandthenemptieditinonequickswallow.
—Hannah Flynn wasaremarkableyoungwomanharmedbylife,butshehadthreatenedtoexposeal-Qaeda
andhadtobeeliminated.WhichstillallowedtheMastertofeelnothingbutdistastewhereTullyandBellwereconcerned.Itwastimetomoveon,sohetappedinahighlysecretnumberinTehran.
—With his blue suitandstripedtie,theIranianMinisterofWar,seated
behindthemahoganydeskinthecomfortablyfurnishedroom,wouldnothavebeenoutofplaceintheWhiteHouseorDowningStreet.ButthiswasTehran,hisphonenumbersosecretthatwhenitrang,itwasusuallyamatterconcerningthehighestlevelsofgovernment.
HepickedupthephoneandsaidinFarsi,“Yes,whatisit?”
TheMasterrepliedin
English,“You’vebeentryingtotracethewhereaboutsofGeneralAlibenLevisincehisdisappearance.”
Theministersaid,“TowhomamIspeaking?”
“Iamthemanwhoreplacedhim.HewaskilledonaprivatemissiontoLondoninpursuitofhisdeputy,ColonelDeclanRashid,atraitortohiscountryanditsarmy.”
Theministerwasaghast.
“Rashid!Hisfatherwasafinegeneral,butthatIrishwifeofhis....Whereisthecolonelnow?”
“HewasbadlywoundedinLondon.GeneralCharlesFergusonisholdinghiminaprivatehospitalatthemoment.”
“WasFergusonresponsibleforwhathappenedtobenLevi?”
“IwishIcouldsaythathewas,butthegeneralwasshot
byoneofourownpeople,amalcontentwhohassincepaidthepenalty.”
“Sowhyareyoucalling?”“BecauseIbelieveDeclan
Rashidshouldbepunished.AndCharlesFergusonandhispeoplefinishedoffforgood.”
“Isupposethatwouldbebecauseoftheirsuccessagainstal-Qaeda,”theministersaid.“SorrythatIcan’thelpyouthere,butmy
governmentwouldreallyprefertoruleIranourselves.”
“Theremaycomeatimewhenyouregretit,”theMastertoldhim.
“Iwouldn’tbesurprised.Ialreadyhavesomanyregrets.What’sonemore?”Buthewasdeepinthought.
“DidyouknowthattherearescoresoflanguageschoolsinLondon?It’strue.Thesystemiswideopenifyouwanttoposeasastudent,
whichillegalsdowhosimplywanttoliveinEngland.We’vesentyoungofficerstosuchplacesforsometime,toperfecttheirlanguageskillsandlearntoadapttoWesternsociety.They’veallhadspecialforcestraining,ofcourse.”
“Sowhat’syourpoint?”“Iliketothinkofthemas
footsoldiers,menwhocanhandleanydirtyworkwhichcomesalong.Now,Iamnota
religiousman.IamindifferenttothemessageofOsamabinLaden.However,weliveinaworldofchange,andwhoknowswhatmayhappenpolitically?”
“Sowhatareyousaying?”“I’llmakeadealwithyou.
I’lltakecareofFergusonandhispeople.YoutakecareofDeclanRashid.It’samatterofhonor,forhedidbetrayallofus.IhavetwoSecretFieldPoliceforyou,quite
exceptionalindividuals.CaptainsAliHerimandKhalidAbed.”Hefollowedwithaphonenumber.“IshallspeaktothemandmakeplainwhatIexpect.TheycanpassasWesternerswithouttheslightesttrouble,andfrequentlydo.However,don’tcallmeagain.Letyourresultsspeakforthemselves.”
—Ali Herim and Khalid Abed
werecousins,thesonsofupper-classfamiliesinIran,educatedatanEnglishpublicschool,Winchester.They’denteredthearmyinTehrantogether,theicingonthecakeprovidedbyaspecialyearforforeignstudentsatSandhurstMilitaryAcademyintheU.K.
TherewasalwaysactionsomewhereintheMiddleEast,particularlyonthebordersoftheirowncountry,andtheyhadseenplenty,but
atransfertothearmy’sSecretFieldPolice,theSFP,hadappealedtobothofthemandtheyhadneverregrettedit.Recently,theirordershadtakenthemtoLondon,supportedbyexcellentfakepassportsthatturnedAliintoLanceHarveyandKhalid,hisyoungerbrotherbyeighteenmonths,intoAnthony.Dark-hairedandhandsome,intheirlatetwenties,theylookedexactlylikewhattheywere
supposedtobe,twoyoungEnglishgentlemenofmeans,outforagoodtimeanddeterminedtohaveone,arolethatAliandKhalidfittedperfectly,astheyhadabackgroundoffamilywealth,easilytappedintointheCityofLondon.Seatedoneithersideofthefireplaceintheparloroftheirmewscottage,theywerestunnedattheinformationthey’dhadtoabsorbfromtwophonecalls.
Thefirst,fromtheMinisterofWar,hadbeenconcernedwiththenewdirectiontheyweretotake.TheshockofthathadbarelysunkinwhentheMasterhadphoned.Religionhadneverbeenimportantforeitherofthem,butorderswereorders.
“ColonelDeclanRashid,theIrishman,astheycalledhimwhenwejoinedtheSFP.”Alishookhishead.“HisrecordintheIraqwar
wasamazing.”“Itdoesn’tmakesenseto
me,”Khalidsaid.“Themanisatruehero.”
“That’snotwhattheyaresayingwhenwordsliketraitorareflyingaround,”Alitoldhim.
Thedoortothestudystoodopen,acomputerbeeped,therewasthesoundoftheprinterworking.Alistoodup,wentin,andreturnedwithasheafof
papers.Khalidsatbesidehim.“HollandPark,”Khalid
said.“We’llhavetohaveadrivepast.Photosofeveryoneconnectedtotheaffair.Itwouldseemwearetoconsiderthemallaspossibletargets.Forthetimebeing,totallyfamiliarizeourselveswitheveryoneconnected,visitwheretheyliveandsoon,andbereadywhenneeded.”
“Aninterestingbunchof
peopleFergusonhas,”Alitoldhim.“ThisMajorRoper,thebombexpert,isalegendinhisownright,andtheIRAveteran,SeanDillon,wouldappeartobereadytokillanybody.”
“Andusuallydoes,”Khalidpointedout.“Gangstersplayanactiverole,too—thisisHarrySalterandhisnephewBilly.”
“Obviouslymuchindemand,”Alisaid.“Butlet’s
notforgetthelady.CaptainSaraGideon,theMilitaryCrossinAfghanistan.Butdon’tgetanyideasabouther,Khalid.She’sentirelythewrongpersuasionforyou,myson.SephardicJewish.HerpeoplehavebeeninEnglandsinceOliverCromwell.”
“Well,Icouldsaywe’reallpeopleofthebook,”Khalidtoldhim.
“Well,wedon’tneedtoargueaboutit.”Alishrugged.
“Ifshefindsoutwhoweare,she’dprobablyreachforherGlockandshootusboth.ToshootbackissomethingIrefusetocontemplate,butenoughfornow.Let’sgoalongtotheIvy,haveabitetoeatanddiscussaplanofcampaign.Bringtheinformationfileandthephotoswithyou,sowecanstudythemagain.”
“You’reon.”
—It was raining hard,theirMiniCooperparkedaroundthecorner.“Umbrellatime,”Khalidsaid,pickedoneoutofthestand,steppedoutside,andopenedit.Alijoinedhim.TheymovedintothestreetwheretheMiniCooperwasparked,foundaholeintheroad,threeworkmenshelteringinadoorway
smokingcigarettesandtalking.Twoofthemwereolder,roughandbrutal-looking,badlyshaved,wearingpeajackets.AyouthinayellowoilskinhadbeentellingajokeandstoppedastheIraniansapproached.
“Lookwhatwe’vegothere,acoupleofbleedingnancyboys.”Hiscompanionsroaredwithlaughter.
Alisaid,“Isn’tnaturewonderful?Thatthingcan
actuallytalk.”Theyouthranupbehind,
grabbinghimbytheshoulder.“Comehere,you.”
Khaliddodgedoutofthewaywiththeumbrella,leavingAlitoturn,grabtheyouth’swrist,twistitintoarigidbar,andrunhimintotheyellowvan.Thenosecrunched,theyouthcriedout,fallingtohisknees,rainwashingtheblooddownoverhisface.
Therewasaroarofangerfromthetwomen.ThefirstoutofthedoorstepreachedforAli,whospunaroundandstampedonhiskneecap.Asthemanstartedtogodown,Khalidraisedakneeintothedescendingface,liftinghimbacktofallacrosstheyouth.Theothermanretreated.
Alisaid,“Chalkituptoexperience,boys.Now,ifIwereyou,”hesaidtothestandingman,“I’dshove
theminthebackofyourvanandgetroundtoaccidentandemergencyatSt.Wilfred’s.Theydoalovelyjob,andit’sforfree.”
KhalidwasalreadybehindtheMiniCooper’swheel,andhestartedtheengine.Aliclimbedinbesidehim.
“Now,wherewerewe?Oh,yes,theIvyforabitetoeatandadiscussiononaplanofcampaign.”
—At the same time,theMasterwasphoningHamidBey.“Ibringyousomeinterestingnews,AnattemptwasmadeonthelifeofDr.AliSaiflastnightashewasleavingtheHollandParksafehouse.”
“Allahbepraised,”theimamsaid.“Whowasresponsible?”
“Betternottoknow,”theMastersaid.“There’ssuchwildnessaroundthesedays,andsomanyofouryoungpeoplebecomeangryanddisturbedwhentheyhearwhatishappeningtoourpeopleinSyria,Somalia,orEgypt.”
“Iagreewholeheartedly,butAllahwillforgivemeforbrandingAliSaifasablack-heartedtraitortohisreligionandpeople.”
“Toputitmildly,hehasfalteredonhisspiritualjourney,buthemayyetbesaved,andIbelieveyoucouldassistinthisregard.”
“Iamatyourcommand.”“Hewasbadlywounded
andisatpresentinaprivatehospitalnamedRosedene,whereGeneralCharlesFergusonprovidestreatmentforthoseinjuredinhisservice.”
“Ferguson,asIhardly
needtoremindyou,isoneofal-Qaeda’smostimplacableenemies,he’sdonegreatharmtousonoccasion,”HamidBeysaid.“WhatdoyousuggestIdo?”
“AsktoseeAliSaif.Anotunreasonablerequest.Asimam,youwerehisspiritualguide.”
“UntilhebetrayedtheCause,”HamidBeysaid.
“Yes,butyouwillputFergusononthespotwith
yourrequest.HelooksupontheArmyofGodandtheBrotherhoodthatgoeswithitastheenemy.”
“Whichweare,”HamidBeysaid.
“Youaremissingthepoint.Wemustatalltimesappeartobewhatweclaim,whichisaspiritualandeducationalorganization,offeringtheservicesofamultifaithdispensarytothelocalpopulation.Ialso
suggestyoutakeLilyShahwithyou.”
“WhywouldIdothat?”Hamidasked.
“BecausethefactthatsheisaChristianmaysmooththeway,indeedmakethingsratherawkwardforthem.SheisalreadysomethingofasaintinMuslimeyes.Allthishelpstowrong-footthepoliceandthecityauthorities.Awholerangeofmunicipalworkersaremembersofthe
ArmyofGodBrotherhood—aMuslimtradeunion,ifyoulike—buttous,aprivatearmy.Andthereislittletheycandoaboutit.”
“Iamproudtoserve,”HamidBeysaid.
“ProveitbyhavingoneofyourvanscallonCaptainSaraGideonatHighfieldCourttonight,”theMastertoldhim,andswitchedoff.
—Next, he phoned Lily Shah.“There’ssomethingIwantyoutodo,”andhetoldherwhathehadjustarrangedwiththeimam.
“Whatwillbethepurposeofthis?”sheasked.“IfAliSaifhasgunshotwounds,hewillbelaidlowforsometime,butwhenhelefttheArmyofGodtojoinFerguson,hemusthavebeen
aninvaluablesourceofinformation.Aboutme,forinstance.”
“EveryembassyinLondonhasanintelligenceunit.Peoplelikeusknowwhotheyareandtheyknowwhoweare.Therealworkistryingtofindoutwhattheotherpeopleareuptoandwhattheirnextmovewillbe.”
“Isee,soitdoesn’tmatterthatAliSaifhastold
FergusonwhatkindofpeopleweareatPoundStreet?”
“Exactly,becausethat’squitedifferentfromknowingwhatweintendtodonext.Soyou’llhelp?”
“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”
“Justkeepyoureyesopen,ifindeedyouareallowedintoRosedene.Anyinformationabouttheplacecouldbeimportant.Anotherpatientthereandsuffering
gunshotwoundsisColonelDeclanRashid,oncedeputycommanderoftheSecretFieldPolice,nowatraitortoIranandanassociateofFerguson’s.Iespeciallywanttoknowabouthim.”
Hesaunteredoff,leavingheranxiousandtroubled,mainlybecauseshewasnolongersurethatshewantedtodothisandwasbeginningtoquerywhatwashappening.Itwasanewexperience,butit
wasrealenough.Sheshookherhead,pulledherselftogether,andmoveddownstairstoreception,wherehelpwasalwaysneeded.
—Major Max Shelby,superintendentofMI5’sTenbyStreetsafehouse,wassittingaloneintheloungeatRosedenewhenSaraarrived.AnoldIntelligenceCorps
hand,hewas,likeSara,aPashtoandArabicspeaker.Althoughinhissixties,he’dreturnedtothearmybecauseofthepressuresofterrorism,andgladtodoit.Hisonlyson,aHouseholdCavalrycaptain,hadbeenkilledbyaroadsidebombonhisthirdtourinAfghanistan.
Hestoodupandkissedheronthecheek.“You’relookingwonderful,asusual.FergusonisinBellamy’s
office,discussingAli’scondition.”HeandSarahadfirstmetinAfghanistan.
“Haveyouseenhim?”sheasked.
“Onlythroughthewindowofhisroom.He’sallwiredup,butBellamy’sconfidenthe’llpullthrough.”
“Butwhatas?”sheasked.“Godknows,butatleast
he’salive.”Therewaspaininhisvoice.
Shereachedtosqueezehis
hand.“How’sMary?”“Whenshediscoveredthat
theTalibanhaddisplayedthebodypartsofmysoninathorntree,shebecameawalkingcorpseandoverdosedonsleepingpills.Igotaclosedcourtorderandhadhercrematedeightdaysago.Ididn’tseetheneedtoadvertise.”Heshrugged.“Priceofwar,astheysay.”
Shegavehimasuddenfiercehug.“Comeon,Max,
rememberwhatweusedtosayinHelmandProvinceabouttheTaliban?Don’tletthebastardsgrindyoudown.”
Hesaidgravely,“Thetroubleis,love,thatsomedaysIthinkthey’vesucceeded.”Therewasrealpainthereforamoment,andthenhehuggedher.“Whatamarvelouswomanyouare.”
“Allowmetosecondthat.”DeclanRashidemergedfromthecorridorina
tracksuit,atowelaroundhisneck,awalkingstickinhisrighthand.“HowarethingsatTenbyStreet,Max?”heasked,fortheyhadbecomegoodfriends.
“We’llmissAliforsure.He’sgotarealgiftforinterrogation,”themajortoldhim,asFergusonandBellamyappeared.
“What’sthesituation?”Saraasked.
“He’lloccasionally
surface,sayafewwords,thensinkbackagain.Idobelievehe’llrecovereventually,butwe’renottalkingaweekortwolikethecolonelhere,morelikeacoupleofmonths.”ThatwasBellamy.
“That’sallIwantedtoknow,”Shelbysaid.“I’velostmybestinterrogator,soI’llleaveyoutoitandgetbacktoTenbyStreet.”
“Givemeamoment,Major,ifyoudon’tmind,”
Fergusonsaid.“I’dlikeyouropiniononaratherimportantmatter.”
“Andwhatwouldthatbe,General?”
“WhatwouldyousayifItoldyouI’vehadImamHamidBeyonthephoneaskingpermissiontovisitAliSaif?”
“Youmeanhere?”ThelookonShelby’sfacewasoneofamazement.
“Yes,andhe’dalsoliketo
bringsomeonefromthedispensarywithhim,aMrs.LilyShah,whoisapparentlyaChristian.”
“Idon’tseewhatthat’sgottodowithanything,”Shelbysaid.“Iknowher.ShemarriedanAlgerianchargenursewhoworshippedOsamabinLaden,wenttoGazaayearagowhenAQorderedhim,andwaskilledinanIsraeliairstrike.ButshestayedaChristian.Mindyou,
she’spopularatthemosqueinspiteofthat.”
“So,takingthatintoaccount,”Fergusonsaid,“whatwouldyoudo?”
“ShootHamidBey,butthatnotbeingviable,Isupposeitmightbeusefultoallowthemin.Knowthyenemy,myoldcolonelusedtosay.”
“Verysensible,”Fergusonsaid.“Ithinkwe’llgiveitawhirl.”
Shelbyshrugged.“You’reincharge,General,butifyou’llexcuseme,I’vegottogetbacktoTenbyStreet.Abitofasituationthereatthemomentwithwhat’shappenedtoAliSaif.We’reshorthanded,yetI’mexpectedtoturnupattheMinistryofDefenceumpteentimesadaytotalktoidiots.SometimesIdespair.”
“Offyougo,then,watchyourback.Difficultdays
ahead,Ithink,Major.”“Isupposethat’swhatwe
joinedfor,General.”MaxShelbysmiledandwasgone.
Fergusonsighedandmurmured,“Yes,butwewereyoungerthen.”
FindingDeclanandSaramissing,hepursuedthesoundofvoicesalongthecorridorandfoundthemstandingatthereceptionwindowtoAli’sroom,peeringin.Hewasunconscious,festoonedwith
electronicequipment,hisbodyconnectedtotubesinjectinghimwithfluidsofonekindoranother.
“Helooksmoredeadthanalive,”Declanmurmured.
“Youmustn’tsaythat,”Saratoldhim.“It’sbadluck.Neverforget,hesavedourlivesattheParkLaneshoot-outwhenthatcreepRasoultriedtoambushus.”
Fergusonmovedforward.“Hecertainlydid,andit
won’tbeforgotten,butI’vetoldRopertocallinthetroops.We’reduetogettogetherinthecomputerroominanhour,soIneedtogetmoving.”HeturnedtoSara.“MyDaimleriswaiting,canIofferyoualift?”
“Noneed,sir,IcameinDillon’sMini.”
“I’llseeyouthere.”HeturnedtoDeclan.“Asforyou,Colonel,anearlynightisindicated.Youmusttakeit
slowly.Afterall,you’vehadagoodinning.”
Hehurriedaway,andsheturnedandsmiled.“I’dbettergetgoing.”
“MydearSara,Iknowyou’reWonderWomanandwillbearmedtotheteethasusual,butIsuspectthingsarereallystirringagain,andtwoofusintheMiniwouldlookbetterthanoneifsomeoneistakingthewrongkindofinterestinyou.”
“Andwhat’sFergusongoingtosaytothat?”sheinquired.
“Whocares?Justletmegetsuitablydressed.”
Hehurriedalongthecorridortohisroom,foundabomberjacket,pullediton,tookaColt.25fromitsinsidepocket,checkedthattheweaponwasloaded,andreturnedtoher.
“Youreallyarealovelyman.”Shesmiledandpatted
hischest,feelingthegun.“Ithoughtso.WhatamIgoingtodowithyou,Colonel?”
“Oh,we’llhavetoleavethatuntillater.Let’sgetmoving.”
Shelaughed,allowinghimtotakeherarm,andtheymovedoutofthefrontentranceintothecarpark,pausingbesidetheMiniwhileshefoundthekeys.Allthis,KhalidAbed,sittingintheMiniCooperbesideAli
Herimatthewheel,sawclearlythroughNightstalkerbinoculars.
HeshovedthemintoAli’shands.“ThecouplegettingintheoldMini.DeclanRashidandGideon.”
“Idobelieveyou’reright,”Alisaid.
“Sowhatdowedo,shootthem?”KhalidproducedasilencedWaltherPPK.
Alipushedhiscousin’shanddown.“Let’sseewhere
they’regoing,butifit’sHollandPark,Iwon’tstop.Afterwhathappenedtheothernight,theirsurveillancecameraswillbeworkingovertime.”
ButHollandParkitwas,fortheyhaddrivenpastitearlierintheday,soAlicarriedon,turningintothemainroadtraffic.
“Sowhatdowedonow?”Khalidaskedagain,exasperated.
“Well,there’snowherewecanwaittofollowthemwhentheycomeout.AclosereadofalotofthatstufftheMastersentusmakesclearhowmuchAQrelyontheArmyofGodpeopletohandlesurveillance.”
“Whatdoyousuggest?Thatweknockoffsomeyellowvan,posingasstreetcleanersinyellowoilskins,andtaketothestreets?”
“No,wecanalwaysget
peoplelikethattodoourbidding,”Alitoldhim.
“Sowhatdowedo?”Khalidasked.
“Notwasteourtimesittinginthecar.IsuggestweadjourntotheDorchesterBar,splitabottleofchampagne,indulgeinadeliciouslightsupper,andgivethemattersomethought.”
“Soundsgoodtome,especiallyifyoufindtimeto
answerthemostintriguingquestionoftheevening,whichiswhywouldn’tyouletmeshootthemwhentheyweresucheasytargets?”
“Becausetheywere,”Alisaid.“Willthatdo?”
“Ah,nowIunderstand.You’vebeensubornedbybeingeducatedatanEnglishpublicschoolandfinishedoffwithayearatdearoldSandhurst,thefinestmilitaryacademyintheworld.An
indifferenteducationforaspy.”
“Iwouldpointoutthatthesameappliestoyou,Cousin,”AlitoldhimasheswungoutofParkLaneandroareduptotheentranceoftheDorchester.“Sojustshutupforawhileandgivemetimetothink.”
TheSaltersweretalkingtoRoperwhenDeclanandSarawentin.TheSalters’minders,JoeBaxterandSamHall,werethere,too,andTonyDoylewasleaningagainstthebackofRoper’swheelchair.DillonandFergusoncameintogether,andthegeneral
frownedonseeingDeclan.“Doyouthinkthisiswise,
Colonel?”“Well,itseemstomethat
sinceI’vegottojointhehumanracesometime,Imightaswelldoitwithsomethingreallyimportant.Ontopofthat,Ineedtheexercise.WhatIcallalternativetherapy.”
HarrySalterlaughedharshly.“Justlistentohim.Iknowallaboutyou,oldson,
shotsomanytimesovertheyearsthatyou’velostcount.You’rejustasbadasBillyhere.Bellamy’sputhimbacktogetheragainafewtimes,Icantellyou.”
“Leaveitout,Harry,”Billytoldhisuncle.“I’mstillhere,aren’tI,servingQueenandcountry?”
“OnlybecausethegeneralpaidadiscreetvisittoScotlandYardandgotyourpolicerecordswipedclean,”
Harrytoldhim.“Otherwise,thesecurityserviceswouldn’thavetouchedyou.”
“Enoughalready,”Dillonsaid.“Let’sgetonwithit.”
“Herewego,”BillySaltersaid.“It’snylon-and-titaniumwaistcoattimeunlessI’mverymuchmistaken.IknowIshouldhaveboughtmoresharesintheWilkinsonSwordCompany.”
“Shutup,Billy,”Fergusonsaid.“Justsoeverybodyhere
knowsexactlywhathappenedonNantucket,I’llgothroughit.”
Whenhewasfinished,Harrysaid,“Dillon,youwerearightbastardasusual,andyou,Sara,aregettingbetterallthetime,butyou’veseriouslyannoyedal-Qaeda,Icanseethat.Notonlydidyoudisposeoftheirtwohitmen,butal-Qaedadoesn’tevengetbrowniepointsfortrying.Theywon’tforgiveusfor
that.”“Whichiswhyweare
meeting,Harry,”Dillonputin.“They’regoingtoneedsomesortofrevengetokeeptheircredibilityintheworld.”
“Whatcouldweexpect,doyouthink—somekindofspectacular?”Billydemanded.“AnotherbombinginLondon,anattemptonthePrimeMinister?”
Ropersaid,“No,thisis
personal.Oncetheygettheiracttogether,they’llcomeafterus.I’veneverbeenmorecertain.”
“SoBillywasright,”Fergusonsaid.“Iwantyouwearingbulletproofvestsatalltimes,andarmed.Noexceptions.Whatyouhaven’tgot,pickupinthesupplydepartmentbeforeyouleave.”
HeturnedtoHarrySalter.“You’recompletelylegit
thesedays,butforyears,youwereoneofthemostsuccessfulcrooksintheLondonunderworld.There’snotmuchthathappensinthistownthatyourassociatesdon’tknowabout.Squeezethemdry.”
“Done.Idon’thavemanyMuslimsources,though.”
“Wehavetobecarefulthere,”Roperputin.“TheBrotherhoodandtheArmyofGodhandlethemselves
cleverly.They’realegitimatecharity.”
“Butthat’sjustafront,”Harrysaid.
“Weallknowthat,”Ropersaid.“Butthey’veplayeditwell.We’vejustgottolearntoboxalittlemorecleverlythantheydo.”
“WhataboutImamHamidBey’srequesttovisitAliSaif?”Sarasaid.“Haveyoumadeadecision?”
Fergusonnodded.“Ithink
MaxShelbywasrighttopointoutthevalueinkeepingyourenemiesclose,soI’mgoingtoallowit.LilyShah,too.”Heraisedahand.“Andyes,Iknowherhusbandwasal-Qaeda.”
“AndDrumgoole?”Dillonasked.“Youseemedinterestedingoingyourself.”
“I’dhaveenjoyeddoingthat,believeme,butthePrimeMinisterinsistsIstayavailable.”
“SoSaraandIwillhavetomanageonourown,”Dillonsaid.
“Thatwon’tdoatall,youneedathirdgun.”FergusonnoddedtoBillySalter.“Doyoufeeluptoit?Iknowyou’vebeenthroughthegrinderthislasttwoorthreeyears,andBellamyhashisconcernsaboutyou.”
“TimeIgotoutinthefreshair,”Billysaid.“Anddon’tlistentoOldFather
Timehere.”HarrySalterscowled.
“Sillyyoungbastard.They’llbesendingyouhomeinaboxoneofthesedays.”
“Well,keepmeoutofHighgateCemeteryiftheydo,”Billytoldhim.“Idon’twanttobeanywherenearKarlMarx.”
Fergusonnodded.“That’ssettled,then.You’llleavetomorrowmorning.WhenyougettoDublin,drive
straighttoDrumgoolewithoutwarning.ThatshouldputthefearofGodinthem.”
“TheTodFlynnIwasraisedwithdidn’tdofear,”Dillonsaid.“Hewastoobusygettingagunoutfast.”
“AndafterDillon’sphonecall,weareexpected,”Sarapointedout.“Sowhatarewesupposedtodo,trytorecruitthem?”
“Theycertainlycan’tbearrested,”Dillonsaid.
“We’veestablishedthat.”“Justtrustyourinstincts,”
Fergusonsaid.“Ithinkyourmovewillbecomeclearonceyou’rethere.Now,timetorestup.”
Ropermovedoffinhiswheelchair,theothersgotuptofollow,andDeclanlurchedbadly,almostdroppinghisstick,andDilloncaughthim.
“Thereyouare,”Fergusonsaid.“You’vegottotakeiteasy,Colonel,andsinceyou
wereshot,onmybehalfinamannerofspeaking,I’mgoingtomakethatanorder.Youwillretiretobedintheguestwingatonce,andProfessorBellamycanhaveyourecoveredbytheRosedeneambulanceinthemorning.”
“He’sright,”Sarasaid.“Youshouldbeinbed.”
Hewasobviouslyinpain,andnodded.“Okay,soI’vebeenstupid.”
TonyDoyleappearedwithawheelchairandeasedhimintoit.Theothershadmovedon,theirvoicesdriftingbackcallinggoodnight.
“I’llbeintouch.Offyougo.”SaraturnedtoDillon.“Whataboutyou?”
“I’mstayingovernight,andsoisFerguson.I’llcheckonthecolonellater.”
“I’llneedclothesforourtrip,”shesaid,“CanIborrowthatwonderfulsupercharged
oldMiniofyoursagain?IthinkI’vefalleninlovewithit.”
Hesmiled.“Ofcourseyoucan,butinviewofwhatFergusonsaid,takecare.”
“Alwaysdo.”SheproducedaColt.25fromherrearbeltholster.“SeewhatagoodgirlIam.FromheretoHighfieldCourtisseventeenminutesinthatMiniofyours,Dillon,I’vetimedit.”
“ThenIsuggestyoutake
doublycare.”SheholsteredtheColt.
“Youknowwhattheysay?TotheheroofAbusan,anythingispossible.HowmanyTalibandidIslaughterwiththatmachinegun?”
“Yourcitationsaidtwenty.”
“AndwhathasitachievedwhereAfghanistanisconcerned?”
“Notathing,andifyouexpectedsomethingdifferent,
youwereseriouslymisinformed.AsthearmyleavesHelmandProvince,thenewsisthattheTalibanaremovingbackin,soyou’reentitledtoaskwhatthewarwassupposedtobeabout.”
“Damnyou,SeanDillon.”“Alreadytakencareof,”
hetoldher,“Sogohomeandgetagoodnight’ssleep.Ineedyousharponthisone.TodFlynnandKellyhavebeenplayingthegreatgame
formorethanthirtyyearsandthey’restillinonepiece.I’drememberthatifIwereyou.Nightbless,Sara.”
Heturnedandwalkedaway.
—At the Dorchester,AliandKhalidhadenjoyedtheirmeal,sharedabottleofKrugchampagne,andweredebatingwhethertoorder
anotherone.“It’sbeenratheran
abortiveevening,”Khalidsaid.“First,youpreventmefrommakingtheeasiesthitinmycareer,thenthetargetsdropinatwhatmustbeoneofthebest-guardedsafehousesinLondon.”
Aliglancedathiswatch.“It’sbeenaboutanhourandahalfsincetheywentin.”
“Andcouldhaveleftatanytime.Ithinkwemayas
wellgohome.”“Justgivemeamoment.”
AlihadbroughtthefoldercontainingtheinformationfileandphotosofFerguson’speople,fromthecar.Hemadeaquickcheck.“Ithoughtso.SaraGideonlivesathergrandfather’shousenotfarfromhere.Let’sgoandhavealook.Youneverknow.”
“Thenlet’sgetonwithit.”Khalidturnedandbeckoned
toawaiter.
—Outside, they turned intoSouthAudleyStreet,linedwithparkedcarsallthewaytoGrosvenorSquare.Justbeforethesquareontherightwasasidestreet,HighfieldPlace,anenclaveofseveralmid-Victorianproperties,thelargestbeingHighfieldCourt,standingbackfromtheroad,animposinggatedproperty.
AlimanagedtofindaspaceinSouthAudleyStreetandtheylookedacross,KhalidusinghisNightstalkers.“That’stheaddress,thelargeonewiththegarden.”Hestiffenedsuddenly.“Well,Inever,cousin.There’savanparkedattheendofthestreet.”
“Isityellow?”Alidemanded.
“Difficulttosayinthislight.WhatIcanseeis
‘PublicWorks’paintedonthesideinlargeletters.Ah,that’sit.Aguyjustgotoutandhe’sdefinitelyinyellow.He’scrossingtheroadtothegates.Interestingthatthey’reopen.”
“Evenmoreinteresting,”Alisaid,“isthefactthathehasjuststeppedinsidewithoutanysecuritylightscomingon,whichcanonlymeanonething.”
“Andwhat’sthat?”“I’dsayanambushhas
beensetupforCaptainSaraGideon.”
“Thebastards,”Khalidsaidasthemansteppedbackoutintotheroad,leavingabriefglimpseoftwoothersbehindhiminthegardenwhomergedintothedarkashecrossedtothevan.
“Why,Khalid,”Alisaid.“ThistimeitisIwhoamaskingyouwhosesideyouareon.”
“Myown,”Khalidsaid.“I
don’tlikeanybodybuttingintoourbusiness.AndIdon’tlikecomplications.”
“Thenlet’suncomplicateit.”Alirummagedintheglovecompartment,pulledouttwoskimasks,andtossedonetohim.“Getthatonfast.It’slate,soIsuspectshecouldturnupatanyminute.Weonlymoveinifshe’salone.IfDillonorFergusoniswithher,westayoutofit.Ifwedohavetointerfere,
you’re—let’ssay,aroughCockneyputtingthebootin.Okay?”
Atthatmoment,Sarapassedthem,swungintoHighfieldPlace,turnedintotheopengates,andbrakedtoahalt.
“Shesmellsarat.”Khalidpulledonhisskimask.
ThesecuritylightsinthegardencameonandshetooktheMiniforward.“They’vedonethattodrawherin,”Ali
said,alsopullingonhisskimask.
Themanfromthevanhurrieddownthestreetandenteredthegate,anditwasKhalidwhosaid,“Whatarewewaitingfor,Cousin?”
Hekickedopenthedoorandranacrosstheroad,pullingaWaltherPPKfromhispocket,andreachedthegate,Alirightbehindhim,bothofthemlookingquiteterrifying.
—The plan had beencunningenough,itsmainpurposeconfusion.Theopengate,thedarknesstoarousesuspicion,andthenthelightssuddenlycomingon,afalseindicationthateverythingwasallright.She’dbrakedatthebottomoftheterracesteps,openedthedriver’sdoor,andhadimmediatelyhadtwolarge
meninyellowuniformsburstfromtheshrubberytograbherfrombehindthewheel,oneofthemwithhandcuffs.Shewasfightinglikeatigerwhenthethirdmanarrived.
“Getthecuffsonherandlet’sgetoutofhere,”hesaidastheystruggled.
Heturnedatthesoundoffootstepsrunningbehindthemandfacedtheterrifyingsightofamaskedmanarriving,armswingingto
slashhimacrossthefacewiththeWalther.ThemanwiththehandcuffslookedupfromSarainalarm,andasecondmaskedmanbootedhimunderthechin.Thethirdmantriedtoscrambletohisfeet,andthefirstonegavehimthesameblowacrossthefacehe’dgiventhehandcuffman,viciousandbrutal,nopity.
Sara,roughedupandconfused,gottoherfeet,scrabbledforherColtand
drewit,slightlybewildered.“Whoareyou?”
“JustacoupleofGoodSamaritans,”Alisaid,“helpingaladyindistress.Idon’tthinkyou’llneedyourpistol.We’lljustgetthesenastymenoutofyourhair.Whydon’tyougointothehouseandjustforgetiteverhappened,darling.It’sagoodjobwewerepassing.”
“Anicehotbath,love,that’swhatI’drecommend,”
Khalidsaidashehauledthethirdmantohisfeettojointheothertwo.“Whatarewegoingtodowiththem?”heaskedhiscousininasclosetoaCockneyaccentashecouldmanage.
“Kneecapping’sasgoodasanything,butjustgetthebleederstotheirvanandwe’llsee.”
Atthatmoment,thefrontdooropenedontheterraceandSadieCohen,the
housekeeper,called,“Isthatyou,Sara,iseverythingokay?”
“I’dsayyesifIwereyou,”Alisaid.“We’llbegoingnow.”HeturnedandfollowedKhalidashepushedthementowardthevan,Waltherinhand.
Whentheygotthere,Khalidsaid,“Nowwhat?”
“Oneatthewheel,theothertwobehind,windowsdownsoyoucanleaninand
shoottheoneontheleftinthekneecap.I’lldotheoneontheright.Withluck,itshouldcripplethem.”
Itwasoververyquickly,thedullthudsofthesilencedpistols,thegroansofthetwovictims.Thegibberingfearoftheonebehindthewheel.“Luckyforyoutheyneedadriver.IsuggestyoutrythedispensaryatthePoundStreetmosque.Theyoffercare,eventoscumlikeyou,”
Khalidtoldhim.Theydroveoffquickly.
Thecousinswalkedbrisklyaway,removingtheirmasksastheyturnedthecornerandcrossedtheroad.Alisaid,“Youcertainlypassedthattestwithflyingcolors.You’vegotabitofaflairforacting,ifyouaskme.”
“Yes,butyouwontheOscar,Cousin.”KhalidsmiledastheygotintotheMiniCooper.“Isupposeit
comesofhavingbeenaprefectatWinchester.”
“Inmyopinion,we’veearnedatreat.Thatsecondbottleofchampagnewewereconsidering?”
“YoumeanreturntotheDorchester?”
“Whynot?”Alisaid.“Thenightisyoung.”
SoheswungtheMiniCooperaroundanddrovebackdownGreatAudleyStreet.
—Sara’s call broughtFergusonandDilloninstantly,followedbyRoperinthevandrivenbyTonyDoyle,whounloadedhiminhiswheelchair.Agrim-facedSadieCohenadmittedthem.
“Hasitalwaysgottobelikethis,Major?”sheinquired.
“Soitwouldappear,Sadie.”
Angry,shestrodealongthecorridor,openedthelargemahoganydoor,andledthewayintoRabbiNathanGideon’sVictorianlibrary,whereSarawassittingononesideoftheperiodfireplace,facedbyFergusonandDillon.
Foronce,Roperwasmissinghisusuallazysmile.“Havetheyhurtyou?”
Shegotup,wenttotakehisoutstretchedhand,and
kissedhimonthecheek.“No,I’mfine.TheyweredisguisedasPublicWorksmeninoneofthoseyellowvans.Isawitflashbyafterward.Mymysterioussaviorsfollowedonfootandwentthesameway.Perhapstheyhadacarwaiting.”
“Andthesaviors,yousaid,kneecappingwasmentioned?”Dillonsaid.“That’sanoldIRAcustom.”
“TherewasnothingIrish
aboutthem,”Sarasaid.“AcoupleofCockneyhardboys.Theycertainlydidn’ttakeprisoners.Theydishedoutsomeveryroughstuffandlaughedaboutit.Igottheimpressionthey’dseenithappeningandjustgotstuckinforthehellofit.Mindyou,theywerearmed.”
“Well,alotofpeoplearethesedays,”Fergusonsaid.
Roper,whohadbeenexaminingacomputerbuilt
intohiswheelchair,said,“There’ssomeinterestingnewshereontheScotlandYardnightreport.APublicWorksyellowvancollidedwithacleansingcartinWigmoreStreet.Thedriver’sskullwasfracturedintheincidentandtwopassengerswerefoundtohavegunshotwoundsintheknee.”
Sadie,whohadjustpushedinatrolleyandwaspouringcoffee,said,“Soat
lastwe’regettingsomewhere.”
“I’mafraidnot,”Ropertoldherasshehandedhimacup.“ThewoundedmenwillundoubtedlybemembersoftheBrotherhood,whowillclaimthatthosewhoattackedthemhadaracialmotive.They’lldisclaimallknowledgeofthevan,whichwasprobablystolenanyway.”
“Onething’sforcertain,”Dillonsaid.“Obviously,the
Irishflightwillbepostponed.”
“Certainlynot,”Sarasaid,beforeanyonecouldspeak.“IthinkI’dprobablybesafertherethanIamhere.”SheturnedtoFerguson.“Iwantthatclearlyunderstood.”
“Andsoitis,Captain,”hesaidgravely.“Youhaveaclearsenseofduty,andIadmirethat.”
“Whichisallverywell,butIreallywouldliketoget
tobednow.”“Soyoushall,”Ferguson
toldher.“Butthereisoneproviso.StaffSergeantDoylemovesinnowandstaysonuntilyoureturn.Idon’twantSadieleftonherown.”
Sadiesaid,“Why,GeneralFerguson,Ididn’tknowyoucared,andyes,I’dappreciatethesergeantbeingonhand.Infact,thereareanumberofthingsaroundherethatcoulddowithaman’stouch.”
“I’myourstocommand,MissSadie,”Doylesaid.
“Nevermindthat.I’llsortyoulater,butforthemoment,I’dliketherestofyoutomoveoutandallowSaratogotobed.”
Sotheywent,leavingTonyDoyletoguardthewall,ashewouldhavesaid,DillontakingoverthedutyofgettingRoperintothevanandbacktoHollandPark.
Theydeparted,andSadie
turnedtoDoyle.“You,intothekitchenandwe’lldiscusstheregime.”ThensheturnedtoSara:“Ithinkyou’recrazytogoonthisIrishtriptomorrow,butyoucertainlywon’tunlessyougetsomesleeptonight,soofftobedwithyou.”
AndSara,yawning,climbedthestairsobediently.
—There was not much
differencebetweennightanddayforGilesRoper,sittinginhiswheelchair,hisshoulder-lengthhairpulledbackinapigtailfromhisbomb-ravagedface.Amanwhoshouldhavediedmanytimes,thegreatsurvivor,keptgoingbytherightdrugsandadietofwhiskey,cigarettes,andbaconsandwiches.
Buthewaskingofcyberspace,alsokeptalivebythosedozensofscreensinhis
computerroom,constantlypresentingnewinformationtohisfertilebrain.Atfive-thirtyinthemorning,hewasfillingamugfromtheteaurnandconsideringtheday’sventuretoDrumgooleandTodFlynn,whosecareerwasonhismainscreen,whenDillonappearedinatracksuit,atowelaroundhisneck.
“You’reupearly,consideringwhathappenedlastnight,”Ropertoldhim.
“Couldn’tsleep,toomuchonmymind,”Dillonsaid.“ThoughtI’dhaveaswimandsomesteam,shakemyselfupabit.You,ofcourse,neverleavethechair.”
“Needassistanceforthat,butwhenIwantto,Icansummonthewholeworldtomyscreens.Asyousee,I’vebeenlookingatourtargetfortoday,yourcousinTodFlynn.”
“SoInotice,”Dillonsaid.“Andthat’sAuntMegwithhim,youngHannahwhenshewasfourteen,hisbrotherPeterandhiswife.”
Heturnedaway,pouredteaintoamug,laceditwithwhiskey,thenhelpedhimselftooneofRoper’scigarettes.
“PooroldSean,”Ropersaid.“Familyiseverythingwhenyoucomedowntoit.Youdon’tliketothinkaboutwhathappenedshortlyafter
thatphotowastaken.ThecarbombthatkilledyourcousinPeterandhiswifeandcrippledtheirdaughter.”
Dillonshowednoemotion.“ItwasTod’scartheywerein,thebombobviouslymeantforhim.HewasabignameinhisdayandveryimportanttotheProvos.Therewouldhavebeenplentyofpeoplewithascoretosettle.”
“Andwhatdoyouknow
aboutthis?”ThescreenshowedTod’s
brotherstandingbeforeapillaredentrance,aneonsignaboveitthatsaidFlynn’s.
“Doyourecognizethat?”“Onlybythephoto.
Althoughhe’dinheritedDrumgoolePlace,itwasneverenoughforhim.HelefthiswifeandAuntMeginchargeandmadeforBelfast,whichwasawide-opentownduringtheTroubles.He
hadn’ttheslightestinterestinpolitics.Everythingwasbusinessandmakingabuck.”
“Whichwaswhyheleasedanoldcinemaandconverteditintoaballroom?”
Dillonnodded.“Itwasalsoduringthefinaltwoyearsofthepeaceprocess,whichfinallyreleasedmenlikeTodandKellyfromtheMaze.I’dmovedabroadbythentoassistotherpeoplewiththeirproblems.”
“Yes,well,wewon’tgointothat,”Ropersaid.“WereyouawarethattheballroombusinesswasonlyafrontforPeterFlynn,whocontrolledaminidrugempirefromthepremises,madeagreatdealofmoney,andgotawaywithit?”
“No,Ididn’t.IwastoobusybeingchasedbytheRoyalUlsterConstabularyandtheBritishArmywhileIwasstillinUlster.”
“DoyouthinkTodFlynnknew?”
“I’venoidea.Lifewasconfusioninthosedays.IheardthatPetercloseddowntheballroomandreturnedtoDrumgoole,whereheeventuallyofferedahometoTodandKellywhentheygotoutofprison.Theyworkedonthestudfarmandusedtheaddresstooffertheirservicesassecurityspecialists.”
“Sowhatdoyouthink
aboutwhathappenedtoPeterandhisfamily?”
“I’vetoldyou.ItwasTod’scarwhichPeterhadborrowed.Whoeveritwasgotthewrongtarget.”
“WhichmusthaveleftTodriddledwithguiltandfeelingsomehowresponsible,especiallysincehehadtoknowothersinthefamilysawitthatway,too,includingtheniece.”
Dillonpouredanothercup
oftea.“I’msurethat’strue,butwhat’syourpoint,Giles?”
“Thatmyscreenstellanotherstory.Trythisone.”
ThefilmthatappearedshowedtheOrangeDrum,andwasobviouslyafewyearsoldandinblackandwhite.AnoldRoversaloonappeared,brakedtoahalt,andFergusTullygotout,followedbyateenagegirl.FrankBellcamearoundfromtheothersidetojointhem
andtheywalkedtowardthecamera,smilingandchatting.
“You’llknowthesepeople,Ipresume?”
“Ohyes,”Dillonsaid.“TheuglybastardisFergusTully,knowntothepressastheShankhillButcher,oneofthemostfearedhitmenintheUVF.TheteenagegirlishisdaughterMyra,sothatfootagemusthavebeentakenmanyyearsago.She’dbeaboutfortynow.”
“Sheisindeed.HaslivedinLondonforsomeyears,butwe’llleaveherforthemoment.Whatabouttheother?”
“FrankBarry,thebrainsoftheduo,alsoUVF.Butwhat’sthepointofallthis?”
“PeterFlynnhaddecidedtoreturntothedrugscene,buttimeshadchanged,therewereothersinthegangnow,andhewasn’twanted.Atthattime,mostofthegoodstuff
wascominginfromHolland,whereal-Qaedahadorganizedthedeliverysystemverysuccessfully.NowPeterwasgoingtoruineverythingbytryingtomusclein,soAQdecidedhehadtogo.”
“Sothat’swhereTullyandBellcamein?”Dillonasked.
“I’mafraidso,Sean,”Ropersaid.“Whoownedthecarhadnothingtodowithit.Peterwasthetarget,al-Qaedabehindit.”
“Andthefactthathiswifeandfourteen-year-olddaughterwerewithhimdidn’tbotherthosebastardsintheslightest.”Dillon’sfacewasdark.
Ropersaid,“Whatgoesaround,comesaround,butwe’vegototherfishtofrytoday.We’llthinkofsomethingspecialforTullyandBellanothertime.”
“Youcancountonthat,Ipromiseyou.Whatwereyou
goingtosayaboutMyra?”“ShewenttoLondon
yearsagoandmarriedacousin,Brendan,soshe’sstillaTully.HewasmoreCockneythanIrish,agangsterfromchildhood.He’sworkinghiswaythroughafifteen-yearsentenceforafailedgoldrobberyatStanstedAirporttwoyearsago.They’vegothiminBelmarsh.”
“Sowhat’ssheupto?”
“Runningthecrewwhilehe’saway,fromadocksidedevelopmentabouthalfamiledownriverfromtheSalters.IrishWharf.WhatusedtobeanoldpubcalledtheSash.She’sturneditintoanightclub.”
“Godsaveus,withanamelikethat,itcanonlybeaProtestantpub.”Dillonlaughed.“JustlikeBelfast.AreyousendingadigestofallthatuptoFerguson’s
office?”“Heisn’tthere.Hegota
textatoneo’clocktosaythePrimeMinisterwantedabreakfastmeetingatDowningStreet,sohedecidedtoclearofftoCavendishPlace.I’llsendittohimthere.”
“AnddothesameforSaraandBilly.Someofthefactsyou’veuncovereddomakethesituationatDrumgooleratherdifficult.I’dlikethemtoknowexactlywhattheyare
gettinginto.”“Thatmakessense,”
Ropersaid.“I’llseeyoulater.”
—In the kitchenoftheOrangeDrum,FergusTullymadetoastandteawithashotofwhiskeyinitandstoodatthekitchenwindowinpajamasandarobe,lookingoutatagraymorningwhich
threatenedrain,notthatsuchaprospectbotheredhim.Helikedrain,alwayshad,andhisdaughterhadbeenthesame,andthethoughtmadehimdecidetophoneher,andhetookouthismobileanddidjustthat.
Duringherhusband’sfirstyearinprison,MyraTullyhadtakentheopportunitytocompletelyrefurbishtheSash,andthathadincludedabedroomforherself,very
luxuriousalthoughatouchgaudy.
Shereachedforhermobileandsaid,“It’sonlysixo’-bloody-clock.Whoisthis?”
“Sorry,mylove,haveIdisturbedyou?”
TheBelfastaccentalertedheratonce.“Whatisit,Da?Isthereaproblem?”
“Notatall.I’vegotabusydayaheadandIjustwantedaword.”
ThemannexttoMyrawasaroundforty,withamilitarymustacheandaboxer’sfaceandalotofmuscle,anEastEndhardmanofthefinestvintage.“Stiryourself,Terry,andgetmesomecoffee.It’smeda.”
TerryHarkermadenocomplaint,simplyrolledoutofbedandmadeforthedoor.Shepulledapillowbehindher,reachedforacigarette,lititandsatup.Shewas
handsomeratherthanbeautiful,withjet-blackhairframingafierceface.
“Areyouintrouble,Da?”“Notatall,mylove,just
bringingyouuptospeed.”Ateight,shehadlosther
mothertopancreaticcancer,whichhadtakenonlythreemonthstokillher.FergusTully,amonstertoeveryoneelse,wastohertheperfectfatherandshewasfiercelyprotectiveofhim.Therewere
nosecretsbetweenthem,andthey’ddiscussedhisdoingsfromanearlyage.
“Something’shappening.Whatisit?”
“RememberthejobFrankandIdidforal-Qaedafouryearsago,wherethatMasterfellarangupoutoftheblue?”
“CourseIdo.Thecarbombing.PeterFlynn.”
“Well,I’veheardfromthemagain,adifferentMaster,thattheywantusto
getridofTodFlynn,thebrother.AdamnProvowhowasintheMazesametimeasmeandFrank.”
ThedooropenedandTerryappearedinhisunderpants,withacoffeeandtraythatheputdownbesideher.Shewavedhimawayandhewentout.“Sowhat’sthescore,Da?”
“Onehundredthousanddollarsdownandanotherhundredtocomeifwefix
TodFlynnandthegirl,hisniece.”
“Isthatnecessary?”“Hesaidshewasaserious
threatandifwedidn’twanttodoit,he’dgoelsewhere.Heonlygaveusthreedaystomakeupourmind,sowe’regoingtoday.It’sahorsefarminDrumgoolewellovertheborderintherepublic.Threeorfourhours’driveifwe’relucky.DoIhaveyourblessing?”
“Youalwayshavethat,Da,andthisisabigone,sotakecare.”
“Onething—believeitornot,butTodFlynn’scousinisSeanDillon.”
“Godinheaven,doesthatProvobastardhaveanythingtodowiththis?”
“NotthatIknowof,butIimaginehewouldn’tbepleasedwithwhatwe’reabouttodo.I’llstayintouch.”
Hewasgone,andshesattherethinkingaboutit.Abigpayday,nodoubtaboutthat,andthegirl’sinvolvementdidn’tbotherherintheslightest.ThedooropenedandTerryentered.
“Everythingokay?”“Couldn’tbebetter,soget
backinbedandfindsomethingusefultodo.”
—
When Dillon reportedtothecomputerroomjustbeforenine,hewaswearingadarkblueBugattianorak,weatherproofcountryslacksinthesamecolor,paratroopboots,andatweedcap,Irishstyle.
Ropersaid,“Youshouldofferyourselfouttodowhiskeyadvertsinthebettermagazines.”
“Veryfunny,”Dillontoldhim.“Butthekindofcountry
we’revisiting,andinthiskindofweather,canbeveryunforgiving.I’llneedtransport,soyou’llhavetofindmeadriver.”
“Saracalledin.She’sonherwaynowinyourMini.You’recarrying?”
“Ofcourse.”“Canvasholdallbythe
door.Ispoketothearmorer.You’llfindtwoAK-47s,thesilencedversionswiththefoldingstock.”
“Doyouthinkwe’regoingtowar,then?”Dillonasked.
“I’dsayFlynn’stoosensibletostartone.Allhe’sgottodoisstandhisground.Afterall,there’snothingheandKellycanbechargedwith.”
Dillonshrugged.“Butweknowdifferently,andnoharminmakingthatclear.”
Sarawalkedin,wearingaFrenchberetandaGuccicoatinblackleather.Shelooked
freshandalive,asiflastnighthadn’thappened.
“Ioverslept,andSadieleftmetoit.We’dbettergetamoveon.Where’sFerguson?”
“BreakfastatNumberTen,”Ropertoldher.“Didyougetmymessage?”
“Itwasthesoundofmylaptopreceivingitthatwokemeup.Imustsayitmakesthingsevenmoreinteresting.”
“Solet’sgetmoving.”
Dillonwasimpatient.“Billywillbewonderingwherethehellweare.”
“Actually,BillyandHarrywillbewondering,”Ropertoldhim.“Apparently,theoldsodreadthestuffIsentBillyanddecidedheshouldjointhepartyhimself.”
“AndwhatdoesFergusonthinkaboutthat?”Saraasked.
“WhybotherthemanandhimbreakfastingwiththePrimeMinister?”Dillon
demanded.Ropersmiledwickedly.
“Exactly,sooffyougoandenjoyyourselves.I’llgivehimthegoodnewsatamoreappropriatetime.”
—They found Harry and BillywaitinginthesmalldepartureloungeatFarleyhavingacoffee.Billy,likeDillon,woreatweedcapbutablackbomberjacketandjeans.His
unclehadpreferredabrowncountysuitofHarristweed,aBurberrymac,andarainhat.
“Why,Harry,thecompletecountrygentleman,”Dillonsaid.“I’dneverhavebelievedit.”
“Don’tmock,”Saratoldhim,andkissedHarryonthecheek.“Ithinkyoulookterrific.”
“Andsodoyou,darling,butDillonhere.Howwouldheknowanybetter?Imean,
he’sbleedingIrish,isn’the?”Hetuckedherhandinhisarm.“Solet’sgetthisshowontheroad,”andtheyledthewayoutandwalkedtowardtheGulfstream.
AttheOrangeDrum,afterhisconversationwithMyra,TullywentinsearchofBellandfoundhiminthegarageinthebackcourtyardloadinguptheoldandbatteredJeepwiththebasketsandrods.
“Sothat’sourcover?”Tullyasked.“Flyfishermen
bentonadayoutinthecountry?”
“Canyouthinkofanythingbetterwhenwe’reventuringintoapartoftheRepublicwherestrangersstandoutlikeasorethumb?”Bellasked.“Solookthepartofthetouristfisherman,wearyourwaterproofs,anorak,leggings,rainhat,theworks.Thewaytheweather’sshapingup,itwillprobablypourdownatsomestage
anyway.”“Andwhatabout
weaponry?Whathaveyoudecided?”
“Well,acarbombisout.We’dnevergetcloseenough,andwiththefamilyhistory,Ishouldn’tthinkanyofthemwouldgetintoanyvehiclewithoutgivingitathoroughcheck.”
“Sowhatdoyouintend?”“MaybeI’llgobackto
goodold-fashionedsniping,
andyouknowhowgoodIamatthat.IcouldusetheweaponthatgotmydadthroughtheKoreanWarwiththeUlsterRifles.”
“Herewegoagain.TheLeeEnfieldbolt-action,standard-round,303rifle.Isn’tittimeyoumovedon?”
“HekilledalotofChinesewiththatweapon,anditsavedhislifeonmorethanoneoccasion.Youbeingsuchalousyshot,I’vegotyoua
Mac10machinepistol.Allyouhavetodoisspraythetarget,butyou’dnevergetcloseenough,somywayisbetter.Ifyoulookundertherearseat,there’salsoacoupleofBritishArmyissueBrowningpistolsandplentyofammo.”
“I’lltakeyourwordforit.I’dbettergoandsortmyselfout.”
FrankBellfinishedwhathewasdoing,pulledouta
packofcigarettes,andlitone.“Howareyoufeeling,Fergus?Areyouupforthis?”
“OfcourseIam,whywouldn’tIbe?HaveyouspokentotheMasteryet?”
“IthoughtI’ddothatwhenwe’rehalfwaythere.Isupposeyou’vetalkedtoMyra,youalwaysdo.Whatdidshethink?”
“Allforit,nodoubtofthat,andwhywouldn’tshebe?It’sabigpayday.”
“WhatabouttheFlynngirl,didyoumentionthat?”
“Sheaskedifitwasnecessary.ItoldherwhattheMastersaidaboutgoingelsewhereifitwasaproblem,andshenevermentioneditagain.”
“Ibetshedidn’t,”Bellsaid.
“TheonlytimeshegotupsetwaswhenItoldherthatSeanDillonwasTodFlynn’scousin.Sheexploded,only
quieteneddownwhenIsaidhe’dnothingtodowithourenterprise.”
“AndthankGodforthat.ThosephotosofhimandthoseothersinFerguson’screwwerewarningenough.ThankGodwe’renotmixingitwiththem.Offyougoandgetready,I’llfinishoffhere.”
Whichhedid,thenlitanothercigarette,movedtothedoorintimetoseetherain.Heshiveredsuddenly
anddidn’tknowwhy.Howmanydayslikethishadheknownduringthelastthirtyyears?Butthatwouldneverdo,notatall,andheputhisheaddownandranacrosstheyardtothekitchendoor.
—Ferguson came on thescreeninRoper’scomputerroom,andhewasn’tpleased.“What’sgoingon,Major?”
hedemanded.“WhogavepermissiontoincludeHarrySalterinthepartytoDrumgoole?”
“Idid,General,”Ropersaid.“KnowinghowimportantyourbreakfastmeetingwaswiththePM.You’veobviouslyseentheadditionalinformationI’vediscoveredaboutFlynn.Inotonlysentittoyou,butCaptainGideonandBillySalter.WhenHarrysuggested
hemightbeofuseafterall,Idecidedtousemydiscretionandagree.Ican’tseewhatharmitwoulddo.They’renotvisitingawarzone.”
“Yes,well,infutureIsuggestyoubealittlemorecircumspect,”Fergusonsaid.“Buttootherthings.I’matRosedenerightnow,awaitingthearrivalofHamidBey.I’vehadwordswithMaggieDuncan,toldherI’mleavingittoherowngoodsenseto
warnherstafftoconductthemselveswithcautionwhenthesepeoplearehere.Bellamyhasinsistedhewillbepresenthimself,andI’mexpectinghimatanymoment,hopefullybeforethePoundStreetcouplearrive.IthoughtMaxShelbymightbeabletojoinus,buthe’stiedupattheMinistryofDefence.Asusual,whenthegoinggetsrough,it’stheoldhandslikeMaxthepoliticiansneedto
pulltheirironsoutofthefire.”
“I’llcertainlybeinterestedtoknowwhathappens,”Ropersaid.
Atthatmoment,therewerevoicesoffscreenandFergusonsaid,“Damnit,they’vejustarrived.I’llhavetogo,”andthescreenwentdark.
—
Maggie Duncan hadbeenmatronatRosedeneformoreyearsthanshecaredtoremember,butthesituationinwhichshefoundherselfnowwasunique.FollowingFerguson’sorders,shehadhurriedlypaidavisittoeachsectionofthesmallhospital,endingupinAliSaif’sroom,wherehelayinastupor,festoonedwithtubesandwires,hisbreathingrough.Shegavehimaquick
examination,andDeclanRashidenteredtheroombehindher,leaningonawalkingstickandwearingtheblacktracksuit.
Sheturned,andheraisedhisfreehand.“Justchecking,Sister,CaptainGideonandIareparticularlyconcerned.Afterall,hesavedourliveslasttimeout.Whatdoyouthinkthismorning?”
“He’sverypoorly.”Sheshookherhead,deeply
concerned,andhermobilesounded.“Ah,ProfessorBellamy.TheimamandSisterShahhavejustarrived,Ibelieve.Ithoughtyouwerecoming?”
Bellamysaid,“Iwas,butwe’vejusthadtheresultofatwo-carpileuprushedintoEmergencyatGuys.Fourseriouslydamagedpeople.Sorry,butImustgo.”
“Problems?”Declanasked.
“NoBellamy,I’mafraid.He’sneededelsewhereurgently.”
“Isee.Sowhataboutthisvisit?IsSaiffittoseevisitors?”
“Ifit’sjustalook-in,yes,butnothingmore.IreallymustmakethatcleartoGeneralFerguson.”
Ayoungnurseglancedin.“You’reneededinreception,Matron.”
“Excuseme,Colonel,”
MaggieDuncansaid,andhurriedout.
Itwasquietthen,onlytheelectronicbeepingfromthemachinesmonitoringAliSaif’svitalsigns.Hewasbreathingverydeeply,andDeclanmovedclose,leanedonhiswalkingstick,reacheddownandheldthewastedhand.Saif’seyes,sunkenintohisface,flickeredopen,stared,andhemanagedtheweakestofsmiles.Hislips
moved,butspeecheludedhim.DeclanwasawareofFerguson’svoiceapproachingdownthecorridorandanother,deepervoicethatcouldonlybeHamidBey.TherewasbewildermentandthenalarminSaif’seyes.
Declansqueezedhishandagain.“Don’tworry.Iwon’tleaveyou,I’llbecloseby.”
Hemovedquicklyintothebathroom,wentinside,closedthedoor,andstoodbehindit.
Heleftitopenaninchortwo,enoughtoobserveandhearclearly.
Theouterdoortothecorridorwasopenandtherewastheobservationwindow.ImamHamidBey,dramaticinhisrobes,stoodwaitingwithLilyShah,wearinganavyblueraincoatoverheruniform.MaggiewasobviouslyexplainingtoFergusonthatBellamywasn’tcoming,andheeasedher
awayfromtheotherswhilehelistened.HamidBeywatchedthemgo,tookLilybythearm,urgedherintothesickroom,andapproachedSaif,staringdownathim,hisrageandangerclear.Saif’seyesflickeredopenandhisinstantterrorwasplain.
Lilysaid,“Thisisnotgood.Leavehim.Heisobviouslyveryill.”
ButragehadconsumedHamidBeytoanextentthat
lefthimwithoutcaution.Hisfacecontorted,heleanedoverSaifandsaidinArabic,“Foulapostate,turningagainstyourraceandreligion.MayAllahsendyoutohell,whereyoumosttrulybelong,youpariahdog.”
Foramoment,hishandpoisedasiftosnatchawaythelifesavinglinesattachedtoSaif’sbody,andatthatinstant,thebathroomdoorcrashedopenandDeclan
Rashidsteppedout,rightarmextendedandholdingaColt.25.
“Thereisonlyonedoghere,”hesaidinArabic.“StepbackverygentlyorI’llleaveyourbrainsonthefloor.”
HamidBeyglared.Lilygrabbedhimwithbothhandsandpulledhimaway.
Fergusonrushedin.“What’shappened?”
Declantoldhim,returning
theColttohisrearwaistband.“IneverlikedtheideaofbringingthesepeopleintoRosedeneinthefirstplace,butatleastyouknownowexactlywhereyouarewiththeArmyofGod.Pityyoucan’tputhimonthenextplaneout.”
HamidBeyhadrecoverednow.“Justtry,Ferguson,andseewhereitgetsyou.”
“Iknow,you’lldenyeverything,yourlawyerwill
mentionyourhumanrights,andyou’llbeleftfreetoblowupParliamentifyouwantto.”FergusonturnedtoLily.“Youseemadecentkindoflady.Can’tyoudobetterthanthis?”Heshookhishead.“Justgoaway,bothofyou.”
“Youhaven’theardthelastofme,”HamidBeyshouted,butLilyreactedforcefullyforonce,grabbinghisarmandhurryinghimalongthecorridorandoutthe
frontdoortothecarpark.Sheurgedhimintotherearoftheircar,gotbehindthewheel,anddroveaway.
“Suchrageisbadforyourheart.Calmyourself,”shesaid.“That’ssoundmedicaladvice.”
“Surelyyouseenowthatthereisonlyonewayofdealingwiththesepeople,”hetoldher.“Thesword.”
Butthetruthwasshesawnosuchthinganddroveback
toPoundStreet,moretroubledthaneveraboutthesituationintowhichshehadgotherself,whilehegloweredbesideheratthislatestreversalontopofthefailureoftheattackonSaraGideon.HewasconvincedDillonhadbeenresponsible.Whoelsewouldhavekneecappedthem?
—
Tully and Bell wereovertheborderandwellontheirway,whenBellpulledintoaparkingareaatthesideoftheroad.“TimeIhadawordwiththeMaster,”hesaid,tookoutthemobile,andpressedthebutton.
“Whoisthis?”“Asifyoudidn’tknow,
butifyouwanttoplaygames,thisisFrankBell.We’vetakenyouuponyourofferandwe’reonourway.”
“I’mgladtohearit,”theMastersaid.“Whereareyou?”
“AmileoutsideCastletown.We’llstopthereforadrinkandasandwich,thenweshouldbeintheDrumgooleareawithinhalfanhourafterthat.”
“MyregardstoMr.Tully.Iwishyoueverysuccesswiththeenterprise.We’lltalkagainlater.”
Tullyhadbeenleaning
closetohimtocatchtheconversation.“IhatethatEnglishaccent,”hesaid.“Aposhbastard,thatfella.Anyway,Castletown,adrinkortwoatthepub,andthenDrumgooleandTodFlynnandhisniece.”Hissmilewasevil.“Youknow,it’sbeenalongtime,Frank,andI’mreallylookingforwardtoit.”Heshookhishead.“I’veneverbeenhappywithpeace.”
—At Drumgoole,HannahhadriddenFancypartwayupthehillbehindthebuildings,thenpausedasafewdropsofrainindicatedthechanceofashower.ShehalfturnedandsawaLandRoverapproachingonthecountryroadthatledtothePlace.
Thefactthatitwasanunfamiliarvehiclealertedher,
andtherewasalsothefactthatsinceDillon’sphonecall,thestablehandshadbeensentoffonholidaywhileTodandKelly,AuntMeg,andHannahwaitedtoseewhatwouldhappen.
Sheproducedhermobile,calledAuntMeg,andfoundherinthekitchen.“There’saLandRoverI’veneverseenbeforeheadingstraightforthePlace.ItmaybeDillon.”
“Well,ifitis,he’llbejust
intimeforlunch,”Megsaid.“ButI’llwarnTodandKelly,andyoubettergetbackherequick,girl.”
Hannahmuttered,swungFancyaround,andurgedherintoagallop.
—Dillon was driving,Sarabesidehim,BillyandHarryintherear.Heturnedintothefrontcourtyardofthefineold
buildingandfoundMeginherapron,Hannahinridingbreeches,leaningonherwalkingstick,TodandKellyinworkshirtsandjeans,standingoneoneachsideoftheladies.
Dillongotout,followedbySara,whohadbroughtherownstickinanticipationofroughcountry.
BillyandHarrygotout,thetwogroupsconfrontingeachother.
ItwasSarawhobroketheice,bylimpinguptoHannahandholdingoutherhand.“SaraGideon,andyoumustbeHannah.Weseemtohavesomethingincommon.”
Hannah’ssmilewasinstant.“ThisismyauntMeg.”
“Whohopesyou’veallbroughtanappetitewithyou,aswewerejustgoingtositdowntolunch,”Megsaid,andturnedtoDillonand
kissedhimonthecheek.“Along,longtime,Sean.Sogoodtoseeyou.”
Heturnedandpulledinhiscompanions.“ThisisHarrySalter,afriend.”
Harrywasgravelypolite.“Arealpleasure,”hetoldMeg.“Andthisismynephew,Billy,whoworksforthegovernment.”
“Butdoingwhat?”Todasked,comingforward,flinginghisarmswideand
huggingDillon.“Yououldbastard.You’relookingwell.”
DillonreachedandshookhandswithKelly.“Andsodoyou,andwithoutleavingitanotherminute,we’reonapeacemission,sotherearethingsthatmustbesaid.”
“Ofcoursethereare,butthatcanwaituntilyou’vealleatenyourfill,”Megsaid.“Soinsidethisminute,thelotofyou.”
BillytrailedbehindtoadmiretheMontesaonitsstandbesidethefrontdoor,theSpanishdirtbikedevelopedforhighcountryandbelovedbyshepherdsallovertheworld,becauseitcouldgoathalfamileanhouronroughgroundandroarawaylikethewindwhenneeded.
Todhadpaused.“Areyouabikeman?”
“Ithinkyoucouldsay
that,”Billysaid.“I’veheardofthese.”
“Giveitatryafterlunchifyoulike,butlet’sgoin.”
—It was a farmhouse mealatthekitchentable,andafterwardteaandcakeintheparlor,Irish-style,whichSarainsistedonhelpingMegandHannahgetready.
Hannahsaid,“What
happenedtoyourleg?”“IwasshotinaTaliban
ambushinAfghanistan.”Hannahwasastonished.
“Doyoumeanyou’reasoldier?”
“Fortenyearsnow.I’macaptainintheIntelligenceCorps.TheyletmestillservebecauseIspeaksomeusefullanguages,soasthearmysays,I’mfitforpurpose.”
“IwasblownupbyabombinUncleTod’scar.My
parentswerekilled,butIthinkitmusthavebeenmeantforUncleTod,”Hannahsaid.“HewasbigstuffwhenhewasintheIRA.”
“Actually,Hannah,we’vejustinvestigatedthat.You’veheardofal-Qaeda,ofcourse,”Sarasaid.
“Oh,yes.”“Itwastheywhotargeted
yourfather.Theythoughthewasgoingtobeathreattotheirbusiness,sotheyhada
coupleofcontractkillersfromtheUVF,namedFergusTullyandFrankBell,doawaywithhim.They’rethekindwhodidn’tcarethathiswifeanddaughterwerewithhim.Icanshowyouphotosofthem.”Sheopenedhershoulderbag,foundtheprintoftheinformationRoperhadsenther.“Thereyouare.”
Hannahlooked,thenwipedslowtearsfromhereyesandsaid,“Justexcuse
meforamoment,”andshelimpedout.
Megsaid,“Areyoucertainthat’sthewayofit?”
“Yes,therecanbenodoubtofit.”
“Godhelpus,butthatwillrelieveTodofaterribleburden.Givemeahandwiththeteaandcakeandwe’llseewhat’sgoingonintheparlor.”
—Tod was bitterly angryasMegenteredwiththelargetray,whichsheputdownonthetable.Sarapausedbythedoorandlistenedashespoke.
“FergusTullyandFrankBellwereresponsibleforthecarbomb,AuntMeg.Sean’sjustbeentellingme.Anal-Qaedahit,andtheyweren’toutformeatall.ItwasPeter
theywereafter.”“Iknow,love,Sarawas
discussingitwithus.”“SowhereisHannah?”
Todasked.Sheenteredtheroomat
thatmoment,reachedforSara’shand,squeezedit,thencrossedtoTodandkissedhimonthecheek.
“Areyouokay?”heasked.“Definitely.”Shesmiled
andturnedtoSara.“Doyouride?”
“IndeedIdo.”“Whatdoyousayto
takingaturnupthehill?”“I’dloveto.”“Thenlet’sgoandfind
youanicemareandtherightkitandleavethemtoit.”
—It was companionableenoughintheparlor.Toddrankhistea,hismindobviouslystillonwhathe’djustheard.“Sohereweare.
You’venotcometoliftus,Sean?”
“Accordingtotheofficialstory,you’vedonenothing,andJakeCazaletisaliveandwelltoproveit.”
Kellysaid,“ForGod’ssake,willyoutellhimhowitallhappened,Tod?”
“Whynot?”Todshrugged.“Likewealldo,Iknewoftheexistenceofal-Qaeda,butI’dneverhadanykindofdealingwiththe
Masteruntilhecameonthephoneandwavedabigpaydayatme.”
WhathewentthroughwasareasonablyhonestaccountofwhathadgoneononNantucket.Whenhewasfinished,Harrysaid,“SothemomentyouheardwhowasarrivingfordinnerwithCazalet,youdumpedtheChechensandheadedforhome?”
“That’sit.Doesn’tbother
meintheslightest.Theywerelunatics.”
“Nevermindthat,”Dillonsaid.“It’sthewomanwhointerestsme,theonethateventheChechensdidn’tknowabout,whofollowedthemintoCazalet’sgardenandwitnessedtheattack.Canyoutellmeanymoreabouther?”
“TheMasterdescribedherasawomansympathetictoourcause,that’sallIcan
say.”Therewassilencefora
moment,andBillysaid,“Whatastory.You’dhavedifficultyimprovingonthat.”
“Actually,Ican,”Todsaid.“AfterDillon’scallreferringtoNantucket,IcalledtheMasterwiththehappynews.”
“Andhowdidhetakeit?”“Wantedmetodisposeof
Fergusonandanyofyouwhoturneduphere,pointedout
thattheBogofSalamiscloseby.HealsotriedtobribemebysayingIcouldkeepthequartermilliondollarsIowehimandofferingtogivemethenamesofthetwomenwhowereresponsibleforthecarbombthatkilledmybrother.”
“Didhe?”Dillonasked.“No,andasI’dtakenhis
callinthestable,Hannahoverhearditandtoldhimwhatshethoughtofal-Qaeda,
whichwasn’tmuch.”“Andwhatwashis
responsetothat?”HarrySalterputin.
“Hethreatenedherlife,whichwasastupidthingtodo,becauseitnowmeansthatI’llhavetokillhimthefirstchanceIget.”
“Whichisn’tverylikely,”Dillonsaid.“Meetinghim,Imean,butIknowhowyoufeel.”
Meghadsattherewithout
aword,butshespokenow.“Hannah’sgotaweektosigninattheRoyal.Howcanshebeleftthereonherown?”
“We’llsortit,”Todsaid.“I’llbehershadow.”
“Well,Icantellyounow,shewon’tfancythat.”
“We’llgetadecentplaceforher,thatquarterofamilliondollarswillseetothat.”Heturnedtotheothers.“Comeandseethestables.We’vegotsomefinehorses
thisyear.”Theyallgotuptogo.
“You’llexcuseme,thekitchencalls,”Megsaid,andleft.
Butasthemenwerewalkingaroundtothestudstables,HannahemergedonFancyandSaraonawhitemare.TheybothworeAustraliandrover’scoatsandbroad-brimmedhats.
“It’sgoingtorain,”Todtoldthem.
“Iknow,that’swhywe’redressedforit,”Hannahtoldhim,andtheycanteredaway.
—The Jeep had arrivedmuchearlierthanexpectedatroughlythesametimeastheLandRover.Highonthehillwereafewancientstonewallsandacopseofferingshelter.Tullyhadbeenreadingatouristhandbookof
thearea,purchasedinCastletown.
Hepeereddownintothevalleybelow.“TheGreatBogofSalam.Thethingstheseturnipheadsbelieve.Itsayshere:Tobeavoidedatalltimes.”
“Well,thatseemssensibletome.”BellturnedintheotherdirectiontoDrumgoolePlacebelow.“Verynice,Imustsay,youhavetoadmirethat.TodFlynnhasdonewell
forhimself.”Tullysaid,“Well,thisis
paybackday,butwhat’sthatbigsilvervehicledrivingtowardthehouse?”
“ALandRover,”Belltoldhim,andatthatmomentsawHannah,mountedonFancy,muchlowerdownthehill.ShelookedtowardtheLandRover,tookouthermobile,spokeintoit,thensheturnedthehorseandgallopedbackdowntothehouse.
BelltookgreatcarereversingintothetreesofthecopseandcheckedtoconfirmthattheJeepwashiddenfromview.Thenheproducedapairofhigh-poweredNikonbinocularsandputthemtouse.
“That’sTod,hisauntMeg,Kelly,andthenieceHannah,stillinridingbreeches,”hesaid,focusingonthefrontdoorastheyemerged.
“ByGod,I’dliketohavethoseoffher,”Tullysaid.
BellignoredhimandturnedtotheLandRover.“Let’sseewhatwe’vegothere.”HewatchedforalongmomentasDillonandtheothersgotout,wasstunnedatthesightofthem.“Idon’tbelieveit!”
“Believewhat?”Tullyasked.
“Thosephotoswegothavejustcometolife
steppingoutofthatLandRover.There’sSeanDillon,theGideonwoman,HarrySalter,andhisnephew,Billy.AllFerguson’speople.”
Tullyshookhishead.“Thatisn’tpossible.”
Bellhandedoverthebinoculars.“Seeforyourself.”
Tullywatchedasthegreetingstookplacebelowandeveryonemovedintothehouse.HeturnedtoBell.
“What’sgoingon,Frank,itdoesn’tmakesense.”
“That’sjustwhatI’mgoingtofindout,”Belltoldhim,andledthewaybacktotheJeep,whereheclimbedinside,retrievedthemobile,andpunchedthebuttonasTullyfollowedhim.
TheMasteransweredatonce.“Whoisthis?”
“Well,I’mnotsureanymore,”Bellsaid.“We’reestablishedhereonthehill
overlookingDrumgoolePlace,wherewe’vebeenprivilegedtowatchaLandRoverdriveupanddisgorgeSeanDillon,andCaptainSaraGideon,plusHarrySalterandnephew.They’venowgoneinsideafterawarmwelcomefromTodFlynnandfamily.”
Therewasaslightpause,unlikehisusualbehavior,thentheMastersaid,“Awarmwelcome,yousay?”
“Absolutely.Themen
huggedeachother,thewomenkissed.Happyfamiliestime,asfaraswecouldsee.What’sgoingon?Istheresomethingyouhaven’ttoldus?WhatareCharlesFerguson’sfourbestoperativesdoinghere?”
“Ihaven’ttheslightestidea,”theMasterlied,cursingthefactthatFergusonhadmovedalotfasterthanhehadanticipated.“Itappearsthatmyinformationwasincorrect
thistime.IassumeDillonandhisfriendswillbearmedtotheteeth.Inthecircumstances,thesensiblechoicewouldbetoleavethemtoit.We’lldiscussthepossibilityoffurtheractionatalaterdate.”
“Andhere’smethinkingyouwereinfallible,”Belltoldhim.“Whatadisappointment.ThethingIhateiswastingmytime,sowe’llhangonforacoupleofhours.There’sa
chancewecangetbyhere,parkedinthetrees.TheFlynnsandtheirguestsareprobablyenjoyinglunch.Remember,I’vegotmyrifle.IfIwaituntiltheystepoutofthefrontdooragain,Icouldprobablyknockoffthreeorevenfourofthem,beforetheyknewwhatwashappening.”
“You’dbetakingachance.Theoddsarestackedagainstyou.”
“JustthewayIlikeit,”andBellswitchedoff.
“Sowhatdowedo?”Tullyasked.
“Wewaitaslongaswecangetawaywithit.GetthefishingtackleoutandleantherodsagainsttheJeep,thatsortofthing.LuckywegotallthosesandwichesatthepubinCastletown.”
“That’strue,”Tullysaid,“Andplentyofboozeinthestoragelocker.”
“Well,goeasyonthat,Iknowyou,”Belltoldhim.“Ifitain’tgoingtowork,thenthat’stheendofit.Twohourstops,andifthere’snokindofmovement,we’reoutofit.”
—Dillon snatched a chancetobringHollandParkuptodate.“IsFergusonaround?”heaskedRoper,whomhehadcalled.
“Hewasforawhile,
handlingthebusinessofHamidBey’svisittoRosedene.”
“Howdidthatgo?”Ropertoldhiminsome
detail.“I’vegotastrongfeelingthattheimamisal-Qaedatothecore.”
“ShouldIbesurprised?SisterLily’shusbandwas,that’scommonknowledge.”
“True,butallmyreportsindicatethatpeoplespeaknothingbutgoodabouther.
Havingsaidthat,it’sfascinatingwhatTodFlynnhadtosayabouttheMaster’slady,sympathetictotheCause,whowitnessedtheentireassassinationattempt.CoulditbeLilyShah?”
Dillonsaid,“Itwouldneedatoughladytocarrythatthrough,butit’sworthkeepinganeyeonher.”
“Iagree,”Ropersaid.“CanInotifyFergusonthatFlynnandcompanyareon
ourside?”“Yes.Formanyreasons,
butthethreattoHannahFlynnwasenoughonitsown.You’lllikeher.”
“I’msureIwill.Termstartsinthreeandahalfweeks.They’llexpectherondayonelikeeveryoneelse.Isthataproblem?”
“There’saquestionofhersecurity,whereshouldshestay,thatkindofthing.Itallneedsseriousconsideration.
SheandSarahavebondedalready.”
“Icanimaginetheywould,”Ropersaid.“They’vegotalotincommon.Yougetsurprisinglyusedtodisability,evenwhenthepainisconstant.Saradiscoveredthatalongtimeago.IhopeHannahhas.Ifnot,therelationshipcouldbegoodforher.”
“Youfrequentlyastonishme,Giles,”Dillontoldhim.
“Stopitnow,Sean,I’mbeginningtosoundmaudlin,”Ropersaid.“Offyougo.”
—Up on the hill,Bellhadmovedintoapositionwhereacoupleofbouldersofferedsomeconcealmentthatgavehimaclearviewofthehouseandthefrontentranceandthecourtyard.Helaythere,therifleonthegroundbeside
him,theBrowningpistoltuckedintothefrontpouchofhisanorak.Hehadbeenwatchingforanhourwithnomovementbelow.
Suddenly,Tullycalledoutloudly.“Howmuchlonger?Whatthebloodyhellisgoingon?”
Bellgotup,wentbackintothetrees,anddiscoveredTullystandingbesidetheJeep,theMac10inthecrookofhisleftarm.Hewas
drinkingfromabottleandthedistinctivesmellofwhiskeysaiditall.
“Whatareyouplayingat?You’redrunk,youdamnfool.Godsaveus,butyouneverchange,Fergus.”Heslappedhimacrosstheface.“Justliketheolddays.It’salwaysyouwhohastogoandcockupagoodthing.”
Tullystaggered,almostfalling,clutchingtheMac10inbothhandsnow.“Keep
yourdamnhandstoyourselforI’llblowyouaway.”
“SowhowouldyougettodriveyoubacktoBelfast,youshite?You’retoodrunktodoityourself,that’sforsure.GetbacktotheJeep,we’releaving.I’llgetmyrifleandwe’reoutofhere.”
Heturnedbacktotheboulders,andTullycrieddrunkenly,“No,don’tbelikethat,Frank,”andwentafterhim.
BellleaneddowntopickuptheLeeEnfieldandsawHannahandSaraGideoncrosstheyard,passingDillonstandinginthefrontdoor,watchingBillyastridetheMontesa,talkingtoTod.Itseemedagoldenopportunitytostrike,thenHannahandSaraemergedfromthestables,canteredacrosstheyard,andurgedtheirmountsupthetrack.
Tullylurchedforward,
mesmerized.“Wouldyoulookatthat?”
Bellpulledhimoutofsight.“GetbacktotheJeep.Justdoasyou’retoldandwemightgetsomewherewiththis.”Hepunchedhimhard.“Goon,doit!”heordered.
AsTullystumbledaway,Bellturnedbackwithhisrifle,butatthatverymoment,Hannahchargedfromaroundthebouldersandbrushedhimtooneside,sothathe
droppedthegun.Sarafollowed,knockingBelldownagain,andwassoclosethatsherecognizedhimashetriedtostandup.Sheswervedhermount,raisedabootedfoot,andstampedhimintheface.
Hannahcalled,“Followme!”
Tullyshoutedinanger,ranafewyards,aimingtheMac10,stumbledandfiredintotheground.Sara,grippingher
reinstightlyinonehand,pulledoutherColt.25andfiredasshemovedpast,catchinghimonthesideoftheface,thehollow-pointbullettearinghischeekopen.
Hannahswervedclosetoher.“Followthetrack;we’llcircleandtrytokeepoutofthewayuntilhelpcomes.Iseethey’vegotaJeepparkedinthecopse.Iftheywanttochaseus,you’llknowhowgoodtheyareoverrough
country.”Atthatmoment,Sara’s
mobilebuzzedandshefisheditoutofherbreastpocket.ItwasDillon.“Sara,what’sgoingon?”
“FrankBellandTullyareparkeduphereinaJeep.Theytriedtograbus,IshotTully,wholoosedoffaMac10intothegroundashefell.He’supagainnow.”
“BillyandTodarecomingupfastontheMontesaaswe
speak.TherestofuswilltrytogetascloseaswecanintheLandRover.”
—Grabbing Tully by thecollar,Bellpulledhimup,ranhimtotheJeep,yankedhimintotherear,grabbedatowelfromalocker,andshoveditintohishand.“Holdthatagainstyourfaceandshutup.I’mgoingtogetthosetwobitches.”
Hescrambledbehindthewheel,switchedontheengine,andburstoutofthetrees,awareofHannahandSaragallopingaway.Hewentafterthemathighspeed,drivingone-handedwhilehecalledtheMaster.
“Whereareyou,what’shappening?”theMasterdemanded.
“Tullygotpissedoutofhismind,”Bellsaid.“Abadhabitofhis.Triedtohavea
goatthewomen,trippedandfiredthemachinepistolintotheground,whichmusthavealertedthematthehouse.TheGideonwomanshothimintheface.He’sbleedingalloverthebackseatnow.I’mchasingafterthem,butIcanseeabikeinmyrearviewmirrorcomingupfast,andFerguson’speoplearen’tinthehabitoftakingprisoners.”
“IsthereanythingIcandoforyou?”
“Yes,tellMyraTullythattheywereresponsibleforthedeathofherfather.Shewon’tlikethat,soshecouldbeexactlywhatyou’relookingfor.Asfarasyou’reconcerned,Ihopeyougetyourrewardinhell,youbastard.”
Herammedhisfootdownhard.Thedistancebetweenhimandthegirlsdiminishedrapidly.Drivingone-handed,hereachedoutoftheside
windowandfiredhisBrowningtolittleeffectastheyturnedoffthetrack.Ashebumpedacrossroughcountry,theMontesaclosedonhim,andinhislargerearviewmirrorhesawthatTodFlynn,seatedonthepillion,wasusingBilly’srightshouldertosteadyhisaim.
Itworked.FergusTullytookabulletintheheadthatdrovehimforwardacrossthe
passengerseat,twomorethroughthewindshield.Thefinalroundwaslikeahammerblowhighintheback,nexttothespine,andhadFrankBellrearinginhisseatinagony.
TheJeeprolledtoahaltattheveryedgeofthescreeofloosestonesontherimoftheslopethatsliddownintothebog.TodgotoffthepillionoftheMontesaandwalkedforwardasBillyraisediton
itsstand.HannahandSarasattheirhorses,notspeaking,justwatching,likefiguresinsomemedievalmoralityplay.Therewasthesoundofdistantthunderacrossthevalleyanditstartedtorain.
Todleaneddownandsawonlycarnage,FergusTully’sdevastatedface,FrankBellcalmandsomehowdetachedfromthebloodsoakingintohisclothesatthebackofhisneck.
“YoushouldhavegotridofTullyyearsago.ItoldyouthatwhenwewereintheMaze,”Todsaidtohim.
“Soyoudid.Toolatenow.Myrawon’tbepleased.”Bellcoughed,andatrickleofbloodoozedfromthecornerofhismouth.
“Icanlivewiththat.”“Onequestion.Wereyou
expectingDillonandcompanytoturnup?”Bellcroaked.
“Dillonphonedmeandsaidthey’dbecoming,butdidn’tsaywhen.ItoldtheMasterandwequarreled,butheknewtheyintendedtocomesometime.”
“Youwereatotalsurprisetous.HejusttoldmehewantedustotakeoutyouandHannah,”Bellsaid.“Didn’tmentionDillonatall.”
ButTodwascoldlyangry.“LasttimeyouhadagoattheFlynns,youkilledmybrother
andhiswifeandcrippledmyniece.Nowyoutellmeshewastobetargetedagain—Iwasgoingtoputabulletinyourheadtoeaseyourgoing,butnotnow.”
TheengineoftheJeepwasstillon.Todopenedthedoor,reachedoverBelltoreleasethehandbrake,andBellslippedabloodyhandaroundhisneck,holdingonfastasthevehiclestartedtomove.Todtriedtokickfree
invain,andthefrontwheelsscatteredanavalancheofstonesovertheedgeofgraniteatthebottomoftheslope,takingtheJeepwithitintothebog.Theamazingthingwashowquicklyitdisappeared.
Billyranforward,toolate,Hannahscreamed“No!”andfoughttocontrolherhorse,andtheLandRoverturnedoffthetracktowardthem.DillonandKelly,Harryand
Meg,gotoutandhurriedtomeetthem.SaraandHannahstayedmounted,calmnow,butgraveandsubduedbythehorrorofit.
MegreacheduptoHannahtotouchhands.“What’shappened?”
“AskBilly.We’llseeyoubackatthePlace.”HannahputherheelsintoFancyandgallopedaway,andSarawentafterher.
Megappeareddazed,
frowninginbewilderment.“Whatisit,Idon’tunderstand.Where’sTod?”
SoBillytoldher.
—If there was one thingDillonandhiscousinhadincommonfromyouth,itwasaCountyDownaccent.Itwasthisthatheintendedtouse,aseverybodygatheredintheparloracoupleofhourslaterandheannouncedthathe
meanttocontacttheMasterusingthespecialmobilegiventoTodforthatpurpose.
“Hemayhavecuttheline,asitwere,”Dillonsaid.“Butchancesarehehasn’tquiteyet,outofcuriosity.I’lldothetalking,butI’llputitonspeakersoyoucanheareverything.”
Hemadethecall,andwithinsecondstheMaster’svoiceboomedout.“Iwasbeginningtothinkyou’d
gonethewayofallflesh,Mr.Flynn.”
“No,butIamthebearerofbadnews,”Dillontoldhim,theactorinhimtakingover,hisDownaccentverypronounced.“FrankBellandTullycametoaparticularlyunfortunatefinish,swallowedupbytheBogofSalam.Asit’sneverbeenknowntorejectanything,that’sanendtothem.”
“Theendofnothing,Mr.
Flynn,”theMasterreplied.“ToallyyourselfwithCharlesFergusonandhispeopleisagraveerroronyourpart.Theyaredeclaredenemiesofal-Qaeda,havedonegreatharmtoourorganization.”
“I’msureGeneralFergusonwillbedelightedtohearthat,”Dillonsaid.
“ButnotsopleasedwhenthenewsofTully’smurderreachestheearsofhis
daughter.Myraisaformidablelady,asyou’llfindout.”
Harrycouldnotcontainhimself“Whataloadofbollocks.TheonlybigthingaboutMyraishermouth.Arightlittletin-potdictator.Icouldgobackonthestreetstomorrowandwalkalloverher.”
“Lethimrantandrave,”theMastersaid.“Londoncanbeadangerousplacefor
femalestudentsevenatthebestoftimes,butparticularlyforonesohandicapped.”
ItwasSarawhospokenow.“Ifyouhadseenthewayshehandledherselfwiththetwothugsyousenttomurderher,youwouldnotwasteyourtimemakingstupidthreats.WhenIreturntoLondon,shegoeswithme.”
Hannah’sangrysmilesaiditall.“Youcangotohell,
Master-whoever-you-are.”TheMaster’svoicestayed
calm.“Notme,Hannah,butyouandallyourfriends.”
Thephonediedashedeparted,andtherewasonlysilenceasifnooneknewwhattomakeofwhathadhappened.ItwasDillonwhosaid,“Sothereweare.Todisathreatforhim,playedbyme,ofcourse.Butwhatareyousuggesting,Sara?”
“Hannahneedstogoto
Londonassoonaspossible,tomakereadyforhernewlife,andshe’llneedasafeandsecureplace,withpeoplewhowillmakeherwelfareapriority.IthinkIhavejusttheone.”
Dillonwasalreadysmiling.“HighfieldCourt,isthatwhatyou’resuggesting?”
“Absolutely,”Sarasaid,“IfaniceCatholicIrishgirlcanadjusttoaSephardicJewishestablishment.It’s
whereIlivewhenI’minLondon,Hannah,withmygrandfather,RabbiNathanGideon,andourhousekeeper,Mrs.SadieCohen.Anearly-Victorianhousewithamusicroom.”
“Youmeanwithapiano?”Shewasalmostpleading.“Oh,saythatthereis,Sara.”
“Allright,butnotjustanyoldpiano.You’llhavetowaitandsee.YourinductionweekatcollegestartsonSeptember
fifteenth.ThatgivesyoufourclearweeksatHighfieldtosettleinandprepare.”
Megseemeduncertainandworriedaboutthewholething,butHannahimmediatelymadeitclearthatitwaswhatshewanted.“Ittakescareofalltheproblems,AuntMeg.IoweittoUncleTod,youmustseethat.Itwouldbeawastenotto,afterwhathappenedtohim.”
“TheGulfstreamcouldflyusbacktoFarleyintheearlyevening,”Dillonsaid.“Youcanstuffasmanyofyourpersonalbelongingsinitasyoulike.”
Kellycutin.“Itsolvestoomanyproblemstosayno,AuntMeg.We’vefourmaresinfoal.We’llhaveourhandsfullwiththestud,andyoucangoandvisitonceshe’ssettledin.NoonewillqueryTod’sabsence.Godresthim,
hewasawaymorethanhewashereforyears.”
Megnoddedsadly.“Well,let’sgetyoupacked,”shesaidtoHannah,andtheywentouttogetheratonce,andKellyfollowedtotakecareofchoresinthestables.
TheSalters,Dillon,andSarawerelefttogether,andHarrysmiled.“It’scertainlybeenalivelydayout.ThatMaster’sarightbastard,Imustsay.Hereallyneeds
sorting.”“Easiersaidthandone,”
Billytoldhim.“She’squiteagirl,Hannah.IsFergusongoingtobeokayaboutyouhavingheronboard,Sara?”
“He’llhavetobe,”shesaid.“I’lljusttakeawalkoutsideandhaveawordwithmygrandfatherandSadieandwarnthemtoexpectus,thenI’llspeaktoRoper.I’llleaveyoutocallLaceyatKilmartintoarrangeourdeparture,
Sean.”
—Rabbi Nathan Gideonwasthekindestofmenbynature,andacceptedtheprospectofhisworldbeingturnedupsidedownwithhisusualequanimity.Sadie,whileadmittingthatTonyDoylehadbeenarealassetaboutthehouse,warmedtotheideaoftakingHannahinafterSara
gaveherabriefaccountofwhattoexpect,andthencalledRoper.
Afteranaccountoftheday’sevents,hewasastonished.“Honestly,Sara,whenyoulotgetstuck-inthesedays,youdon’ttakeprisoners.”
“Ican’tseethepoint,Giles,”shesaid.“Thenewrulesarethattherearenorulesanylonger.Bulletinyourtarget’sbackonadark
andrainynight,thencallMr.Teaguewithhisvanandbodybagsandthecrematoriumwaiting.Playdirtyseemstobethenameofthegame.”
“Andarewewinning?”“Don’taskme.I’vehada
hardday,whichincludedshootingFergusTullyintheface,thenwatchinghimandhisassociategetswallowedbyanIrishbogandtakingagoodmanwiththem.TheprospectoffacingFerguson
withanaccountoftheday’seventsisbeyondme.I’llleaveittoyou,butwhenyou’veexplainedHannah’spresencetohim,tellhimonethingisagiven.StaffSergeantTonyDoylestaysoninthehouseasanarmedguardandchauffeur.”
Shewasstressedandweary,Ropercouldsenseit.“Well,whydidn’tIthinkofthat!Liebackandenjoytheflight.I’llseeyousoon,”and
heswitchedoff.
—In her bedroom at theSash,MyraTullywasdressingforherusualeveningappearance,splendidinexoticunderwear,easingadressofscarletoystersatinoverherhead,whenTerryentered,wearingawell-tailoredblacksuit,awhiteshirt,andaGuardstie.Therewasaglassofchampagneon
thetrayhecarried,andheputitdown.
“Youdidn’tknock,didyou?Honestly,Terry,you’rehopeless.Goandmakesurethere’snorubbishinthesaloonbar,gooddressersonly.”
Hewithdrewwithoutawordandshereachedforthechampagne,drankhalfofitinelegantly,andwasstartingtotouchuphermakeupwhenhermobilesounded.
Sheturneditonandsaid,“MyraTully.Whothehellisthis?”
“ThisistheMasterspeaking.You’reaware,I’msure,thatI’vebeendealingwithyourfather,Myra?”
HisuseofherChristiannameoffendedher,andshebridled.“Well,you’rebleedingfamiliarforastart.Anyway,how’smydagettingon?”
“Nottoowell.”Hewas
deliberatelygoadingher.“LiketheScarletPimpernelintheFrenchRevolution.IsheinHeavenorisheinHell?”
“Whatareyoutryingtosay?”shedemandedhoarsely.
“ThatyourfatherandhisgoodfriendFrankBellaredead.ItwastheworkoftheFlynnfamilyandCharlesFerguson’speople—SeanDillon,HarryandBillySalter,CaptainSaraGideon.”
Shehadtostruggletospeak.“Itcan’tbetrue.Howcouldyouknow?”
“Don’tbesilly,Myra,it’salloutthere.”
“Dillon,”shecroaked.“AndFerguson.”Hervoicerose.“I’llhavethemall,ifit’sthelastthingIdoonthisearth.”
“Excellent,”theMastersaid.“I’llgonow,butwe’llspeakagain.Andgetonethingclear—ifyouwant
revenge,don’tmakeamoveunlessItellyouto.”
Shethrewherphoneatthewall,thedoorburstopen,andTerryentered.“Myra,whatisit?”hedemanded.
Shepushedhimawayfromher.“He’sdead,myda’sdead,andit’sallCharlesFerguson’sfault.I’llhavehiseyesbeforeI’mthrough,”andshefellonthebed,sobbingbitterly.
ThehelicopterfromNantucketthathaddroppedoffFergusonandhispeopleinNewYorkcontinueditsflighttoWashington,landinginareservedareaoftheairport,whereJakeCazaletfoundBlakeJohnsonwaitingwithadriverandlimousine.
DuringCazalet’stwotermsattheWhiteHouse,Blakehadservedhimwellandhadbecomealoyalfriend.
“Greattoseeyouinonepiece,”Blakesaidastheyshookhands.
“ThankstothePrimeMinister’sprivatearmy,”Cazalettoldhim.“Wherearewegoing?”
“We’vebookedyouintoasuiteattheHay-Adams.Youlikeitthere,don’tyou?”
“Whowouldn’t?”Cazaletsaid.“Frankly,IwasworriedhemighthavedecidedtohavemestayattheWhiteHouse,soI’mgladhehasn’t.Afterall,wewereneverbosombuddies.”
“Well,Ican’tthinkoftherightanswertothat,”Blakesaid.
“Forgetit,Idon’twanttoembarrassyou.YourjobistoservethePresident,whichyoudidbrilliantlyforme,and
nowyoudoitforhim.Sothesituationmakesyoufeeluncomfortable.What’ssosurprising?Afterall,wedon’tevenvoteforthesameparty.”
Blakelaughed.“Well,Isupposethatmightexplainit.”
Theypulledupatthehotelentrance,thedrivergotouttopasstheluggagetothedoorman,andCazaletturned,smiling.
“SoItakeitI’mnotdueto
seehimfordinnertonight?”“Hesaidhewantedtogive
youtimetosettlein.”“That’sconsiderateof
him,sothat’sexactlywhatI’mgoingtodo.”HescrambledoutoftheMercedesandturned,leaningdown.“IshestilltakingtheCIAlineovertheNantucketaffair?”
Blakelookedstrangelyhelpless.“Whatdoyouwantmetosay?”
“Notathing,oldfriend,I’llhandleit.Seeyoulater.”
Hewentupthestepsandthedoormansalutedhim.“Greattoseeyouagain,Captain.”
Cazaletpattedhisshoulder.“You’restillhere,George.Youmustbeseventyifyou’readay.”
“Justdon’ttellanyone,Mr.President.Ineedthejob.”
“Iwon’tletyoudown,”
Cazaletsaid.“WeoldVietnamvetshavegottosticktogether,”andhewalkedinsidetowherethehotelmanagerwaited.
“Agreatpleasuretohaveyouhereonceagain,Mr.President,”themanagersaidformally.“Letmeshowyoutoyoursuite.”
Heledtheway,peoplestaringinrecognitionastheypassed.Whentheyreachedtheelevator,awhite-haired
oldmaninatansuitwasleaningonacane,waiting.
“Goodafternoon,ProfessorKhan,”themanagersaid.“Goingup?”
KhanseemedmesmerizedbyCazalet’spresence.“Mr.President,Iwouldn’tdreamofintruding.”
“Nonsense,”Cazalettoldhimasthedooropened.“Joinusbyallmeans.Areyouonvacation?”
“No,I’velivedin
Washingtonformanyyears.I’mstayingherewhilemyhouseisbeingrenovated.Thisisagreathonor,sir.”
“Notatall.Nicetomeetyou.”Cazaletshookhishand,Khangotoutonhisownfloor,andtheelevatorcontinued.
“ThePenthouse,sir,”themanagersaid.“TheWhiteHouseinsisted.”
“Topoftheworld,eh?”Cazaletsaidcheerfully.
“Well,isn’tthatkindofthem?”Andasthedooropened,hefollowedthemanagerout.
—The suite was perfection,andtheviewsofWashingtonfromthebalconywereextraordinary.Standingthere,takingitallin,tirednesswashedoverhiminagreatwave.Inafewshorthours,hislifehadtotallychanged.
Theassassinationattempt,thegunplayanddeaths,theuncertaintyofwhatlaybeforehim.Therewasonlyonesensibleanswertothat,sohewenttobedandsleptsoundlyuntilteno’clockthefollowingmorning,whenheawakenedtoadayofheavyrain.
Therewerenomessageswhenhetriedreception,sohespentsometimeinthepoolandsaunaandworkedhis
waythroughaselectionofnewspapers.Justafterlunchhewassurprisedtoseehimselfonlocaltelevisionarrivingatthehotelthedaybefore.NoreasonwasgivenforhispresenceinWashington.Cazaletdidn’tlikethatandthoughtaboutreachingforaphone,buttherewaspridetoconsider,sohehunginthereasifnothingwaswrong,dinedopenlyintherestaurantthat
night,andwenttobedearlyagain.
Threedaysofthiswasdefinitelyenough,fourifyouincludedhisdayofarrival.Arerunontelevisionofhimarrivingatthehotelwasthefinalstraw,andhephonedBlakeJohnson.
“Ipresumetheycan’tdecidewhattodowithme,butIobjecttofindmyselfplayingtheinvisibleman.Ifhewon’tgrantmean
audience,I’moutofheretonight.”
“Calmdown,Jake,it’sthePresidentwe’retalkingabout.”
“I’vebeenthereanddonethat,Blake.I’msixty-fiveyearsofage,lostthetwomostimportantwomeninmylifetocancerandmybeloveddaughtertoacaraccidentinSpain.SowhathaveIgot?Thefortunemymotherbroughtintothefamilywhen
shemarriedmyfather.WhenIlastchecked,thatstoodatfourbillion,andtheboardisclamoringtohavemeaschairman.I’llleaveyoutodecide.”
Hewassmilingwhenhewentuptohissuite,smiledagainhalfanhourlaterwhenhisphonesounded.Hepickeditupandsaid,“That’swhatIcallservice,Blake.”
Afamiliarvoicereplied,“Can’thelpyouthere.Thisis
CharlesFerguson.”“Whereareyoucalling
from?”“London.You’vegotthe
number.”“OfcourseIhave.How
didyouknowIwashere?”“Well,wedohavean
embassyinWashington,andIwasjustcurioustoknowwhatthePresidentisdoingwithyou.”
“Absolutelynothing.Haven’tevenseenhim,only
BlakewhenIarrived.I’vebeenkillingtimeforfourdays.Whataboutyourend?”
“Thefourdayssincewepartedhavebeenfilledwithdeathanddestruction.Amongotherthings,wediscoveredwhowasbehindNantucket.”
—It took Fergusonsometimetocovereverything.Whenhewasfinished,therewasalong
pausebeforeJakeCazaletsaid,“SoDillon’spretendingthismanTodFlynn’sstillalivewhenevertheMasterphones,SaraGideonhastakenhisnieceHannahtoliveatherplace,andtheSaltersarealiveandwell?”
“Andontheotherside,thiswoman,MyraTully,andhergangarelikelytobetrouble,”Fergusonsaid.“And,ofcourse,there’sstillHamidBeyandhisArmyof
God.”“Andthetwomeninski
maskswhosavedSarawhenshewasattacked.Thatwascertainlylucky.It’dbenicetoknowwhotheywere,”Cazaletputin.“Butenough,Charles,I’vegottohearfromBlakeandthePresident.I’llgetbacktoyouwhenIcan.AndCharles?Thankyou,oldfriend.”
—Three hours later,angrythathestillhadn’theardfromtheWhiteHouse,hechangedintoablacktracksuit,wentdowntothehotelentrance,andpassedthenightdoorman.Itwasdusk,stillraining,streetlightsoninLafayetteSquare.Runningheaddownashepulleduphishood,heemergedthrough
treesandbumpedintoanothermaninatracksuitwhostumbledtooneknee,cameupfast,andpunchedhimonthesideoftheface.
LargerthanCazalet,hesnarled,“Stupidbastard!”andstruckoutagain.Cazaletcouldsmellthealcohol,parriedtheblowtooneside,anddeliveredtwosavageknucklestrikesundertheribsthathadthemanyell,stumbleoverabench,andfalltothe
ground.Hepulledhimselfup,groaning.
“GetthehelloutofhereorI’llbreakyourarm,”Cazalettoldhim.
“Sorry,bud,”themancroaked.“Mymistake.”
Helimpedaway,andCazaletstoodthereshakinghishead,therainpouringdown.“Whatcomesnext,Jake?”heaskedsoftly.“Areyougoingtokillsomebody?Vietnamwasalongtime
ago.”Heturnedawaythrough
thetrees,startedbacktowardthehotel,andsawaMercedesparkedoutsidetheentrance,BlakeJohnsoninatrenchcoatandrainhatstandingunderanumbrellabeingheldbythenightdoorman.
“Sothereyouare!”Blakecalled.“Whatareyoutryingtodo?Drownyourself?You’reexpectedintheOvalOffice.”Heshookhisheadas
Cazaletgotclose.“You’resoaking.I’mdrivingyoumyselfincaseyouwanttotalk.”
Cazaletsaid,“Waitformeinthehall.”
Hejumpedoutofthecarandmadefortheelevatorontherun,totheastonishmentofthoseseatedinthereceptionarea,amongthemProfessorAliKhanseatedatatableenjoyingacoffeeandreadingtheWashingtonPost.
Blakemovedinoutoftherainandstoodwaitingforhim.
Withintenminuteshereappeared,wearingatweedjacketoverkhakipants.
“WillIdo?”hedemanded.“Ofcourseyouwill,”
Blaketoldhim.“Thenlet’sgetgoing.One
shouldn’tkeepPOTUSwaiting.”Hehurriedoutside,Blakefollowing.
Twowhite-hairedladies
wereenjoyingcoffeeatthetableclosetoAliKhan,andonesaidtotheother,“POTUS?That’sastrangeword.Whatonearthdoesitmean?”
Khanbeamedatthemoverhisnewspaper.“It’sanacronym,ladies.PresidentoftheUnitedStates.”
Theyweresurprisedandabitshocked.“Well,Imustsaythat’sveryclever,isn’tit,Mary?”ShenoddedtoKhan.
“Thankyousomuch.”“Mypleasure,”hesaid,
andreturnedtohisnewspaper.
—When Blake usheredCazaletintotheOvalOffice,itwasinshadows,atablelightonthedesk,thePresidentsittingbehind,papersscatteredinfrontofhim,whichhehadobviouslybeenreading.Helookedup,
didn’tbothertosmile,justnodded.
“Ah,thereyouare.”Therewasthehintof
reproof,andBlakesaid,“ShallIwaitoutside,Mr.President?”
“No,I’dlikeyoutostay.”ThedoortotheChiefof
Staff’sofficestoodslightlyajar,althoughtheroomitselfwasindarkness.Inspiteofthat,itprobablymeantthatsomeonewasinthere,not
thatthepossibilitybotheredCazaletintheslightest,althoughhecouldseetherewasnolighton.
“Nowthen,Jake,”thePresidentsaidstiffly.“Badbusiness,thisNantucketthing.What’stobedone,that’swhatI’dliketoknow.”
TherewassomehowasuggestionthatitwasallCazalet’sfault,whichhequicklycountered.“Itwasluckyformethatyouwanted
metothankFergusononyourbehalf.I’mprettycertainI’dhavebeendeadmeatifDillonandCaptainSaraGideonhadn’tupsetal-Qaeda’sapplecart.”
“Yes,itgoeswithoutsayingthatwasfortunate.Anyway,thethingiswhatarewegoingtodowithyounow?”
“IunderstoodtheideawasthatIhangaroundWashingtonondisplayto
proveI’maliveifanyfalserumorsofmydeathstartedtocirculate,whileourexpertsdoalltheworkneededtomakemyhouseinNantuckettotallysecure.”
“Whichcan’tbedone,I’mafraid,”thePresidentsaid.“Apparently,thehouseisfartooold,andIcan’tpossiblyallowyoutogobacktolivinginit.Iwasgoingtodiscussthatwithyouwhenyouarrived,butallthecurrent
fusswiththeUkrainegotintheway.”
“Itusuallydoes,”Cazaletsaid.
“Ontopofthat,there’saUNcommittee,chairedbytheFrenchPresident,meetinginParisattheElyséePalacetodiscusstheplightofSyrianrefugees.Whentheirbusinessisdonethere,theyintendtocarryontoLondonandrepeattheprocesswiththeBritishPrimeMinister.”
“Weretheyhopingyoumightputinanappearance?”Cazaletasked.
“There’snowayIcandothat.I’vemademydecisiontorunforreelection.Life’sgoingtobebusyfromnowon.”
“Congratulations,”Cazaletsaid.“ButmaybeIcouldsitinforyouinParisandinLondonifyouwant—simplyasanobserver,ofcourse.Thekindofinternationalcoverage
it’dgetwouldcertainlymakeitclearthatIwasinthelandoftheliving.”
“Tryingtogetyourfaceonscreenagain,Jake?Thanksfortheoffer,buttheCIA,withtheFBI,havenowconcludedthatarepeatoftheNantucketaffairisunlikely.”
Cazaletlaughedoutloud.“Youmeanthatal-Qaedawon’thaveanothertryatshootingme?Well,thanksverymuch.There’sa
comfortingthought.”ThePresidentdidn’tlike
it.“Youknowwhatyourproblemis?You’reyou,whichissometimesahandicap.Thegallantwarherobitdoesn’tcutitanymore,oryourattemptataman-of-the-peopleimage.TheCIAisheretoprotectthecitizensofthiscountry,includingyou,andIcan’tacceptyourconstantcriticismoftheiractions.”
“Ofcourse,Mr.President.Itwasn’ttheirfaultthattheyweren’ttherewhentheassassinsstruckinNantucket,andforgivemeifIappearedtobesuggestingotherwise.”
ItseemedtomollifythePresident.
“That’sunderstandable,Jake,you’vebeenthroughaprettydreadfulexperience.Ithinkyoushouldtakesometimeoff.AsIrecall,you’vegotawonderfulplacedown
thereintheVirginIslands.Whydon’tyoupayitavisit,getsomedivingin,tryalittlefishing?”
“DoaHemingway?”Cazaletsaid.“Youknow,that’saverygoodidea.Thanksforthethought.”
“Whatarefriendsfor?You’llcomebackanewman.Wecandecidewhattodowithyouthen.”
“Ilookforwardtoit.”Cazaletreachedacrossand
shookhishand.“You’vebeenveryunderstanding.”
“Thinknothingofit,”thePresidentsaid.“Blakewilldropyoubackatthehotel.”
—As they easedintothetrafficoutsidetheWhiteHouse,Blakesmiled.“Idon’tknowwhy,butIgetafeelingtheVirginIslandsisnotlikelytofigureinyourfuture
plans,whatevertheyare.”“Careful,Blake,youcould
befacedwithaconflictofinteresthere,”Cazalettoldhim.
“Oh,I’lldomydutyformypresident,justlikeIdidforyou.Iseemtorecallthatmeanttakingabulletforyouonmorethanoneoccasion.”
“Trueenough,”Cazaletsaid.“Andletmeassureyou,Blake,nothingIdonowwillbedetrimentaltomycountry
oritsleaders.”Theyturnedintothehotel
atthatmomentandparkedbytheentrance.“Well,thatbeingso,I’myourman.MaybeIcanprovidealittlehelpfuladvice,”Blakesaid.
“I’msureyoucan.”Cazaletnodded.“Ihavetomakeacoupleofimportantphonecalls,butI’llbeasquickasIcan.”Hebeckonedtothedutymanager,whowasstandingnearby.“Alonzo,if
youcouldseetoMr.Johnson.Nicetableinthesupperbar.OpenabottleofDomPérignon.”
“Ofcourse,sir.”“I’llberightback,”
Cazaletsaid,andhurriedtotheelevator.
—His private secretary,CarolShaw,hadbeenasoldier’swife,widowedbyDesert
StormwhenshestartedworkinginSenatorJakeCazalet’soffice.ShehadmovedwithhimtotheWhiteHouse,andthesedayswasbasedinthechairman’ssuiteatCazaletPlazainManhattan.Becauseofthetime,hecalledherathome.
“I’vefinallyseenthePresident.”
“Howdiditgo?”“Nottoowell,butnever
mindthat.I’mgoingtostay
heretomorrow,dosomeshopping,butI’llwantaplanearoundnoon.ThePresidentsaysIneedaholidayafterallthestresslately,soI’vedecidedtotakehimathisword.”
“AreyougoingtoflydowntotheVirgins?”
“Thatwaswhathesuggested,butIhaveotherideas.IneedtobeinParisbyWednesday.BookmeasuiteattheRitz.Ishouldbethere
twodays,thenLondon.TheDorchester.SeeifyoucangetmetheOliverMesselSuite.IlovethevistaofLondonfromupthere.”
Shewassurprised.“Isthissomethingyou’redoingforthePresident?”
“Youcouldn’tbemorewrong,Carol.Thereisnothingformeinhiscamp,norwilltherebe.”
“Sowhat’sinParis?”“AUNmeetingchairedby
theFrenchPresidenttodiscussSyria.Iintendtobethere.”
“Inwhatcapacity?”“Thatofaconcerned
humanbeingwhohappenstobeinParis,andlikeeveryoneelseintheaudience,wantstoknowwhatthey’regoingtodoaboutit.”
“I’mamazedtheWhiteHousewouldallowit.”
“Theywon’tknowuntilithappens,willthey?I’llhave
flownoffintothewildblueyonder.IofferedtoobserveforthePresidentinParis,butheturnedmedownflat.He’sentitledtodothat.Isupposehe’dseemeascompetition.”
“SoallthisisaboutyougettingbackatthePresident?”
“It’sgotnothingtodowithhim.InParis,I’llbeanAmericancitizenonholiday,andwhatIdothereismybusiness.”
“Butyou’renotanordinaryAmericancitizen.”Hervoicerose.“YouwereoncepresidentoftheseUnitedStates.”
“Yes,manyyearsago.Sincethen,myredhairhasturnedtograyandI’mjustacivilian.Lastyear,IspentthreedaysinLondononbusiness,shoppedinHarrodsandtheWestEnd,andwenttothetheatertwice,andnobodyrecognizedme.”
“Maybe,butthatwasbeforeNantucket.AQtriedtokillyou,andfromwhatI’vereadaboutthem,they’lltryitagainbecausetheydon’tdofailure,”shesaid.“Thisisallveryrisky.”
“You’reprobablyright,”hesaid.“I’llhavetotakethatasitcomes.ThetruthofthematteristhatitwouldnotmaketheslightestdifferenceifIbookedintotheDorchesterasMr.Smith.Al-
Qaedawouldstillknowitwasme.”
Shewassuddenlyangry.“Sowhatareyougoingtodo?Startcarryingapistolinyourpocket,waitingforthemtoturnup—orshouldIsayhopingthey’llturnup?Thisisn’t1974,andit’snotSaigon,whereactionandpassionweresecondnaturetoyou.”
“Wouldthatbesobad?AtleastitwouldshowIwasstill
alive.I’mmeetingBlakenow.Justgotobed,Carol,”andheswitchedoffhismobile.
—The supper barwasquietenoughwhenCazaletwentin,nomorethantwelveorfifteentablestaken,ProfessorAliKhanatoneofthem.Thetwoladieswhohadbeensittingnearbyinthefoyerhad
obviouslyfollowedhiminandwerewithintalkingdistance.Blakewasnearthepalmsbythewindow,slightlyisolatedandreadingVanityFair.Hischampagneglasswashalffull.
Cazaletsaidtothewaiter,“I’llhavesomeofthatchampagne,smokedsalmon,andscrambledeggs.Isthatallrightforyou,Blake?”
“Suitsmefine.”“Giveushalfanhour,”
Cazalettoldthewaiter,andturnedtoBlake.“Ithinkweshouldtalk.”
—Khan was wearingaKGBsoundenhancer.Theclaritywasremarkableandhecouldheareverything.Moreimportant,however,washiscanewiththecarvedivoryhandle.Itcontainedadirectionalmicrophone,
whichcouldrecordatquiteadistance.
“Sowhathaveyoudecided?”Blakesaid.“Where’stheholidaytobe?Whatareyougoingtogetupto?”
“MaybeIshouldn’ttellyou.IfIdoandyoukeepthewholebusinesstoyourself,perhapsitcouldruinyourcareer.”
“Screwmycareer,andIpromisenottotellthe
President.”“Okay,I’mgoingtoParis
tomorrow.”“Whatthehellfor?”“IfigureI’lllookinonthe
UNcommitteemeetingwiththeFrenchPresident.WhenitmovestoLondon,I’llmovewithit.That’smyexcuse.”
Blakefrowned.“Sowhyareyoureallygoing?”
“Ferguson’sfoundoutquitealotaboutwhat—andwho—wasbehindNantucket.
AndsomehowI’vejustneglectedtopassitontoeithertheWhiteHouseortheCIA.”
“You’refrighteningmenow,”Blaketoldhim.“Tellmetheworst.”
—Blake had startedlisteningwithacertainforebodingonhisface,whichwasreplacedbyakindofawebythetime
Cazalethadfinished.“Godhelpus,it’sbetter
thanthemidnightmovie.”Twowaitersarrived
togetherwiththeirmeal,andconversationsubsidedwhiletheyserved.Theymovedaway,andBlakesaid,“SowhyisitsoimportanttogotoParis?”
Cazalettalkedwhileheate:“WhenthoseChechensattackedonNantucket,oneofthemgrabbedSaraGideon,
shoutinghisheadoff,andwasabouttoshootherwhenshestabbedhim.”
“Asoldiertothehilt,thatyoungwoman,”Blakesaid.
“WhichIplantotakeadvantageof,herandtherestofFerguson’speople.TheyknowalotabouttheMasternow.Theyknowhe’sinLondon.TheyknowhewasappointedbyaGrandCouncilinParis.AndIbetwecanfindoutalotmore.Imight
notbeabletodomuchgoodinthegeneralschemeofthings,butIplantomeettheMasterface-to-faceandshootthebastard.”
Blakedidn’tknowwhattosay.Finally,hegaveasmalllaughandsaid,“I’dtrytoargueyououtofit,butIknowfromexperiencethat’dbeuseless.Whenyourmind’smadeup...Haveyoustillgotoneofthosenylon-and-titaniumbulletproofvests
Fergusongaveussomeyearsago?”
“Inevertravelwithoutit.”“Thenjustpromiseme
this:Promisemeyou’llwearitatalltimes.”
“Mywordonit,”Cazaletsaid.
—Cazalet said good nighttoBlakeunderthehotel’scanopy,andashewalked
backinside,hemetAliKhan,emergingfromthesupperbar.“Didyouhaveanenjoyablemeal,Professor?”Cazaletasked.
“Excellent,”Khansaidastheywalkeddowntotheelevator.“Ilovethehotelandalwayshave,butthenIloveWashington.IcamehereatseventeenwithmyfatherfromPakistan.Hewasawidowerandaverygreateyesurgeon,andIfollowedhim
asastudentatthemedicalschool.”
Theelevatordoorsopenedandtheysteppedinside.Cazaletsaid,“DoyoureturntoPakistanoften?”
“Ihave,ofcourse,toseerelatives,butWashingtonhasbeenhometomeforfiftyyearsnow.I’mawidower,nochildren.WhatwouldIdoanywhereelse?”
Theelevatorstopped,andhesteppedoutandturned.
“Suchanhonorforme,sir.Goodnighttoyou.”Andhewalkedawayasthedoorsclosed.
Inhissuite,Cazaletpouredhimselfabrandyandgingerale,dimmedthelights,openedtheglassdoortotheterrace,andenjoyedthefreshsmelloftheroom.Parisbeckoned.Hewasalreadyexcited.
—Fifteen years earlier,onvacationinPakistan,relativeshadtakenAliKhantoheararemarkablenewvisionforIslambeingpreachedbyamannamedOsamabinLaden.ItwassoontobeembracedbyMuslimsallovertheworld,butonthatday,thecrowdroaredandAliKhanroaredwiththem,his
lifechangedutterly.Hehadfoundthe
conversationbetweenCazaletandBlakeJohnsontobeoneofthemostremarkablehehadeverlistenedto.Onceinhissuite,heremovedtherecordingdeviceandthedirectionalmicrophone,bothincrediblysmallanddelicate,andinsertedthemintowhatlookedlikeaperfectlynormaltaperecorder.Itwas,infact,adevicethatcodedthe
contentsfortransmission,viasatellite,toanywhereintheworld.Inthiscase,itwasheadedforal-Qaeda’sGrandCouncilinEurope.
Hewaited,andafterawhileagreenlightblinkedthreetimesandthemachineturneditselfoff.Missionaccomplishedandnothingtodowithhimanymore.Whathappenednowwasnothisbusiness.Apityreally,becausehe’dratherliked
Cazalet,butsuchthinkingwaspointless,sohewenttobed.
—In his apartment,Blakewassittingathisdesk,goingthroughasecurityreport,whenhisphonerang.ItwasCarolShawandshewasupset.
“Blake,haveyougotamoment?I’mdesperately
worriedaboutJake.”“Andwhyshouldyou
be?”heasked.“Look,I’mawareofthe
attemptonhislifeonNantucket.IknowI’mnotsupposedto,andit’stopsecretandsoon,butJaketellsmeaboutmostthings.”
“Correction,Carol,”Blakesaid.“Jakehasbeentellingyoueverythingforatleastfifteenyears.DoyouthinkIdon’tknowthat?Solet’sstart
again.Whatisityouwanttodiscuss,Paris?”
“Soyouknowaboutthat?”shesaid.“Paradinghimselflikeatarget,daringthemtohaveasecondgoathimwhenthefoolhasnosecuritywhatever.”
IfCazalethadn’ttoldherwhatelsehehadinmind,Blakewasn’tgoingtotellher.“Ifheisonahitlist,he’sindangerwhereverhegoes.Pariswouldbenoworsethan
anywhereelse,”Blaketoldher.
“IcanseeI’mgoingtohavetogotothePresidentaboutthis,”shesaid.
“Well,youcan,ofcourse,butIcanguaranteeonething.Jakewillneverspeaktoyouagainifyoudo.Doyouwantthattohappen?”
Shegavealongshudderingsigh.“OfcourseIdon’t.You’reabsolutelyright.I’vebeensilly.Ilost
myhusbandtothestupidityofwar.I’veneverreallygotoverthat.Icouldn’tbeartogothroughitagain.”
Andhewasimmenselysorryforher.“Carol,heonlytoldmewhatheintendedtodobecauseIpromisednottotellthePresident.Ontheotherhand,Ididn’tpromisenottotellGeneralCharlesFergusoninLondon.”
“OhmyGod,”shesaid.“Doyouthinkhemighthave
asolution?”“Heoftendoes.Leaveit
withme.I’llringyouback.”“Butwhen?”shesaid.
“London’sfivehoursaheadofWashington,itmustbealmostthreeo’clockinthemorningoverthere.”
“Justgoaway,Carol,I’llbeintouch,”andhecutheroff.
Therewasaperfectsolutiontothetimeproblem,ofcourse,whichwasMajor
GilesRoper.Themanbarelyslept,andBlakeknewjustwheretofindhim.
Ropercameonalmostatonce.“Why,Blakemyman,whatapleasure,especiallyatthistimeinthemorning.Itobviouslymeansyouhaveaproblem.HowcanIhelp?”
Blakeexplainedindetail,andRoperseemedamusedmorethananythingelse.“Sonowhe’savigilante?Ratherdifferentfrompresidential
days.NoSecretServicecoveringhisback,nosecurityatall.Ishecontemplatingsuicide?”
“WhatwouldCharlesFergusonthinkofit?”
“Notverymuch,butI’llputyouonholdandsee.Hehappenstobehereatthemoment,stayingintheguestwing.”
“It’sthreea.m.,Giles,”Blakesaid.“Heisn’tgoingtobeverypleased.”
“Well,that’sjusttoobad,”Ropersaid,andrangthroughtoFerguson’sroom.
—The general took itsurprisinglywellwhenhejoinedtheminthecomputerroomwearingabathrobeandsatbesideRoper,drinkingteaplusashotofwhiskey.
“WhatinhellisJakeCazaletupto?”heasked.
Blakeshrugged.“He’s
turnedintoabitofawildcard.”
“That’sanunderstatement,”Fergusonsaid.
“Whatwillyoudo?”“BringintheDGSE,the
FrenchSecretService,andouroldfriendColonelClaudeDuval.We’llkeepacloseeyeonhim,beginningwhenhisplanetouchesdownatCharlesdeGaulle.”
“Hemightnotbetoo
pleased.”“He’llgetoverit,”
Fergusonsaid.“EspeciallywhenhediscoversthatSeanDillonandSaraGideonhavealsomovedintotheRitz.”Hesmiledandraisedhiscupofteainsalutetothescreen.“Ifeelquitecheeredbyallthis,Blake.Whoknowswhereitmighttakeus?Butifyoudon’tmind,IthinkI’llgetbacktobed.”
—Twenty minutes later,BlakewasspeakingtoCarolonthephone,fillingherinwithwhatwasgoingtohappen.
“I’lltaketheblameatsomefuturedate.I’llpointouttoJakethatIonlypromisednottotellalltothePresident.Onreflection,IgotworriedandashewasalsoduetogotoLondon,decided
itwaswisetoseekFerguson’sadvice.”
Shewasoverjoyed.“Idon’tknowhowtothankyou.”
“Youcaneasilydothatbylettinghimgetonwithwhathewantsto,otherwiseyou’lllosehisfriendship.”
Shesighed.“You’reright,ofcourse.I’dbettergetbacktoreality,seeeverything’sproperlyorganizedforthetrip.Willyoubeseeinghim
off?”“That’sthelastthingI’m
goingtodo.IjustwanthimoutofWashingtonbeforethePresidentdiscoverswhathe’supto.I’llseeyou,Carol.”
—In London at the sametime,theMastercameawaketorainrattlingthewindowsofthepenthouseapartmentthathadbeenthetopfloorofanEdwardianmansionin
Mayfair.Thelivingroomextendedintoastudio,whichwasnowfurnishedasalibraryoffice.Therewerefourroomsbelow,servicedbyanarrowlift,roomslovinglypreserved,furniturecoveredindrapes.
Hehadbeensleepingonacouch,whichhedidfrequently,andcouldseeacrosstohisdesk,whereagreenlightpingedsoftly,whichmeantonlyonething.
AcommunicationfromtheGrandCouncil.
Hegotupandwentstraighttothedesk,acknowledgedreceipt,thenswitchedonthetransmitter.Aneutralvoicedetailedtheprovenanceofthematerialandtheidentityoftheplayers.Afewmomentslater,hejoinedJakeCazaletandBlakeJohnsonforsupperattheHay-AdamsHotel.
Helistenedtothem,
consideringwhatitmeant.Itwascertainlythecoupofalifetime.Becauseofit,henowkneweverythingthathadhappenedtoFergusonandhispeoplesinceNantucket,includingthetruthabouttheDrumgooleaffair.
SoTodFlynnwasdeadafterall?WhatacleverbastardSeanDillonwas,buthe’doverreachedbyattemptingtoplayadeadman.Thatcouldbedealtwith
later.Theimportantthingwasthemineofinformationhenowpossessed.Includingthefactthatsometimeduringtheafternoon,JakeCazaletwasarrivinginParistostayattheRitzwithoutpresidentialapproval.ThiswouldallowtheWhiteHousetopulltheplugonhissecurity,knowingthattheFrenchwouldbeforcedtoassumeit,whichmeantthatwhentheplanelanded,itwouldprobablybe
greetedbyColonelClaudeDuvaloftheDGSE.
WhatacoupitwouldbetofinishthejobstartedinNantucketandknockoffJakeCazaletinParis.Thesedays,withtheterriblecivilwarinSyria,therewereplentyofmenavailableandcapableofsuchanassassination,eitherinParisorLondon.Jihadistshomefromthewar,takingarestandavailable,ataprice,tohandlesuchatask.
HeconsultedtheGrantCouncilandfoundwhathewantedwithnoproblem:AlegLupu,aChechenhardmanofthefinestwater,backfromSyriafortwomonthstoreceivespecialisttreatmentforabulletintheleftthigh.
He’dbeenlivingwithhiswoman,aFrenchAlgeriannamedZahraleRuez.ThewordwasthathewasabouttoreturntothefrayinSyriabywayofTurkey,butsince
theonlythingZahralovedinthisworldmorethanherselfwasLupu,anythingthatwouldkeephiminPariswouldappealtohergreatly.Anactresssincefourteen,shestillperformedwhenagoodshowwasavailable.Andwhenresting,asactorsreferredtoit,sheaugmentedherearningsbyperformingasahigh-classladyofthenightwhoworkedonlythebesthotels.Shelivedina
luxuriousbargeonalonelylittlequaynearNotreDame.
—Asleep on the couchinthesalon,Zahracameawakewithastartandlaythere,awareofLupu’ssteadysnoringfromhercabin.Shepushedherselfuponherelbow,sawthelightglowingonhermobile,andreachedtothetable.
“Whointhehellisitatthistimeinthemorning?”
ShehadspokenFrench,andtheMasterrepliedinEnglish.“ThereisonlyoneGod,andOsamaishisProphet.”
Sherecognizedhiminstantlyandsatup.“Master,it’syou,”andshecouldnothelpthetouchoffearinhervoice.
“Whoelsewoulditbe,Zahra?IsLupustillwith
you?”Sheansweredinexcellent
English.“Yes,he’shere,butcameindrunk,sohe’ssleepingitoff.HegotafalsepassportinBeirutformedicaltreatment,justincasehemightrunintotrouble,andhe’dgrownablackbeardwhenhewasoutthere.Looksquitedistinguished.He’scallinghimselfMichaelLebrun.”
“Ithoughthemighthave
returnedtoTurkeytocrosstheborderandrejointhestruggleinSyria.”
Alie,ofcourse,buthewishedtomakeherangry.“He’sdoneenoughfortheCause,Master,itcouldbethedeathofhimifhereturns.”
“Well,Ibringyougoodnews.Hecanserveal-QaedabetterbystayinginParisandreceiveaveryrichreward.Ihaveataskforhimherethatwouldsuityoutwovery
well.”“Oh,myGod,”she
exclaimed.“Canthisbetrue?”
“Ifhemaybepersuaded.”Shelaughedharshly.“Oh,
I’llseetothat,youmaydependonit.Whatareyouexpectinghimtodo?”
“Whathedoesbest,killsomeone,”theMastertoldher.
“Iseenoproblemthere,”shesaid.“Godknows,ithas
nevergivenhimonebefore.Someonespecial?”
“ToAQheis.Someyearsago,hewaspresidentoftheUnitedStates.JakeCazalet,”theMastersaid.“Perhapsyourememberhim?”
“Notparticularly.”ShereachedforacigarettefromasilverboxandlititwithaZippo.“Theycomeandgo,thesepeople,Ican’tremember.”
“He’sarrivingbybusiness
jetatCharlesdeGaullethiseveningasaprivatecitizen,stayingattheRitz.”
“Willtherebecopsfussingalloverhim?”sheasked.
“Ishouldimaginethey’llkeepaneyeonhim.ColonelClaudeDuvalwillprobablymeettheplane.”
Shefrowned.“Thatbastard.SotheDGSEisinvolved?”
“Don’tgetworkedup,”
theMastersaid.“CazaletisdroppinginonaUNcommitteemeetingattheElyséePalacetomorrow.HemaymoveontoLondonthefollowingday.”
“Howdoyouwantitdone?”
“I’llleavethattoLupu.Hecanbeascreativeashelikes.”
“Orasdirty?”sheasked.“Well,he’salwaysbeenat
hisbestincrowdswitha
silencedWalther.Abulletinthebackandkeeponwalkingwhenthebodygoesdowntobetrampledbythemob,”theMastersaidcalmly.“I’llsendphotosofthetargettoyourfaxmachine,plusotherinformation.I’llleaveyoutoit.You’vegotalldaytodecidehowtohandleit.You’llfindthatthemobileIgaveyouonthelastjobisswitchedonagain.”
—She sat there,thinkingaboutit,fiercelydelightedthattheprospectofSyriawasfadingfast.Shegotup,wentintohercabin,andpeereddownatLupu.Hehadstoppedsnoring,butwasbreathingdeeply.Shemovedtotheothersideofthebed,raisedtheduvet,andslippedinbesidehim.
“Whatwasthat?”hemoaneddrunkenly.
Shekissedhischeek.“Nothingimportantatthemoment,chéri.I’lltellyoulater.Youcangobacktosleep.Mama’shere.”
FromherbedroomonthethirdfloorofHighfieldCourt,HannahcouldseetheAmericanEmbassyinGrosvenorSquareasshepulledonhertracksuitandold-fashionedathleticshoesthat,withherlameness,helpedhercontrolthepedals
whenplayingpiano.Thiswasherhomenow,
thiswonderfuloldVictorianhouse,anditwasjustacoupleofdayssincetheaffairatDrumgoole.Sheopenedthedoor,checkedherwatch.Justbeforeeightandquiet,asshewentdownstairs,herrighthandslidingalongthebanister,leaningonthewalkingstickinherleft.
Therewerefaintsoundsoflifefromthekitchenarea.
Shestartedtowardit,thennoticedthestudydoorajar.Shepeeredin,buttherewasnoonethere,sosheslippedin,thrilledasshehadbeenonthefirstnightSarahadtakenher.
Itwasjustsuchapleasuretobeinthere.TheTurkishcarpets,thelibraryshelves,thebooks,andthemahoganydoorsthatrolledtoeachsidetorevealthemusicroom.
Sheopenedthemnow,and
therewastheSchiedmayerconcertgrandwaitingforherinthecenteroftheroom,glassdoorsontheotherside,theconservatorybeyond,atouchofthejunglethere,smallpalmtrees,vines,exoticplantsandflowers.
Itwassohardtotakeinthatthiswastobeherhomeforthenextfouryears,withtheRoyalCollegeofMusiconlyabriskwalkawayacrossHydePark.Foramoment,
shetrembledwithexcitement,thentookadeepbreathtosteadyherselfandsatdownatthepianoshehadleftopenlastnight.
SheflexedherfingersandlaunchedintoaBachprelude,playedveryfastindeed,coldandpreciseandurgent.Hercontrolwasremarkable,yetwhenshestopped,shewasshaking.Applausebrokeoutbehindher,andsheturnedtofindSaraandhergrandfather
clapping,TonyDoylejoininginbehind.
“Suchtalent,”NathanGideonsaid.
Hannahshookherhead.“SometimesIthinkIshowoffalittlebit.”
“Soyou’vesomethingtoshowoffabout,”SadieCohensaidasshecameupbehindthem,dryingherhandsonakitchentowel.“AgiftfromGod,child,sodon’tknockit.Justgetdowntothekitchen
wherebreakfast’swaiting,everyone,includingyou,Rabbi.You’vegotseminarsattheLondonSchoolofEconomicsallday.Acar’spickingyouupatnine.”
“Yousee,Hannah,nopeaceforthewicked,”hesaid.
“Sincewhenwereyouwicked?”Sadiedemanded.“Justgetinthere,eatagoodbreakfast,andshutup.”
—Ferguson, in the computerroomatHollandParkwithRoperandDillon,wastalkingtoClaudeDuvalinParis,andthecolonelwasnotbestpleasedastheydiscussedtheCazaletsituation.
“Letmemakeonethingclear,”hesaid.“IhavenothingbutadmirationforJakeCazalet,buthisinsistenceonbehavinginthis
fashionisabsurd.TheDGSEhasenoughonitsplatewithouthavingtoworryabouthim.”
“That’swhyI’mdoingyouafavor,Claude,”Fergusontoldhim.“He’sstayingattheRitz,andDillonandSaraGideonwillstaythere,too,andkeepaneyeonhim.Didn’ttheydothesamethingintheHusseiniaffairlastyear,andwithconsiderablesuccess?”
“Yes,Imustadmityouhaveapoint,”Duvalsaid.
“Well,thereyouare,then.Theyknowthathotelbackwards.Plus,HenriLaval’sonstaff,andI’msurehe’llhelpout.”
“You’reoutofdate,”Duvalsaid.“Theyretiredhimninemonthsago.I’venoideawhoreplacedhim.Anyway,makesureyouhaveDillonandSaraalreadyherewhenCazaletarrivessowecan
meethimtogether,althoughhemaynotfindthatamusing.Imustgonow.Lotstodo.”
Thepicturewentdark,andFergusonsaid,“Anycomments?”
Dillonsaid,“DowereallythinkJakeCazaletcouldbeatriskwhilehe’sthere?”
“There’snoanswertothat,notintheworldweinhabitthesedays.”Fergusonshrugged.“Sameapplieswhenhemovesonto
London.”“Sothat’sagiven,isit?”
Roperasked.“Afraidso.ThePM’s
madeitclearthatJakeCazalet’swelcomeatanytime.”
“AsnubfortheWhiteHouse,I’dhavethought,”Dillonsaid.
“They’llgetoverit.”Fergusonshruggedagain,andleft.
Whenhewasgone,Roper
said,“SowhataboutyouandthisbusinessofpretendingtobeTodFlynnwiththeMaster?Howmanytimeshasthesodcalledyou?”
“Three,andusuallyaroundfourinthemorning.Creepystuff.‘Areyoustillwithus,Mr.Flynn,’andItellhimtogoaway,inappropriatelanguage.”
“AndwithaCountyDownaccent.”
“Ofcourse.Anyway,
you’dbettertellSarashe’sgoingtostayattheRitzingayPareeagain.Itwasquiteanadventurethelasttimewewerethere.I’llgoandpack,”andDillonwentout.
—On the barge Rosamund,ZahrahadrestoredLuputosomesortofsanitybyalternatinghotandfreezingshowersfollowedbylargequantitiesofexcellentcoffee.
Hisblackhairwastousled,mostofhisfacehiddenbytheblackbeardhehadgrowninSyria.
“Youlookgood,”shesaid.“Thatweightyouputoninhospital,thebeard.EvenI,wholoveyou,don’trecognizeyou.AddtothatyourfalsepassportandAlegLupuhasceasedtoexist.”
“Nevermindthat.”Hereachedtothecoffeetableforthefaxesandphotosthe
Masterhadsent.“SohewantsthisCazaletshotorwhatever.”Hereachedforawalkingstickfromthefloor,pushedhimselfup,andlimpedtothebarattheotherendofthesalon.“I’mcrippled.”
“No,you’renot,youjustcan’trunatthemoment,butyouwon’thaveto.WebookinattheRitzbecauseCazaletisgoingtostaythere.We’lltakeatwo-bedroomsuite.
You’llbeinawheelchairandI’llbeyouruniformednurse.Withmyuniform,yourbeardandtintedglasses,peoplewillbeverynicetous,Iassureyou.”
“Okay,whataboutyourmother’shalfbrother,HenriLaval,theguywhousedtosneakyouinfortherichpunterswhenyouwereonthegame?We’dbefinishedthemomentheseteyesonyou.”
“UncleHenriretirednine
monthsago.Wedon’thavetoworryabouthim.”
“AndwhatdowedowithCazalet?”
“Dependsonwhateveropportunityturnsup.Ifnothingdoes,weletitgo.Andwestillgethandsomelypaidforit.”
“Idon’tknow,itstillsoundscrazy.”
“CrazyenoughthatyouwanttogetsentbacktotheSyrianwartomorrow?
Because,theMaster’spromised,that’sexactlywhatyou’regoingtodo.”
“No,”Lupucroaked.“Thatwon’tbenecessary.”
“Excellent.Iknewthat’swhatyou’dsay!”
ZahrasmiledatLupu,wholookedstrangelyhumble.“I’vetoldyoubefore,”shesaid.“Mama’shereandeverythingisgoingtobefine.”
—In her office at the Sash,MyraTullywascheckingthroughthemonth’sreceipts,whichweredown,andherringingmobiledisturbedalengthycalculation.Shesnatcheditup.
“Gotohell,whoeveryouare,I’mbusy,”shecried.
“Yes,Igetthatimpression,Myra.It’stheMaster.”
“Isthatso?Whatdoyouwant?”shedemanded.“Orhaveyoucalledtotellmeyou’vecomeupwithsomethinguseful,likesomewayofsortingoutFerguson,Dillon,andthatSaraGideonbitch.”
“Iwaswonderingabouther,”theMastersaid.“ItseemssomeBrotherhoodmemberstriedtojumpGideonasshewasenteringherhouseafewnightsago.”
“That’sthebestnewsI’vehadallyear,”Myratoldhim.
“No,itisn’t.AcoupleofCockneythugsapparentlyjoinedinandsavedherday.Kneecappedtwoofherassailants.”
“ThatsoundslikeSeanDillon,”Myrasaid.
“Well,itwasn’t.Dillonhadnothingtodowiththataffair.Iprefertodealwithreality,andhere’ssomemoreofit:Yourpreciousdaand
BellwereshotbyTodFlynnfromthepillionofamotorbikebeingriddenbyBillySalter.AstheylaywoundedinthecaboftheirJeep,whichhadhaltedontheedgeofaslopeaboveabog,Flynnleanedintofinishthemoff.Bellgrabbedhim,theJeepmoved,andtheyallwentdowntohelltogether.Whatdoyouthinkofthat,Myra?”
Herfacehadcontorted,
eyesburning,therageinhervoicespeakingforitselfasshesaid,“BillySalterwasridingthatmotorbikeandhelpedmurdermyda?I’llhavehimforthatifit’sthelastthingIdoonearth!”
“Don’tdoanythingstupid,”hesaid.“Ifyouwantrevenge,you’llhaveit,butdon’tmakeamoveuntilItellyou.”
“Whydon’tyougotohell?”shedemanded.
“I’vebeenthere,Myra,didn’tlikeit,andneitherwouldyou.I’llbeintouch.”
“Bastard!”sheshoutedasheswitchedoff.
AdoorwasflungopenandTerryHarkerrushedinfromtheouteroffice.“Areyouokay,Myra?”
Shetriedtopullherselftogether,reachedforthebrandydecanteronherdesk,pouredalargeoneandgulpeditdown,handshaking.
“IjusthadtheMasterontellingmewhatreallyhappenedatDrumgoole.”
“You’vegottotryandputallthatoutofyourmind,Myra.”
“NotwhenIhearBillySalterwasroaringroundonamotorbikewithFlynnonthepillion,shootingupmydaandBell.ThoseSaltershaveswaggeredroundtoomuchandtoolong.It’stimetheygotsorted.”
“Sowhatdoyoumeanbythat?”Terryasked.
“Wecouldstartwiththatboozeroftheirs,theDarkMan.MeanseverythingtoHarrySalter,thatplace.Getafewrealwildboysintogivethecarparkaworking-overonenightandseriouslydamageafewcars.That’llfrightenhispuntersaway.Samedealwiththatrestaurantofhis,Harry’sPlace.”
“You’llbewastingyourtime,”Terrysaid.“HarrySaltermaybewealthythesedays,butscratchthatsurfaceandyou’llstillfindthegangster.He’llcrushyou.”
“Isthatso?”Sheleanedback,glaringathim.“Scared,areyou?ThenI’lljusthavetodosomethingaboutitmyself.”
Andasalways,heraisedhishands.“Noneedforthat,love,you’retheboss.Ifthat’s
whatyouwant,justtellmewhereandwhenandI’llgetitsorted.”
“That’sbetter.”Herhandshookasshepouredanotherdrink.“I’mgladyouseesense.Now,takelastnight’sreceiptsuptothebankformewhileIpullmyselftogether.”
—Spoiled by her infamousdaallherlife,viciousandcruelbynature—theMaster
wasawareofallthataboutMyra,buthe’donlyrecentlyrealizedthathergreatestsinwasherstupidity.He’dhopedthatHarkermighthavemoreinfluence,buthehadn’tshownanysignofthat.DisappointinginamanwhohadservedfiveyearsintheGrenadierGuards,seenactioninBosnia,Kosovo,andNorthernIreland,andhadtwicebeenratedmiddleweightchampionof
theBritishArmy.Butthatwouldhavetowait.
HemovedontoHamidBeyandfoundhiminhisoffice.“Itisgoodtohearyourvoice,Master,”hesaid.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“ThatattackontheGideonwomanthatwasinterrupted.Haveyouheardanythingmoreaboutthemenwhointerfered?”
“No,justwhatI’vetoldyou.Theywereracistintheir
language,unbelievablybrutal,Cockneytothecore,andtheyhadnoqualmsaboutcripplingtwoofourmen,”theimamtoldhim.
“Buttheyweren’tFerguson’speople.I’matalossastowhotheymightbe,”theMastersaid.“Haveyouanythoughts?”
“Maybejusttwohardmenwhocameuponthescenebychance,sawawomanintrouble,anddecidedtodo
somethingaboutit?”“Inthebestofallpossible
worlds,Icouldbelievethat,”theMastersaid.“ButI’mnotsureoursis.”
—It was quiet high upinthepenthouse,wheretheMastersatathisdesk,makingnotes,patientlypullingthingstogetherforwhathehopedwouldbeasuccessinParis.
HewasduetospeaktoZahraandLupuagain,butitwasunlikelytheywouldhavecompletedtheirpreparationsyet,sohecalledtheIranians.BesttohavebackupinplaceincaseParisdidn’twork.
Alianswered.“LanceHarveyhere.”
“Hello,‘Lance.’Iassumeyouknowwhothisis,”theMastersaid.
“Ah,it’syou,wewerebeginningtothinkthatyou’d
forgottenus,”Alitoldhimcheerfully.
“Don’tbeabsurd,it’sonlyacoupleofweeksorsosincewefirsttalked.IsKhalidwithyou?”
“Ofcourse,we’reinseparable,butIexpectyouknowthat.He’shavingashowerafterrunningroundthepark.It’swhathedoeswhenhegetsbored.”
“Sowhathaveyoubeendoingbesideslivingitup?”
“Noneedtobeharsh,Master.We’vebeenthroughallthefilesyougaveus,andcompiledalistofthemainplayersandwherewecanfindthemifwewanttolayhandsonthem.TheyoungIrishgirl,HannahFlynn,isnowlivingwithCaptainSara.”
“AtHighfieldCourt,”theMastersaid.“Iknow.Gideonwasjustattackedbythreementhere.”
Alisaidsmoothly,“Really?Howisshe?”
“I’lltellyou.”
—When he was finished,Alismiled.“Ienjoyedtheimam’ssuggestionthatSaraGideon’ssaviorsmighthavebeenhardmenjustpassingbywhojumpedinbecausetheysawawomanintrouble.”
“Soyoudon’tthinkthat’s
possible?”“Seemsmorelike
Hollywoodthanreallife,Master.Buttootherthings.Howmuchlongerdowecarryonplayinggames?Khalidisnottheonlyonewhogetsbored,andmyproblemisIdon’tenjoyrunningroundthepark.”
“Youmustwaitalittlelonger,”theMastersaid.“Butitmaynotbeverylong.JakeCazaletisflyingintoParis
todayandIhaveplansforhim.Butifthosedon’tworkout,he’sduetocometoLondonnext,andthat’swhereyougentlemenwillbeveryimportantindeed.Enjoyyourselveswhileyoucan,Imaybeintouchsoon.”
Heswitchedoff,leavingAliHeriminastateofshockandstillclutchingthephone.ThatwaswhereKhalidfoundhimwhenherattleddownstairstwominuteslater,
whistlingcheerfully,untilhesawthelookonAli’sface.
“Isay,oldlad,youlookasiftheroof’sfallenin,”hesaid.“Ithinkyou’dbettertellme.”
WhichAlidid.
—Sara was changinginherbedroomatHighfieldwhentherewasaknockatthedoor.“It’sme,”Hannahcalled.
“CanIcomein?”“Ofcourse.”Sarawasin
herunderwear,andthencontinuedtodress,easingherselfintoablackArmanitrousersuitwithasilkblousecoveringanylon-and-titaniumbulletproofvest.
“Everythingokay?”sheasked.“Isthereaproblem?”
“No,it’sjustthatIwaspracticingandSadiebroughtmeacupofteaandsaidyouwerehavingtogoawayina
hurry.ShesaidthatyouandSeanweregoingtoParisonaholiday.”
“No,Hannah,we’regoingonbusiness.”
“Yes,Icanseethat.”HannahnoddedtotheflickknifeinitsanklesheathonthedressingtablewiththeColt.25besideit.ShepickedupthegunbeforeSaracouldstopherandweigheditinherhand.“Aniceweaponthese,especiallywithhollow
points.”Intheactofreachingto
takeitfromher,Sarastopped,frowningslightly.“Howonearthdoyouknowaboutthat?”
“UncleTodalwaysworriedaboutmeandAuntMegbeingalone.Megpreferredashotgun,butIwasprettygoodwithoneofthese.Hecalleditmydarkside.”
Sarasmiledandshookherhead.“Whataremarkablegirl
youare.”Sheputherbootedfootuponthedressingtablestool,fastenedtheanklesheath,thenclampedtheColtinabeltclipinthesmallofherback.“I’llmakeadealwithyou.SadieisincompletedenialaboutwhatIdo.”
Hannahnodded.“Icanseethat.”
“I’mgladyoucan,butasasoldier,Ialwaysanticipatetheworstthatcouldhappen.
You’dbesurprisedhowoftenitdoes.Beingpreparedforithassavedmylife.”
“Where’sthisleading?”Hannahasked.
“YouandSadiewillbeonyourownwhenI’maway.You’llhaveTonyDoyle,adecoratedmilitarypolicemanwithtwenty-oneyearsofservicebehindhim,buttheunexpectedcanhappen.”
Hannahwasstrangelycalm.“Isuspectyou’vegot
ananswerforthat?”Sarareacheduptothe
backofherwardrobeandproducedabox,whichsheofferedtoHannah.“Apresentforyou.”
Hannahhelditinbothhands,frowning.“SelectedworksofCharlesDickens.Publishedeighteen-fifty.”
“Ithinkyou’llfindit’sinterestingreading.”
Hannahputitdown,openedittorevealaColt.25,
obviouslynew,withasilencerandspringholsterwithapocketcontainingfiftyhollow-pointcartridges.
Sheexaminedthemforamoment,thenlookedup,smiling.“WhereshouldIkeepit?”
“Whereveryouwantthat’sbothhandyandwhereSadiewon’tfindit.Now,I’vegottogetmoving.GottheGulfstreamwaitingatFarleyField.”
“IsTonygoingtodriveyouthere?”
“No,he’snottoleaveyoualoneinthehouseforanyreason,andyouorSadieonlygooutifhegoeswithyou.I’lldrivemyselfandpickupDillon.”
“CanIseeyouoff?”Sarawhohadpulledona
militarytrenchcoatandpickedupalightsuitcase,putafreearmaroundher.“Justasfarasthefrontdoor.We’ll
bebackinLondoninacoupleofdays.”Shekissedhercheek.“Promise.”
“That’sallright,then.”Hannahputtheboxunderherarmandreachedforthesuitcase.“Letmetakethat,”whichshedidandfollowedSaradownstairs,wheretheyfoundSadiewaitinginthehall.
“SergeantDoyle’soutside.He’sbroughttheAlfaround.Stayoutoftrouble.Don’tyou
letSeanDillonleadyouastray.”
Sarachuckled,andkissedher.“Takecare,Sadie,”shesaid,andwasgone.Sadieturned,slightlyweepy,andblewhernose.“Nowthen,younglady,whatareyougoingtodo?”
“Getbacktothepiano,”Hannahtoldher.“IneedasmuchpracticeasIcanget.”
“Well,don’toverdoit.”Shenoddedtothebookunder
Hannah’sarm.“Whathaveyougotthere?”
“JustacollectionofstoriesbyCharlesDickens.Idon’tthinkyou’dbeinterested.”
“Tooheavyforme,”Sadiesaid.“I’llletyougeton,then.We’llhaveanicedinnertonight.”
ShewalkedawaytowardthekitchenandHannahmovedintothelibrary,wentintothemusicroom,and
closedthegreatslidingdoors.Shestoodthere,lookingfortherightplace,halfsmilingbecauseshewasenchantedatthesightoftheSchiedmayerwiththebeautifulvelvet-toppedpianostoolandimmediatelyrealizedshewaslookingattheperfecthidingplace,forthestoolhadastoragecompartment.
Sheraisedthelid,lookedinside,andfoundacollectionofsheetmusic,withample
roomfortheDickensbox,whichsheplacedonthepianowhilesheremovedtheColtandloadeditexpertly.Thenshefittedthesilencer,allwithgreatcare,asTodhadalwaysinsisted,whichmadehersadthinkingabouthim.ShecriedalittleandplacedtheboxwiththeColtinitinsidethepianostoolandplayedPavaneforaDeadInfantainhismemory,becauseitwasheartbreakinglybeautifuland
hehadloveditsoverymuch.
—Dillon, in the guest roomhealwaysusedatHollandPark,hadshoweredandchanged,andindeferencetotheRitz,waswearingBrioni.Asingle-breastedblackraincoatcompletedtheoutfit.
Thebriefnessofthevisitrequiredonlytoiletarticles,pajamas,andaspareshirt,
whichfitintoajumpbagwithnotrouble.Heopenedadrawersothathecouldclearunwanteditemsonthedressingtableintoit,amongthemTodFlynn’smobile.Hecasuallyflickedthebuttonandthephonecametolife.Hewassoastonishedthathedroppedit.
“Whatinthehell’sgoingon,”hesaidinvoluntarily,andscrambledforit,gettingareplyasheraisedittohisear.
“IheardthatasIwasjustaskingmyselfthesamequestion,Mr.Dillon,”theMastersaid.“I’veknownforsometimeaboutyourplayacting.Itwasjustaquestionofhowlongtoallowthefarcetorun.PoorHannah.Shemusthavetakenwhathappenedtoheruncleverybadly.”
Dillonsaid,“You’renotfittomentionhername,andifyou’reinterested,I’mjust
abouttostamponyourmobile.”
Which,onreflection,hedidn’t,simplygatheredhisluggagetogether,furiouslyangrywithhimself.HewentdownstairstotellRoperwhathadhappenedanddiscoveredSarahadarrived.
“Justabloodystupidaccident,”hesaid.“Turningthedamnphoneoninthefirstplace,buttogivemyselfawaylikethatwas
inexcusable.”“No,itwasn’t,”Sarasaid.
“Don’tbeatyourselfupaboutit.”
“Anyway,”Ropersaid.“WhatdifferencedoesitmakethatheknowsTodFlynnisdead?Hisproblemisthatyouarealive.”
Dillonraisedahanddefensively.“Okay,butwhatdowedonow?”
“Getthehelloutofhere.We’vegotaplanetocatch,”
Sarasaid.Shepickeduphersuitcaseandledthewayout.
—The Master had knownallalongthatTodFlynnwasdeadandSeanDillonwasimpersonatinghim—AliKhan’srecordinghadmadethatclear.Strangelyenough,he’dthoughtitratheramusing,allthemoresonowthathe’dcaughtDillonoff
guard.Hehadonemorecalltomake,andhephonedZahra.
“Howarethingsprogressing?”
“Amazinglywell,”shesaid.“I’vebeenabletohireanicebluevanwith‘MedicalAid’onthesideingold,sowelookverycorrect.Myuniform,wheelchair,therightcostumeforLupu—we’reallset.It’saperformancereally,justlikewhenIwasayoung
actress,wheneverythingandanythingseemedpossible.”
“CanyouhandleLupu?”heasked.
“Oh,yes,he’sathoroughlydangerousman,butstupid.Heneedsmeandalwayshas.CanIspeakfrankly?”
“Ofcourse.”“Webothknowthatthis
affairdependsonsheerchance.ThoughIdoubtit,thisCazaletmightbestupid
enoughtoanswerthedoorwithnooneelsethere.Inwhichcase,it’stwointheheadwiththesilencedWalther,slamthedoorshut,andawaywego.Butittakesayounganddedicatedbelievertowalkrightuptohistargetandsimplypulloutagunanddothejob.”
“Iknowthis,Zahra,whatyouaretryingtosay?”
“GuyslikeLupudon’tbelieveinsacrifice.They
expecttosurvive,andwithawadofmoneyintheirpocket.”
“Iknowthis,Zahra,hewasfightingformoneyevenintheSyrianwar.Don’tworry—asyousay,everythinginlifedependsonchance.Thequestioniswhetherwecontrolthegameoritcontrolsus.Staywithitforacoupleofdays,andifnoopportunitypresentsitself,walkaway.We’llhave
anotherchanceinLondon.”“I’llgiveiteverythingI
have,”sheassuredhim.“Iknowyouwill.”Shewentoutonthestern
oftheRosamundandfoundLupusittingunderthestripedawningbecauseitwasraining.HewasreadingLeMonde,abottleofvermouthandaglassonthetableathisside.
“Areyouokay?”shecalled.
“Sure,whywouldn’tIbe?”
“Watchhowmuchvermouthyou’redrinking,”shesaid.“Don’tforgetwe’vegotabignightahead.”
“Icanhandleit,youworrytoomuch,”hetoldher,andsheshruggedandwentbackinside.
—The rain pursued the
GulfstreamtoParisandwasstillfallingrelentlesslywhenSaraandDillonlandedatCharlesdeGaulle.ClaudeDuvalwaswaitingjustinsidetheentranceoftheVIPconcourse,wearingalongyellowmackintoshhe’dobviouslyborrowedfromsomeoneinCustoms,andastheplaneapproachedanddroppeditssteps,heputupalargeumbrellaandaccompaniedtheporterswho
wenttomeetthem.“Bonnechance,mydear
friends.”HekissedSaraonthecheeks.“Thisisgettingtobeahabit.”
“Especiallytherain.”“Iagreeanditsuitsyou,
butlet’sgetyouin.”HeturnedtoDillon,whowaswalkingwithaporterholdinganumbrella.“Sean,youlookfit,andit’sgoodtosee.Let’sgoinside.Cazaletwillbehereinanhour,andweneed
totalk.”“Hassomethingcome
up?”Dillonasked.“Ithinkyoucouldsay
that.”
—They sat intheprivateluncheonbar,coffeewaspouredforDuvalandSara,teaasusualforDillon.
“Ithinkacognacwouldbeappropriate,”Claudesaid,
andwavedtothewaitressclosest,oneofthetwoservingthebar,andordered.“Wecanspeakfreely.SoniaandherfriendareofficersoftheDGSE.”
“Okay,Claude,”Dillonsaid.“Isuggestyoutellustheworst.”
“TheWhiteHouseisnothappyaboutCazaletbeinghere.OrmaybethatreallymeanstheCIA.”
“Weknowthat,”Sara
said.“Theywerealready
puttingpressureontheForeignOfficeaboutthis,andthereislittledoubtthePresidentwasapproached,butthefeelingherehasalwaysbeenverypro-Cazalet,especiallysincehisonlydaughterhadaFrenchmother.Whenshewaskilledinthatcaraccidenttheotheryear,thepressallranthestorywithunusualdelicacy.”
“SoIassumeyou’renotgoingtochuckhimout?”Saraasked.
“Weneverwere.Butthefactis,hisreasonforbeingherehasceasedtoexistinthelastfewhours.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Sarasaid.
“Thecommittee’sbeencanceled.Ourpresidentdoesn’thavethetimeforit—toodeeplyinvolvedinRussia,theUkraine,Nigeria
—younameit.SoIdon’tknowwhatCazalet’sgoingtodo—stayhereinParisanyway,goontoLondon,gohome.Whoknows?”
“Well,that’llmakeourjobeithereasierorharder,Ican’tdecidewhich,”saidSara.“Whatdoyouthink,Sean?”
“Thatweshouldgetadrink.”Hesignaledandorderedsomechampagne.
“Oh,andifhedecidestostay,”saidDuval,“Ihaveone
messageforyou.Youknowthatroom-servicewaiterthatyouandFergusonrantogetherforyears,whoretiredninemonthsago?HenriLaval?”
“That’sright.Whatabouthim?”
“Fergusonhadawordwiththegeneralmanager.SoLaval’sbackforyouall,justforthisstay.”
“Well,thatwillpleasetheslipperyoldsod,”Dillonsaid,
andraisedaglass.Justthen,thefardoor
openedandJakeCazaletentered.Hestoppeddead,thenlaughed.“IshouldhaveguessedI’dfindthethreeofyouhere.”
Theyglancedateachother,thenDillonsaid,“Heardthenews?”
Ittookonlyamomenttoexplain,thenJakeCazaletsighedanddroppedontoachair.“Isthereany
champagneleftinthatbottle,becauseifthereis,Icoulddowithit.”
Soniarushedtopourit,handedhimtheglass,andhetoastedthem.“It’sgoodtoseeyou,butI’vegottoadmitI’msorelydisappointed.”
“There’salwaysLondon,sir,”Saratoldhim.
“Isthemeetingadefinitethere?”heasked.
“No,it’samaybe,”Dillonsaid.“Buttheintentionis
genuine.Manypeoplewishtoseeittakeplace.”
“Ontheotherhand,nooneissuggestingyourushoverthere,”Duvalputin.“WhynotenjoyParis?”
Cazaletbrightenedconsiderably.“Whynotindeed?SinceI’vecomeallthisway,ImightaswellenjoytheRitz.AndIhopeyou’llallbemyguestsatdinnertonight!”
—At the Ritz,ZahraandLupuhadbeenhandledwiththeimpeccableservicethatgreathotelsalwaysprovide.Twoportershadhelpedthemwiththeluggage,andthey’dbeenwhiskeddirectlytothefifthfloorinsteadofreceptiontofacilitateLupuinhiswheelchair.There,ayoungwomanfromhousekeeping
explainedaboutalltheamenities,promisingthataseniormemberofstaffwouldbealongshortly,thenleft.
Zahrawasgigglinglikeachild,movingabouttheroomandtouchingthings.“Thisisthelife,isn’tit?”
“Don’tbedaft,”Luputoldher.“Justgetmeavermouth,alargeone.”
“Don’tbesomiserable,”shesaid.“Youshouldbetellingmetoopenabottleof
champagne,butifsirwantshisvermouth,that’swhathegets.”
Asshepassedhim,heslappedherbottomhard.“Andkeepyourmouthshutforachange.AnymorefancyremarksandI’llgiveyouagoodhiding,youbitch.”
Soshewasintroubleandknewitfrompastexperience.He’dobviouslybeendrinkingheavily,andshewasawareofasaddespairaseverything
crumbledaroundher.Shetookthevermouthtohim,thenturnedaway,rememberingwhattheMasterhadsaidtoheraboutlifedependingonchance.Didwecontrolthegameordiditcontrolus?
Thedoorbellsounded.Shestoodthere,frozenforamoment,uncertainwhattodo,andLupusnarledather.“Finally,roomservice,Isuppose,somoveyourself
andanswerit.”Shedidasshewas
ordered,openedthedoor,andgotashockwhenshefoundHenriLavalfacingher.Hiswhitehairgleamed,hisuniformwassuperb,andhissmilewasasfalseashisteeth.Shesteppedtoonesideinvoluntarilyandhemovedin.
“MadameCornue?”hebegan.“I’mHenriLaval,seniorroom-servicewaiter.
Sosorryyou’vebeenkeptwaiting,”andthenhestoppedsmiling,therealityofwhohewastalkingtoshowinginhisastonishment.“Zahra?Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Shefounditdifficulttospeak.“Ithoughtyou’dretired.”
“Ihave,butI’vebeencalledbackinforaspecialclient.Butwhatinthehellareyouplayingat?”
Beforeshecouldreply,
Lupusaiddrunkenly,“Hello,youstupidbastard,stillsniffingaroundtheguests’pockets,areyou?”
Henristeppedalittlecloser,frowning.“Lupu,isthatyou?Whatareyoudoingdresseduplikethat?”
“Andwhat’sitgottodowithyou?”LupusuddenlyproducedhisWalther.“Silencedversion,this.Icouldblowyourheadoffandnobodywouldbeanythe
wiser.”HeglancedatZahra.“WhatdoyouthinktheMasterwouldsayifIterminatedyourhalfuncle?”
HelaughedsohardthathedroppedtheWalther,andZahradodgedpasthimtopickitup.SheturnedtoHenri:“You’dbettergowhileyoucan.”
“Butwhataboutyou,you’renotsafeinhiscompany.”
“I’llmakeout.Sorry,
UncleHenri,forgivingyougrief.”
“Butwhat’shappening,girl,whathaveyougotyourselfinto,andwho’sthisMasterhe’smentioned?”
Lupu’sheadwasdownasifheweresleeping.“We’llgo,”shesaid.“Gobackdowntheserviceelevatortotheparkinglot.Justgivemefifteenminutesandwe’llbeoutofhere.Ididn’tevenunpackourcase.”
“Ican’taffordanytrouble,”hesaid.“It’simportantatmyage.I’dnevergetajobagain,youknowwhatthehoteltradeislike.”
“ThenjustgivemefifteenminutesandI’moutofyourlife.”
“Damnyou,Zahra,where’syourcase,thebedroom?I’llgetitwhileyoupushhimouttotheserviceelevator,andI’llfollowon
withtheluggage.Ifweseeanybody,justbehavenormally.”
Buttheydidn’tseeasoul,havingtheelevatortothemselves,Zahrapushingthewheelchairouttothemedicalvan,followedbyHenriwiththesuitcase.Hestoodtherewaitingassheoperatedthehydrauliclift,takingthewheelchairinsidethevan,Lupustillinit.
Sheturnedtohim.“You
know,Ialwaysthoughtyouwereabadoldbastard,butyou’vebeengreat.”
“Idon’twanttoknow,butIwishyouwell,”hesaid.“JustdomeafavorandleaveParis.”
Hewentbacktothehotelandshedroveaway,stoppinginabackstreettocalltheMaster.“Trouble?”heasked.
“I’mafraidso.”Shehadastruggletocontrolhersobs,buthedidn’tcomment,just
allowedhertocontinue.Hewasallsympathywhen
she’dfinished.“Atleastyou’vemanagedtogetoutoftheresafely.ApityLupumentionedtheMasterinhisramblings,butthatcan’tbehelpednow.Youhavemoneyinyouraccountandyourunclewillkeepquietforhisownsake.Youshouldbequitesafeforawhileinthebarge,butIwouldadviseyoutomoveoutofParissoonand
withoutLupu.”“Ithinkyou’reright,
Master.”“Iusuallyam.Takecare.”Hethoughtaboutitforten
minutesorso.Itwasamess,particularlythereferencetoherconnectionwithhim.Timetobeproactive.HephonedParisagainandgaveananonymousvoiceanorder.
—
When Zahra arrivedattheRosamund,itwasearlyevening,darkandrainingheavily.SheturnedtocheckLupuinhiswheelchair,buthesleptinadrunkenstupornow,soshelefthimthere,boardedthebarge,wentintothegalleytolookforanumbrella,andfoundoneinacorner.
AnopenbottleofLupu’svermouthstoodbythesink,andshepouredsomeintoa
glassandswalloweditdown,feelingsomehowatthefinalendofthings,staringoutofthegalleywindowattherainbouncingoffthemedicalvan.Shefrozeasapolicemanwearingaheavy-weatheryellowoilskinuniformandridingamotorbikeemergedfromthealleyoppositeontothequay.Hepushedthebikeuponitsstand,dismounted,andproceededtoexaminethevehiclewiththekindof
policetorchthatlookedasifitdoubledasaclub.
Sheimmediatelypanickedbutpulledherselftogether,ranoutside,andwithherumbrellaraised,approachedhimasheexaminedLupubytorchlight,whostilllolledinthewheelchair.
ThepolicemanturnedtoZahra,hiseyesdarkenedbynightbifocalsunderthepeakofhishelmet,therestofhisfacecoveredbyaweather
guard.Hisvoicewaspoliteandneutral.
“What’sthestoryhere,madam?”
“He’saseriouslysickmanwhoinsistsondrinkingwhenheshouldn’t.He’sjustsleepingitoffinthechair.”
“I’dliketocheckthat,butthedoorappearstobelocked.”
Shesaid,“It’scontrolledbythedriverandonlyworkswhentheengineison.”
“Iwonderifyoucouldshowmethat,”hesaid.“I’llholdyourumbrella.”
“Ofcourse,”shesaid,handedittohim,thenclimbedinbehindthewheelandstartedtheengine,whichtumbledintolife.Sheleanedout,thedriver’sdoorstillajar.“Thereyouare,Officer,thereardoorisunlockednow.Itlocksagainwhenthedriver’sdooropens.”
“I’mverygrateful,
madam,”hesaid,andclubbedherwiththetorch,asavageblowacrossthesideoftheskull.Shetiltedtotherightwithoutasound;hereachedover,releasedthebrake,slammedthedoor,andstoodbackasthevanmovedforwardtotheendofthequay,knockeddowntheguardrail,andwentstraightoverintotheSeine.
Hemovedtowheretherailwasdamagedandshone
historchdownintothewater,wherethevanlayslightlytilted,therearshowingonlybrieflyaslittlewaveslapped.Itwasenough,nobodycouldhavesurvivedthat,andhemadeaquickcalltotheMasterashewalkedbacktohismotorbike.
“Takencareof.”“Areyoucertain?”the
Mastersaid.“Asthecoffinlidclosing,”
themaninthepoliceuniform
toldhim,androdeaway.
—The suddendisappearanceofZahraandLupuwasnoticedbyanumberofthemembersofstaff,butwasatfirstthoughttobeacaseofguestswhocouldn’tpaytheirbilldoingarunner.Butthatmadenosenseatall,andwhenthehotelvisitedtheirsecuritycameras,thegamewasupfor
HenriLaval.Normally,thepolicewouldhavebeencalledin,butthepresenceofColonelClaudeDuvalinthehotel,becauseofJakeCazalet’spresence,broughtinfullDGSEpowers,whichsupersededanypoliceinvestigation.Addedtothat,whenDuvalwasshownsomeofthesecurityfilm,herecognizedZahraatonceandhisnosetwitched,forherrelationshipwithLupuwas
knowntotheDGSE.ThiswaswhyhehadLavaldeliveredtoCazalet’ssuiteandinthepresenceofSaraGideonandDillon.
“Willthisbeentirelylegal?”Sarainquired.“Whataboutdueprocessandrighttoalawyerandsoon?”
“Sara,weoftheFrenchSecretServicebelieveingoinginhard,andourParliamenttotallysupportsus.IsawserviceinAlgeriaas
ayoungman,andithadagreateffectonme.TosomeI’madinosaur,butIgetresults,andIsmellstinkingfishhere.Iwelcomeyoutojoinmeasacourtesy.FormerpresidentCazaletfeelsitwouldnotbeproperforhimtojoinusandwillstayintheothersittingroom.IwouldalsoremindyouthatLavalismyprisonerandnotyours.”
DillonlookedatSara,whonodded,andhegrinnedat
Duval.“Agreed,solet’sgetonwithit,youolddevil.”
DuvalnoddedtoSonia,whohadchangedherwaitressuniformforablacksuit,andsheusheredinhercolleaguefromtheairportandHenriLavalinhandcuffs,wholookedfrightenedtodeath.
Claudeshookhishead.“Whatthehellhaveyoubeengettingupto,MonsieurLaval?”
Henriseemedbereftof
speech,hisheadshaking,andDuvalcarriedon.“ZahraleRuezisaknownconsortofenemiesoftheState.WemaynothaveDevil’sIslandtoofferanymore,buttherearecertainestablishments,inMaliforinstance,whocouldhelpusoutwithsimilarfacilities.”
AndHenriLavalbroke,cameapartattheseams,weepingwildly.“No,Ibegyou,noneofthisismyfault.
ItisonlybecauseIwasinvitedtoreturntothehoteltolookaftertheCazaletparty’sneedsthatIamhereatall.Tohelpjuniorstaffunderpressure,Icheckontheroom-serviceneedsofothersuitesandwasshockedwhenZahraopenedthedoorofoneofthemtome.”
SaracutinbeforeClaudecouldspeak.“Whywereyoushocked?”
“Ihaveahalfsister,
CaptainGideon,thatfewpeopleknowabout.Zahraisherdaughter.ShewasanactressandthenformedarelationshipwithaChechennamedAlegLupu.”
“ApettygangsterturnedjihadistforAQinSyria,”Claudesaid.“Recentlywounded,webelieve.”
“Iknownothingofthat,Colonel,”Lavalpleaded.“Onlythattheywerestayinghereunderfalsenamesand
thatitmightbeforthewrongreasonandItoldthemtheymustgo.”
“Andwhathappenedthen?”Dillonputin.
“Lupuwasdrunk,crazydrunk,andhepulledoutasilencedpistolandthreatenedmewithit.”
“Andwhathappenedthen?”Dillonwenton.
“HesaidastrangethingtoZahra.HeaskedherwhatshethoughttheMasterwouldsay
ifheterminatedherhalfuncle.”
Saralaughedexcitedly.“TheMaster—soweknowexactlywhowe’redealingwith!Whathappenedthen,Henri?”
“Hewassodrunk,helosthissenseswhilestillsittinginthewheelchair.Itoldhershe’dhavetoleave,andIescortedthemdownintheelevatortoamedicalvanshehadwaiting.”
ClaudeDuvalsaid,“Andwheredidshego?”
“ItoldhersheshouldleaveParis,hopefullywithoutLupu,soshejustdroveaway,toherplace,Isupposed.”
“Whichis?”“Abargecalled
Rosamund,mooredtooneofthosequaysclosetoNotreDame.She’shaditforyears.It’sinthephonebook.”HenriLavallookedwretchedlytired.“It’samess,Colonel,
isn’tit?”Claudepattedhisback.“I
believeyou’vetoldthetruththistime,youstupidoldfool.I’llseewhatIcandoforyou.”HenoddedtoSoniaandherfriend.“Takehimintoheadquartersandbookhim.”
HenridepartedbetweenthetwoyoungofficersandClaudemovedaway,talkingintohismobilephone.Ashefinished,JakeCazaletentered.“That’sahellofa
story.Igotmostofit.Buttellme,Sean,whatinhellwasitallabout?WhatwerethisZahraandtheboyfriendsupposedtodo?”
“That’sprettyobvious,sir,”Sarasaid.“IthinktheMasterhadgiventheminstructionstoshootyou.”
“AndIagree,”ClaudeDuvalsaid.“I’vejustgivenordersforateamofmypeopletomoveinonthisbargeofZahraleRuez’s.I’m
goingtojointhemtherenow,andifyouandSarawouldliketo,that’sfine.”HeturnedtoJake.“Itwouldbebetterifyoustayedaway.”
“Iagree,”Cazalettoldhim,andreturnedtotheotherroom.
Duvalsaid,“So,mydearfriends,let’sgetdowntotheSeine.”
—
Things had moved fastonthequay,lightsriggedtotheRosamund,illuminatingthegrislyscene.Ariverpolicespecialunit,workingunderDGSEsupervision,hadalreadyrecoveredthemedicalvan,thereweretwoambulances,anawningriggedbetweenthemagainsttherelentlessrain,bothbodiesrecoveredandlyingontrestlesbeneathit,twopolicepathologistsmakinga
preliminaryinspection.ThepartyfromtheRitzjoinedthem,huddledunderumbrellas.
“Whathavewegot,Maurice?”ClaudeDuvaldemandedoftheseniorpathologist.
“AlegLupu,recentlywoundedinthethighandstillinthehealingprocess.Deathbydrowning.Stillinawheelchairwhenrecovered.ThewomanisZahraleRuez,
alsodeathbydrowning,”Mauricesaid.“Butlookatthesideofherskull.”
DillonandSaramovedinwithClaudetotakeacloserlook.Thebruisingwasverypronounced,theeyeshalfopen.
“Whatdoyoumakeofthat?”Claudeasked.
“Probablyclubbedinthesideofthehead,possiblyinstantlyunconscious,”Mauricetoldhim.“Drowned
afterward.”Heshrugged.“Thereardoorofthevanwaslocked.”
“Sohecouldn’thavegotoutaftertheaccidentevenifhewascapable,”Saraputin.
“Exactly,”Mauricetoldher,“exceptthatthiswasnoaccident.Theblowtothesideofthewoman’sheadspeaksvolumes.SomebodyputitthereandhelpedthevanonitswayovertheedgeofthequayintotheSeine.”He
turnedtoClaude.“Doyouagree,Colonel?”
“Believeme,thebackgroundofthecasemakesyourtheoryhighlylikely.I’minvokingtheantiterrorismactonthisone.Nothingreleasedtopublicorpress.”
Mauricelookedinterested.“Asimportantasthat,then?”
“Myfriend,Ithinkyou’llfindthatit’smorethanlikelythatthisonewillbekeptsoquietit’sasifitdidn’t
happen.Ileaveitinyourcapablehands.”HeturnedtoSaraandDillon.“Let’sreturntotheRitz.”
—An hour later,RoperandFergusonwerevideoconferencingwithDillon,Sara,JakeCazalet,andDuval.
“Anextraordinarybusiness,”Ropersaid.
“Oh,weagreeonthat,”Saratoldhim.“Butwhathappensnow?”
“Ithinkshemeanstome,”JakeCazaletsaid.“IknowIwaslookedonascrazybyanumberofpeoplebackhomeforwantingtocometoParisinthefirstplace.Ithinkwe’veallconfirmednowthatI’mstillanal-Qaedatarget.”
“Ithinkwe’reallagreedonthat,”Fergusonsaid.“Butwhatareyourplans,Mr.
President?”“Oh,I’mstillcomingto
London.I’mnotabouttoletthosebastardsstopme.I’veonlyonestipulation,General.”
“Andwhatwouldthatbe,sir?”
“ThatweforgetIwasoncepresidentoftheUnitedStates.StopcallingmeMr.President.PlainMr.JakeCazaletwilldo.Toparticularfriends,justJake,andasfar
asI’mconcerned,thatappliestoyou,Charles.”
“I’llbearthatinmind,”Fergusonhesitated,“Jake.”
CazaletturnedtoClaude.“I’llleaveinthemorning.”
“Ofcourse,”Duvalsaid.“Butdon’tbesurprisedifIpopupinLondon.”
“OneproblemabouttheDorchester,”Fergusonsaid.“TheOliverMesselisapparentlyalreadyinuse,byanoilsheikhfromtheGulf.”
“Ah,well,hemustbeamanoftasteanddiscernment,”Cazaletsaid.
“WouldaParkSuiteinterestyou?Theyhaveaconnectingdoortoasmallersuite,whichwouldbeusefulfromasecuritypointofview.Mypeoplewilltaketurnsbookedasstaff.CaptainGideonisyoursecretaryduringthedayandDillonguardingthewall,astheysay,bynight.”
“Well,that’sgoodtohear.”CazaletturnedtoDillonandSara.“Soit’sintobattle,myfriends,andlettheMasterdohisworst.”
InWashington,whenBlakeJohnsonpassedonthenewstotheOvalOffice,thePresidentwashorrified.
“Thisisterrible,”hesaid.“ItmeansCazaletisstillatarget.Damnit,Blake,theCIAtoldusal-Qaedawouldfallbacktolicktheirwounds.
Butheretheyare,justdayslater!SometimesIwonderifanybodyknowswhatthey’redoingaroundhere.”
“Theanalystsmightwanttoreexaminetheirassumptions.”
“Damnstraight.Well,Jakesureashellwasaluckybastardthistime,”thePresidentsaid.“Sowhatinthehellishegoingtodonow?WalkaroundLondonwithatargetonhisback?
Theremustbesomewaywecanbringhimhome.”ThePresidentslammedhisclenchedfistontopofthedesk.“Whydoeshehavetoplaytheheroallthetime?”
“Couldbebecausethat’swhatheis,Mr.President.DecoratedfourtimesinVietnam.”
“AsifIdidn’tknowthat,”thePresidentsaid.“Idon’tsupposethere’sanywaywecangetLondontogivehima
nudge?”“No,thePrimeMinister’s
eveninvitedhimtospendalongweekendathiscountryplace,Chequers.He’sbeenaguesttherebefore,butthatwaswhenhewaspresident,ofcourse.”
“Needlesstosay,I’veneverhadthatpleasure,”thePresidentgrumbled.“Butnevermindthat.IfCazalet’sintentoncontinuingtoputhimselfondisplayandtake
hischances,that’shischoice.He’llhavetotaketheconsequencesofthingsgoingdisastrouslywrong.”
“Oh,IdoubtwhetherCharlesFergusonandhispeoplewouldallowthattohappen,”Blakesaid.
“Well,let’shopeyourfaithisnotmisplaced,”thePresidentsaid.
—
The next day,whenDillonandSarawereshownup,theyfoundCazaletensconcedonthefourthflooroftheDorchester,inabeautifullypaneledsuitewithawonderfulmasterbedroomandclearviewsofHydeParkstretchingintothedistanceontheothersideofParkLane.Hewasenjoyingaglassofchampagnefromabottlesomebodyhadthoughtfullyleftinanicebucketonthe
diningtable.“How’sitgoing?”Dillon
said.“Marvelous,”Cazalettold
him.“Thiswilldome.Haveadrink,bothofyou,Iinsist.”Andhefilledtwoglasses.
“Noproblems?”Saraasked.
“Agoodhotelconciergeneverforgetsaface,butasweage,wedistanceourselvesfromtheyoung,who’veprobablyneverheardof
HumphreyBogartandCasablanca,nevermindJakeCazalet,whowaspresidentoftheUnitedStatessomeyearsago.Youbecomesomeonetheyhalfrecognizeandwonderwhy.Butnevermindthat.Letmeshowyouinhere.”
Heopenedadoorleadingintoasmallerbedroomwithbathroom,andadoorontheothersidethatledintoasimilarroom.
“Thatonereallygoeswithanotherlargesuite,butthey’velockeditoffsobothofyoucouldstayifnecessary,abedroomeach.”
“Couldn’tbebetter,”Dillontoldhim.“Andforsecurity,we’llusetheballroomentrancetoParkLane,therearelevator.”
“VeryconvenientifyouwanttogoforaruninHydePark.”Cazalettoastedthem:“Well,here’stousand
damnationtotheMaster.”Heemptiedhisglass.“IwonderhowlongitwilltakehimtodiscoverwhereIam?”
“Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifheknowsalready,”Sarasaid.
—Sara was right.Infact,hewasalreadyonthephonetoAliHerim.
“Whereareyou?”“Runningintheparkwith
Khalid.AsItoldyou,Igetasboredwithlittletodoashedoes.”
“Thenyou’llbegratefultomeforbringingatouchofcolorintoyourdrablives.Cazalethasjustbookedintoafourth-floorsuiteattheDorchester.”
“GoodGod,”AliHerimsaid.“SotheattemptonhislifeinParisfailed.”
“I’mafraidso.”TheMastergavehimtheroom
numbers.“Thetwosmallerroomsareself-contained,butlinkedtothemainsuite.”
“Presumablythat’sforsecuritypeople?”Aliasked.
“I’dsayso.CouldbeDilloninoneandCaptainGideoninanother.”
“Sowhatdoyouwantustodo?”Alidemanded.
“Firstofall,whenyouwereservingintheSecretFieldPoliceinIran,didyouevermeetColonelDeclan
Rashidface-to-face?”“No,”Alisaidfirmly.
“I’vediscussedthiswithKhalid.Weneverevenstoodonaparadethatthecolonelwasinspecting.Whyisthisimportant?”
“Becauseyou’regoingtobecomefixturesattheDorchester,andifRashidcomestovisitCazaletthere,Iwouldn’twanthimtorecognizeyou.Ifhe’dmetyouduringarmydays,you’d
beofnousetomeatall.”“Icanseethat,”Alisaid.
“Sohowdoyouwantustohandleit?”
“CarryonattheDorchesterasyouarenow.YouareLanceandAnthonyHarvey,well-to-doyoungmenwithtoomuchmoney,intentonlyonenjoyingyourselves,”theMastersaid.
“It’smoreapleasurethanadutytocarryonlikethat,”Alisaid.“Andthenwhat?”
“Thatdependsontheopposition,”theMastertoldhim.“Butyou’llhaveasignificantparttoplay,neverfear.”
Heswitchedoff,andAlistoodthereinhistracksuitthinkingaboutit.KhalidhadbeenthrowingstonesintotheThamesashewaited.Hereandthere,peoplewalkedadog,andontheothersideofthepark,agroupofveryyoungchildrenplayedball,
supervisedbytwoteachers.“Sowhatwasthatall
about?”Khalidsaid.“Cazalet’shereand
stayingattheDorchester.”“So,theMasteragain?”
Khalidnodded.“ThankGodforthat.Thisshouldliventhingsupnicely.”
“Yes,but—”Alimadeasoundofexasperation.“I’mbeginningtogetbrassedoffwiththewholebusiness.Al-QaedawantsCazaletdead.
TheytriedinNantucket,theytriedinParis.Bothofthemfailed,andnobodytolduswhy.”Alishookhishead.“ToomuchofthisisFergusonononeside,theMasterontheother,likeactorsbehavingasthescripttellsthem.It’slikesomeextendedgameofchessthatneithersidewantstoend.”
“Doyoureallybelievethat?”Khalidasked.
“Lookatitthisway,”Ali
said.“IftheMasterreallywantedCazaletdead,allhe’dhavetodoiskeepitsimple.”
“Anddowhat?”“Sendsomeonetohis
suitedressedasawaiter,atrayinhishandandasilencedWaltherinhispocket.Ifsomeoneelseopensthedoor,apologizeforthemistakeandclearoff.Ifit’sCazaletwhoobliges,givehimabulletbetweentheeyes,shovehiminside,and
walkaway.”“Lotsofthingscouldgo
wrongwiththat,”Khalidtoldhim.
“Andlotscouldgoright,”Alisaid.
“Iagree,butareyoutellingmethatyou’dbewillingtodothat?”Khalidpersisted.“WouldyougoupstairstoCazalet’ssuite,dressedasawaiter,andshoothimifheansweredthedoor?”
Aliwassilent,deepin
thought.“No,Idon’tthinkIwould,”hesaidfinally.“That’saproblem,isn’tit?”
Hiscousinputanarmabouthisshoulders.“Whichwe’vebothsharedeversincewechangedsidesandrescuedSaraGideon.”
“Sowhatinhellarewegoingtodo?”
“Rightnow?We’llkeepquiet,coastalong,andlet’sjustseewhathappensduringthesenextfewdays.”Khalid
laughedcoldly.“He’saconnivingbastard,theMaster,butthensoamI.Don’tworry,I’llgetusoutofthismesswhentherighttimecomes.”
“ButwhatabouttheMaster?”Aliasked.
“Oh,I’llshootthebastardifIhaveto,”Khalidsaid.
—Three days a week,Terry
HarkerfoundtimetovisittheRussianBathsinSoho’sGateStreetbecausehepreferredthefierceheatoftheirsteamroomsandanold-fashionedgymwherehecouldpumpiron.Hewasateaseinaterry-clothrobe,drinkingapintofRussianteaandreadingthesportspagesoftheTimes,whentheMasterfoundhimonhismobile.
“Ah,Terry,thereyouare,”theMastersaid.“Ithoughtit
wastimewehadachat.”ACockneybybirthanda
hardandbrutalboxer,HarkerhadbeenconsiderablyaffectedbyhisyearsintheGrenadierGuardsandwasfarfrombeingafool.HisoneweaknesswastheunfortunatefactthathegenuinelylovedMyra,inspiteofherobviousfaults.HewastoointelligenttotakeissuewiththeMasteronhisownbehalf,becausetherewasnopercentageinit.
Youdidn’tscrewwithal-Qaeda,itwasassimpleasthat,evenifMyracouldn’tseeit.
“WhatcanIdoforyou?”heasked.
“Isentsomematerialtoyou,detailsaboutFerguson’speople,someofwhomwillbefamiliartoyou.TheSalters,forexample.”
“Soyou’dlikethemsorted,Isuppose?”Terrysaid.
“Myraobviouslywould,”theMastertoldhim.“Revengeforherfather.”
“Shecertainlywantsthat,don’tkidyourself,”Terrytoldhim.
“Andexpectsyoutodoyourbit,ofcourse,”theMastersaid.“Howdoyoufeelaboutthat?”
“Iliketokeepherhappy.”“Well,inpursuanceofthat
end,youcanalsopleasemeconsiderably.Naturally,
you’llreceiveappropriateremuneration.Doesthisinterestyou?”
“Ofcourseitdoes,”TerryHarkersaid.“Whereexactly?”
“Cazalet’sattheDorchester.HeiswatchedoverbySeanDillonandSaraGideon,twenty-four/seven.”
“Sohowwouldonegetathim?”Harkerasked.
“Foramaninhissixties,he’sextremelyfit.Helikesto
run,Terry,inthepark.”“Well,thatdoesn’tsound
sobad,”Terrytoldhim.“Icaneasilyfindacoupleofpeopletoputonatracksuit.Icouldfixthatuptoday.Howfararetheysupposedtogo?Dotheyjustgivehimabattering,ordoyouwanthimdead?”
AndtheMastersurprisedhimbysaying,“Let’shastenslowlyonthat.I’llletyouknow.”
“Well,it’syourparty,”Terrysaid.“Whatelsedoyouwantmetotakecareof?”
“Well,theSaltersforastart.YoucanleavethemfloatingintheThamesasfarasI’mconcerned.”
Terrylaughed.“Alotofpeoplehavefeltlikethatovertheyears,butthesodsarestillhere.We’llseewhatwecando,isallIcanpromise.Atbestwecanmakelifeuncomfortableforthem,
whichwouldpleaseMyra.CausetroubleattheDarkManorsmashupthisfancyrestaurantbytheriveratWapping,Harry’sPlace.Wecouldfrightenthehelloutofalltheirsocietycustomers.”
“Thendoit!”theMastersaid.“I’llputtwenty-fivethousandpoundsintoyourpersonalaccountthisafternoon,justtohelpyouwithexpenses.Don’tmentionittoMyra.”
Terrybrightenedconsiderably.“Don’tworry,Iwon’t.Nicedoingbusinesswithyou.Anythingelse?WhatabouttheGideonwoman?”
“Well,sheshotFergusTullyinthefaceatDrumgoole,”theMastersaid.“Whichwouldn’texactlyendearhertoMyra.She’sbackathergrandfather’sandhasbroughtTodFlynn’sniece,Hannah,tolivewith
her.ImentionedherinthestuffIsentyou.”
“ThegirlwhowascrippledinacarbombforwhichTullyandBellwereresponsible,theonewhoplaysthepiano?”Terryshookhishead.“There’sironyforyou.DoyouwantanythingdoneaboutGideon?”
“Notatthemoment.JustbeforeshelefttogotoDrumgoole,someArmyofGodpeoplehadagoather,
ormaybetheBrotherhood.”“Didthey,byGod?”Terry
said.“Whathappened?”TheMastertoldhimand
Terrylaughedhisheadoff.“That’sthefunniestthingI’veheardinyears.Areyousureitwasn’tDillonwhointervened?”
“Absolutely,mysourcesareimpeccable.Infact,theytellmethatFergusonandhispeople,plusCazalet,arelunchingatHighfieldCourt
today,ifthatinterestsyou.”“Well,goodluckto
whoeveryoursourcesare,butnotifthey’rethatbastardHamidBeyandthoseArmyofGodpeopleandalltheBrotherhoodrubbish,anddon’ttellmeI’maracist.Oneofmygreat-grandfatherswasaseamanfromIndiawhofetchedupoffashipinthePoolofLondonandneverwentback.Anyway,I’llkeepmyeyeonHighfieldCourt.
I’dasistercalledHannah,sothere’sacoincidence.”
“Ididn’tknowthat.”“Well,youwouldn’t.
WhenIwasinBosniawiththearmy,Igotthenewsshe’dbeenkilledbyahit-and-rundriveronthewayhomefromschool.Twelveyearsofageandguesswhat?Shewaslearningthepiano.Killedmymother.Shenevergotoverit.”
“Whathappenedtothe
driver?”theMasterasked.“Notathing.Thepolice
failedtotracewhoeveritwas,myfatherdidarunner,andIcoulddonothing.BusysavingMuslimsfrombeingmassacredbySerbsinBosnia.”
“I’mtrulysorry,myfriend,”theMastersaid.
“No,you’renot,”Terrytoldhim.“Andyou’renotmyfriend.Justmakesurethattwenty-fivegrandgetsinmy
accountthisafternoonandI’lltakecareofwhatwe’vediscussed,”andheswitchedoff.
—At Highfield Court,seatedattheSchiedmayer,Hannahhadspentthemorningpracticingscalesandworkingatexercisesaimedatdevelopingthedexterityinherhandsandarms,butenoughwas
enough.ThankstoheruncleTod,she’dbeenraisedtoappreciateanotherkindofmusic,too,andsheturnedtoitnow,someclassicSinatra,thenColePorter’s“FromThisMomentOn.”
Shegaveiteverythingshehad,fillingthehousewithmusic,wasawareofthesoundoftheDaimlerarrivingoutside,andamomentlater,SadieshowedDillonandFergusonintotheroom.
“Goodheavens,she’sbloodymarvelous,”Fergusonwhispered.
“Doyouwanttojoinme,Cousin?”shecalledtoDillon.
“Comeoffit,girl,barroompianoiswhatIdo,”Dillontoldher.
CazaletandSaraenteredatthatmoment,andSaracalled,“Greatbarroompiano,Sean,sodon’tbeaspoilsportandobligethegirl.”
WhichDillondid,
crowdinginbesideheronthewideVictorianpianostool.As“NightandDay”finished,theyeasedinto“AsTimeGoesBy”andSarajoinedthem,singingit.
“Whatthehellisgoingonhere,”Cazaletdemanded.“I’veneverheardanythinglikeit.You’dthinktheywerepros.”
“Itgetslikethatsometimesroundhere,”Sadieremarkedasshewalkedin
withNathanGideon.“Thisisyourhost,Mr.Cazalet,andI’myourcook.”Sheshookhands.“Soifyou’reallready,pleaseadjourntothediningroom,wherelunchawaitsyou.”
—Leaving the Russian BathsandwalkingthroughSohotowherehe’dlefthisMiniCooper,Terryfoundhimselfstillthinkingaboutthe
conversationwiththeMaster.ThefactthatHannahFlynnnowlivedatHighfieldCourthadresurrectedmemoriesoftheworstthingthateverhappenedtohim,theuntimelydeathofasisterhehadtrulyloved.So,insteadofdrivingbacktoWappingandMyraandtheSash,hechangeddirectionandendedupatthetopendofSouthAudleyStreet,sittingatatableoutsideacoffeeshop,
fromwhichhegotaclearviewofHighfieldCourtinthesmallturningopposite.
Notlongafterward,Ferguson’sDaimlercoastedby,turnedinthegates,andhecaughtaglimpseofthegeneralandDillongettingoutandgoingupthestepstothefrontdoor.TheAlfaRomeofollowedthem,SaraGideonatthewheel,Cazaletbesideher.
Terrypaidhisbill,
adjustedhisRay-Bansandcrossedtheroad,andasheapproachedthehouse,hewasawareofpianomusic,someofthebesthe’dheardinyears.HepausedonthecornerbyhisMini,openingthenewspaperhewasholding,pretendingtoconsultit.Afterawhile,themusicstopped,sohereturnedtothecaféandsatdownatthetableagain.
“Changedmymind,”he
saidwhenawaitressapproachedhim.“IthinkI’llhavesomelunchafterall.TheeggsBenedictlookgoodtome,withanice-coldlagertogowithit,ifyouhavesuchathing.”
“Ofcourse,sir,”shesaid,andwentbackinside.HeopenedhisTimesnewspaper,satback,andwaited.
—Lobster, cold cuts, salads,
andJerseyRoyalpotatoes—Sadiehaddoneawonderfuljob,helpedbyTonyDoyleaswaiter.
Fergusonsaid,“Sadie,you’vetriumphedagain,butwe’llhavetoloveyouandleaveyou.WehavetotouchbasewithRoperandseewhathe’sgotplannedforus.Iassumeyouhavenoproblemkeepingthepresentsysteminplace,withStaffSergeantDoyleasahouseguard?”
“Oh,I’dhatetobewithouttheRoyalMilitaryPoliceatthisstage,General,”shesaid.
Therewaslaughteratthat,andSarasaid,“I’vedecidedtotakeHannahwithustoHollandPark,Sadie.Ithinkit’stimeshemetRoper.”
“Youdoasyouplease,Sara,”Sadietoldher.“I’vegotahousetorun.”ShenoddedtoCazalet.“Agreatpleasuretomeetyou,sir.Now,ifyou’llallexcuse
me...”“AndsomustI,”Nathan
Gideonannounced.“MysermonfortheSabbathawaits.Theeternaltask!”
—Anonymous in his Ray-Bans,TerryHarkerhadkepthisheaddownovertheTimes.Aboutfifteenminutesafterthecarshadarrived,though,somethingcurioushadhappened.Ayellowvan
with“PublicWorks”onthesidehadcomeandjust...parked.ProbablyHamidBeyoutofcontrolandstickinghisnosein.HewonderediftheMasterknewaboutthat,stoodup,crossedover,andleaneddownattheopenwindowwheretwomenwearingyellowoilskinjacketssatsmoking.
“Whoareyou?”hesaid.“BrotherhoodorArmyofGod?”
Theirfacessaiditall,andthebeardedonescowled.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
“Ohyes,youdo.”Terryproducedaflickknifeandsprangtheblade.“GobacktoHamidBeyandtellhimHighfieldCourtisoff-limits.I’mgoingtokeepchecking.IfIfindyouroundhereagain,I’llcutyourearoff.”
Thelooksofhorrorwereenough,theonewhowas
drivingstartedtheengineanddroveawayinstantly.Terryreturnedtohistableandsatdown.
Itwasinanicelittleenclave—ageneralstore,thecafé,ahairdresser’s,boutique,andapharmacy.Anagingmanwithagraybeardwastryingtocleaneverywindowinsight,whichexplainedthesmallvanparkedatthecurbwiththelegend“Glassclear”painted
onthesidetogetherwithatelephonenumber.
Terrysaidtohim,“You’redoingagoodjobthere,Dad.Onyourown,areyou?”
“Atthemoment,yes,”themansaidinanItalianaccent.“IkeepmyfingerscrossedthatthebastardIemploywillturnuptomorrow.Someofthepropertiesaroundherearetoobig.”
“Icanimagine.”TerrypointedacrosstoHighfield
Court.“Takethat,forinstance.Lovelyoldplace.”
“AndI’vebeencleaningitswindowsfortenyears.ThatbelongstoRabbiNathanGideon,butit’smorethanonemancanhandle.There’salovelyconservatoryatoneend,fulloftropicalplants,backingontoamusicroom.It’stoomuchformethesedayswhenI’monmyown.I’mgettingtooold.”
“Well,maybeyourman
willturnuptomorrow,”Terrysaid.
“Idoubtit.”“What’syourname?”“Roberto.Signori.”“Well,Ijustmighthavea
solutiontoyourproblem,”Terrysaid.“I’majournalistbyprofession.Oneofmymostpopularfeaturesstartedwithmebeingawaiterforashortwhile,thenwritingaboutit.Next,Iwasaporterinahospital,thenataxi
driver.”Robertolooked
bewildered.“Areyoutryingtosayyouwouldliketobeawindowcleaner?Whywouldanyonebeinterestedinthat?”
“You’dbesurprised,”Terrysaid.“You’dbedoingmeafavor.”Hetookafifty-poundnoteoutofhiswalletandofferedit.“Ofcourse,we’dalsolikeaphotoofyouandmeforthemagazine,butwe’llsortthatoutlater.Do
wehaveadeal?”Robertosuddenlysmiled
andtookthebanknote.“Ithinkso,Signori.Ishallbehereatnineo’clockinthemorning,whenyoucanjoinmeandwedriveintothegardenofthehousetogether.Theyareparticularaboutsuchthings.”
“Roberto,oldson,justcallmeTerence.I’mparticularabouteverything,andIcan’ttellyouhowmuchI
appreciateyouallowingmetojoinyou.Nineo’clocktomorrowmorning.I’llbethere.”
Hewasgrinningwhenhepaidhisbilltothewaitressanddroveaway,wonderingwhatinthehellhewasplayingat.Notthatitmattered,becauseforsomecrazyreasonallhecouldhearwasthatwonderfulmusicandhewasmoreexcitedthanhehadbeeninyears.
—Sara and Dillon tooktheirtimegettingtoHollandPark,makingfortheAlbertHallfirstsothatHannahcouldhavealookattheRoyalCollegeofMusic.Therewasnosignofthemwhentheyreachedthesafehouse,onlyParkersittingbehindthesteeringwheelandreadingabook.
“MajorRoperleftwordthathewasblowinghiscobwebsawayonthefiringrange,Captain,”hetoldSara.“Theotherswentofftojoinhim.”
“Thensowillwe,”Saratoldhim.
ThesafehouseboastedaparticularlylargegardenforLondon,andthefiringrangewassituatedinaconcretebunkerdatingfromtheSecondWorldWar.A
slopingtunneltookthemdownintoacold,gloomyroomwithtargetsofsoldiersinuniformatthefarendandbrightlyilluminated.
Roper,fromhiswheelchair,wasemptyingasilencedBeretta,theonlysoundonedullthudafteranother,andCazaletandFergusonwatched.Asthenewarrivalsadvanced,heemptiedtheclipandpushedanotheroneupthebuttofthe
weapon.“Soyou’retheHannah
I’vebeenhearingsomuchabout,”hesaidasshelimpedtowardhim,stickinhand.Hegesturedtowardthetargets.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Notbad,”shesaid.“Foramanina
wheelchair?”“Whodoesn’tneedto
provehimself,Major.”“Thereyougo,Giles,”
SaraGideonsaid.“You’ve
metyourmatchthistime.”“Andsomethingtellsme
you’reveryprobablyright,”hetoldher,andheldouthishandtoHannah.“I’mverypleasedtomeetyou.I’vegotanideathatwe’regoingtogetalong.”
Fergusoninterrupted.“Whichisallverywell,butyoudidsuggestwehadagobeforediscussingbusiness.”
“Bemyguests,”Ropersaid.“Helpyourselvestoa
weaponandgetonwithit.Ithinkeveryoneherehasbeeninanarmyofsomedescription,soyoushouldknowwhatyou’redoing.Asspecialguest,Isuggestyougofirst,Jake.”
CazalethelpedhimselftotheBeretta.“Thiswilldomefine.TakesmestraightbacktoVietnam.”Hetookhistime,goingforheartshotsandsucceeding.FergusonfollowedwithaSmith&
Wesson.38,nosilencerpossible,andthenoiseechoedaroundthebunker.SarapickedupaGlock,extendedherarm,shotoneofthetargetsintheheart,andputtheweaponbackonthetable.
RoperglancedatDillon.“Sean?”
“Oh,whatthehell.”DillondrewtheColt.25andfiredveryrapidlyatthefourremainingtargets,catching
threeintheheadbutbarelynickingthefourth.Hecursed,ejectedtheclip,andreplaceditwithanother.
Hannahlimpedtohisside,reached,andtooktheColtfromhim.“Ithinkyoumissedone,Cousin.”Sheshotthetargetbetweentheeyes,thenhandedtheColtbacktoDillonwithoutaword.
Therewasanastonishedsilence,brokenbyRoper,
whosaid,“Well,that’sashowstopperifeverIsawone.”
—Later, the group mettodiscusstheirsituation.“ThePresidentisnothappywithyou,I’mafraid,Jake.‘WalkingaroundLondonwithatargetonyourback,’Ibelieveiswhathesaid.”
“IsupposeI’msorryfor
him,”Cazaletsaid.“AquickwayforhimtolosevotesinthecomingelectionwouldbemegettingshotdowninLondonbytheMaster’sgoons.Itwouldn’tbemuchasavote-puller.”
Sarasaid,“SocanIask,sir—whyareyoudoingthis?”
Fergusonwasannoyed.“CaptainGideon,yougotoofar.”
“No,I’llanswerthat.For
anysoldier,thewarhe’sfightingishisownsmallpartofthefront,andbeyondthatisthebiggerconflicthecan’tdomuchabout.Al-Qaedaisalargeorganization.YouandIandyourpeoplehaven’tahopeinhellofdefeatingthesepeopleontheworldstage.That’samatterforgreatnations.Butforthislittlecornerofal-Qaeda,thisMasterwhotriedtokillmetwice—thatwecando
somethingabout.Iwanttofindhimanddestroyhim.Whatcomesafterisoutofmyhands.”
Therewasaslightpause,andHannahsaid,“Ispoketohim.”
“What?”saidDillon.“Whenwasthis?”
“Afewdaysago,before—beforeeverythinghappened.MyuncleTodspoketohimonthephone,butitwasonspeakerandIheard
everythingtheysaid.Itwasn’tanythingyoudon’tknow.TheywerejustdiscussingyourvisittoDrumgoole.ButIjustcouldn’ttakeitanymore.”
“Whatdidyousay?”Cazaletasked.
“Ishoutedathim.ToldhimIknewanevilbastardwhenIheardone.”
“Didhereply?”Saraasked.
“HeaskedUncleTodifI
wasgoingtobeaproblem.UncleTodsaidno,but—oh,itwasawful.Hemademefeelsickandfrightened.”
TheangeronFerguson’sfacewasplaintosee.“Mydeargirl,youareoneofusnow.Thereisnowaythiscreatureisgoingtogetanywherenearyou,Ipromiseyou.”
Theyallagreed,andthenRopersaid,“Allright,apieceofbusiness.TheSyria
committeemeetingsinParismayhavebeencanceled,butasithappens,theHopeCharityFoundationfororphansoftheSyrianwarhadbookedtheballroomattheDorchestersometimeagoforafund-raisingevening.It’snowbecomesomethingmuchbigger.ThePrimeMinisterandvariousmembersofhiscabinetaregoingtoattend,andtheFrenchForeignMinisterisflyingover.The
PMwouldbegratefulifyou’djoinhim,”hesaidtoCazalet.
“We’llallgo,”Fergusonputin.“It’llbeyourintroductionintoLondonSociety,Hannah.”
“AndGodhelpyou,”Dillontoldher.“Isitblacktie?”
“Wemustn’tbetooostentatious,Dillon,”Fergusonsaid.“Afterall,theemphasisisoncharity.Do
youfeeluptoit,Giles?YoucouldtakeColonelRashidwithyou.He’sdesperatetogetoutofRosedene,anditwouldpleasetheFrench.”
“Ithinkmychairmightgetswallowedupinthecrowd,”Ropersaid.
“I’dbehappytohelp,”Hannahtoldhim.
“That’skindofyou,”hesaid.“We’llsee.”
FergusonsaidtoCazalet,“We’llmakesureyou’re
well-guarded.DillonandCaptainGideonwillbeonduty.”
“Thankyou,Charles,”Cazaletsaid.“Now,canIinterestanyoneinalittlesupperatthehotelthisevening?I’dwelcomethecompany.”
“We’llsortsomethingout,”Sarasaid.“Leaveittome,”andtheydispersed.
—Terry, driving awayfromHighfieldCourt,haddiscoveredseveraltextmessagesonhisphone,allfromMyra,demandingtoknowwherehewas.Theirtonerangedfrompetulancetorage,andforthefirsttimehediscoveredhedidn’tlikeit.So,whenhefinallyarrivedattheSash,hewasangrymore
thananythingelse.Whenheenteredthepub,
itwasasdeadaswastobeexpectedatthattimeofday,onlyEric,theheadbarman,checkingwines.
“Isshein?”Terryasked.“Rantingandravinglikea
loony,”Ericsaid.“Bitingeveryone’sheadoff.She’snotpleasedwithyouatall,sobeware.Ihopeyouhaven’tbeendoinganythingnaughty.”
“Getstuffed,Eric.”“Notachance.”Eric
pouredalargescotchandpassedtheglassacrossthebar.“Getthatdownyou,thengoandfacedeathbravely.IsthereanythingelseIcando?”
“Yes,getholdofGuidoPirelliandBrunoMalone.”
“MyGod,whodoyouwantkilling?”
“That’smyaffair.Justdoit.”
HeleftEric,wentupstairs
twoatatimeandintohisoffice,wherehefoundLucy,theaccountsclerk,sportingahuntedlookandatearstainedface.
“Areyouokay,girl?”hedemanded,andthedoortoMyra’sofficeswungopen.
“Youbastard,”sheshouted.“Whereinthehellhaveyoubeen?IcheckedtheRussianBaths.Youlefthoursago.”Herfacewasswollen,makeupsmeared.“You’ve
beenwithsomewoman,haven’tyou?”
Sheslappedhimacrosstheface,whichheallowed,butwhenshetriedtodoitagain,heblockedtheblowandranherbackintoherofficeandpushedherdownintoherchair.
“Pullyourselftogether.Soyou’regrievingforyourda,butsomething’sgoingtobedoneaboutthat.Ihaven’tbeentommingsometart,I’ve
beentalkingtotheMaster.Hecallsmenow,notyou,soyoubettergetusedtoit.Ferguson,Dillonandcompany,theSalters,willallbedealtwith,onlyyou’vegottopullyourselftogether.Whatyouneedisanicehotbath,getyourhairdressertocall,soyoucanfacetheeveningrushasonlyMyraTullycan.Wemustn’tletthepuntersdown.”
Shegazedathimin
astonishmentandthennodded.“You’reright,Terry,I’vebeenverysilly.”
Hetookhertothedoor.“Offyougo,girl,we’llhavealovelydinnerlater,butI’vegotimportantbusinesstoseetorightnow.Youunderstand.”
“Ofcourse,Terry.I’msosorry.”
“Yougoandrunyourbath,andI’llhaveEricbringyouupanicebottleof
champagne.”“You’resogoodtome,
Terry.Idon’tdeserveyou.”Shewentoutthroughthe
office,andLucystaredathiminamazement.“Don’tsayaword,”hetoldher.“She’samonster,that’sthetruthofit.WeneedanewregimeroundhereandI’mit.Ifyouneedme,I’llbeinmyoffice.”
—
Myra undressed,putonarobe,satdownatherdressingtableandranacombthroughherhair,herfacelikestone,thinkingaboutTerry,thenewmodel.FacetheeveningasonlyMyraTullycananddon’tletthepuntersdown.Whataloadofcrap,whichmeanthewasuptosomethingandthesoonershefoundoutwhatthatwas,thebetter.
—Guido PirelliandBrunoMalonelookedrelativelyordinaryforcontractkillers.Attheageofeighteen,they’dmetasinfantryrecruitsintheBritishArmy,fromwhichthey’dbeendischargedfiveyearslateraftertimeinAfghanistan.Employmentinvariousso-calledsecurityfirmsabroadhadfollowed,
whichgavethemareputationforsucceedingwhenothersfailed.TheyneverkilledinEngland,however,forapracticalreason.Ifyougotcaught,itwasalifesentenceformurder.Butifyougotcaughtforbeatingthehelloutofsomebody,andthenyouturnedouttobeagallantsoldierwho’dsufferedinAfghanistan,well,thatwasadifferentstory.The“gallantsoldier”pleaneverfailedto
softentheheartofanyBritishjudge.
TheysatandlistenedononesideofTerry’sdesk,whileheexplainedfromtheotherwhathewantedandshowedthempicturesofCazaletandSaraandDillon.
“Soyou’requiteclear,”Guidosaid.“Yourclientdoesn’twantCazaletdead?”
“I’llbehonestwithyou,he’ssurprisedme,butwhenIputittohim,hebackedoff,
soforthemoment,heseemstobehappywiththeideaofhimgettingabloodygoodhiding.That’swhatmademethinkofyouguys,”Terrysaid.“Sowhatdoyouthink?Chancesarehe’llhaveamorningruntomorrow.I’mtoldhelikestoleavebytheballroomentranceofthehotelintoParkLaneandcrosstoHydeParkfromthere.Areyouupforit?”
GuidolookedatBruno.
“We’redueintheUkraineintwoweeks,soitwouldgiveussomethingtodo.”
“Spending-moneyjob,really,”Brunosaid.“Andafterall,thebigmoney’sdueforUkraine.”HenoddedtoTerry.“Tengrand,fivethousandeach,butcash.”
“Done,”Terrysaid.“I’vegotthatkindofmoneyinthesafe,soyoucantakeitwithyou.Nicedoingbusinesswithyou.”
“Onesoldiertoanother,”Guidotoldhim.“Alwaysmakesadifference,oldson,”andtheyexchangedhandshakes.
—Later that eveningattheDorchester,closetothebarattheballroomendofthePromenade,Cazalet,Sara,andDillonwereseatedatabanquette,sharingabottleof
champagnebeforegoinguptotheGrillfordinner.
“HowwasHannah?”Cazaletasked.
“She’sgotTonyDoyleandSadietonight,becausemygrandfatherismakingaspeechattheReformClub,”Saratoldhim.“Ididn’tliketoleaveher.I’mbeginningtofeelshe’sthesisterIneverhad,ifyouknowwhatImean.”
“She’sawonderfulgirl,”
Cazaletsaid.“Well,rememberthese
hotelbedsunscrewintotwosingleswhenthey’reneeded,”Dillonsaid.“Thatmightbeagoodideaforthefunctiontomorrownight.”
“Thatsoundsanexcellentideatome,”Cazaletsaid.
Fromafewyardsaway,AliandKhalidwerewatchingthem,drinkingmartinicocktails,twinsintheirnavyblueblazersandwhiteshirts
ofthefinestEgyptianlinen.“Mygoodness,she’sa
handsomewoman,”Khalidsaid,butbeforeAlicouldreply,hismobiletrembledinhispocket.
TheMastersaid,“Whereareyou?”
“AttheDorchesterwatchingCazalet,SaraGideon,andDillonenjoyingthemselves.”
“Well,you’llbewatchingthemevenclosertomorrow
night.”“Andwhyisthat?”Ali
asked.“There’sabigcharity
functionintheballroomthere.ThePrimeMinisteriscoming,andafewcabinetmembers,plustheFrenchForeignMinister.He’saskedCazalettojoinhim,andIunderstandFergusonandhispeoplewillbewithhim.Sowillyou.”
“MayIaskwhy?”Ali
asked.“Theexpressionis‘know
thyenemy.’DoIhavetoexplain?”
“No,sir,”Alitoldhim.“Good.I’llsaygood
night.”Khalidhadbeenwatching
patiently.“Whatdidhewant?”AlitoldhimandKhalidsmiled.“It’sasgoodawayofspendinganeveningasany.Now,let’sgoandfindatableforsupper.”
Atalmostthesamemoment,Cazaletsaidtotheothers,“Who’sfordinner?I’mstarving.”
Sarastoodup,almostcollidingwithKhalid,andheeasedback.“I’mterriblysorry,ma’am,thatwasreallyratherstupidofme.”
“Notatall,”shesaid,smiling,andthenfrownedeversoslightly,asifpuzzled.
AliandKhalidwalkedaway,andDillonsaid,“Are
youallright?Isthereaproblem?”
“Thatyoungman,”shesaid.
Cazaletgroaned.“Quitethecharmer,I’dsay.”
“Hecalledmema’am,”Saratoldhim.“It’sagreetingmyrankentitlesmeto,buthowdidheknowIwasanarmyofficer?”
“Oh,hewasprobablyjustbeingpolite,Sara,”Cazalettoldher.
“Isuppose,”shesaid,andsighed.“I’mseeingplotseverywhere.”Shesmiled.“I’msorryIcan’tgorunningwithyoutomorrow.That’soutformeafterItookthatbulletinthelegatAbusan.”
“Well,yourodeahorseatDrumgooleaswellasanyGrandNationaljockeyI’veeverseen,”Dillontoldher.“I’vehadwordswiththeconcierge,andsomebodywillpickyouupatsixanddrive
youuptothestables.ThenyoucancomegallopingdowntotheParkandmeetJakeandme.”
“Soundslovely.”“Imustsayyou’ve
coveredallthebases,”Cazaletsaid.“Now,let’seat.”
Sixinthemorning,trafficalreadyflowingdownParkLaneasahotelcartookSarauptowardMarbleArchandtheStables.Atthehotel,ridingapparelhadappearedfromnowhere,includingtheever-popularAustraliandrover’scoat,which,froma
somberhintinthesky,seemedasifitmightbeneeded.Sarawaslookingforwardtoit;heronlyregretwasthatHannahwasn’twithher,butperhapssomethingcouldbedoneaboutthatonanothermorning.
ItwasabouthalfpastsixwhenaporterletCazaletandDillonoutoftheballroomentranceintoParkLane.Theyworeblackanoraks,hoodedandrainproof,waitedatthe
sideofthepavementforagapinthetraffic,andthenranacrosstotheotherside,wheretherewasasmallgateintheironworkfence.
GuidoPirelliandBrunoMalonehadstayedback,blendingwheretheycouldinthetreesclosetoBroadWalk,whereriderscouldcirclearoundintoRottenRowandseetheHouseholdCavalryatexerciseiftheywerelucky,butnottoday,althoughthere
wereplentyoftracksuitedrunnersatvariousplacesinthedistance.
CazaletandDillonpausedontheedgeofBroadWalk.“Sheshouldbebeltingroundheresoonenough,”Dillonsaid.“Acrackingrider,believeme.”
Cazaletheldouthishand.“It’sstartingtorain,Ithoughtitwould.Let’scutthroughthetrees,thenrunalongthetrackinthedirectionshe’s
comingfrom.”“Okay,thatsoundsgood
tome,”Dillonsaid.Ontherightofthetrack,
theraincameslashingdown,andGuidoandBrunocamerunningoutofthetrees,slantingtowardthem.
“Couldyouhelpus?”Guidocalled.“DoesthistakeustoRottenRow?WeweretoldyoucanseetheCavalryexercisingsometimes.”
Whichcouldhavebeen
trueenough,exceptforthefactthatBrunowasholdingabaseballbatagainsthisrightleg,hardlytheusualequipmentforsomebodyoutforamorningrun,andthefactthatDillon’sinnervoice,theproductofyearsofhardliving,hadtoldhiminstantlythattheywereuptonogood.
“We’vegottrouble,”hesaid.
“Soitwouldappear,”Cazaletsaid.“Increasethe
pace.”Whichtheydid,pulling
ahead,andGuidoproducedaWalther,firingasingleshotintotheair.“I’llcutyoubothdown,Imeanit.”
DilloninstantlyproducedhissilencedColt.25andshothim.Guidostumbledandwentflying,droppingtheWalther.Brunoroaredlikeananimal,movedin,thebaseballbatraisedreadytostrike.
Inthesamemoment,Saraarrivedonthegallop,hermountbarrelingintoBrunoandbouncinghimtooneside,andhedroppedthebaseballbatandwentdown.Hetriedtopickitupagain,andCazaletraisedakneeunderhischin,senthimflatonhisback,thenpickedupthebaseballbathimself.
Sarahadquietedhermareandsattherehighinthesaddle,lookingdownas
Guidoscrambledtohisfeetandstoodthere,clutchinghisrighthandwithhisleft,bloodpumpingthrough.
“Howbadisit?”shedemanded.
“BillytheKidhereshotmeinthehand,ma’am,itwentrightthrough.”
Therewasthatarmythingagain,likethenightbefore.Inaway,itirritatedher,andshesaid,“You’veservedinAfghanistan,haven’tyou?
Whichregiment?”“Rifles,ma’am,Corporal
GuidoPirelli,andmymatethereisPrivateBrunoMalone.HelmandProvincewasoursecondhomefornearlyfiveyears.Justlikeyou,ma’am.”
“Andwhat’sthatsupposedtomean?”
“Well,Iknowallaboutyou,killingallthemTalibanatAbusan,gettingtheMilitaryCrossandall.”
Brunogotupandwentandslumpeddownonaparkbench.“Idon’tfeelsogood,thatdamnhorsehitmelikeatank.”
SaraignoredhimandsaidtoGuido,“Yourhandmustbehurting.”
“Notyet,ma’am.Itwilllaterwhentheshockwearsoff,butI’vebeenshotbefore.”
Sheusedherteethtopulloffherrightgloveandtossed
ittohim.“Putthaton,itwillhelpuntilyouseeadoctor.Searchthemboth.”
CazaletchoseBruno.DillontookGuido,withnosuccessexceptfortheWalther,whichDillonfoundwhereGuidohaddroppedit.
“Justtheweapon,”Dillonsaid.“Andacarignitionkeyandwhatlookslikeakeyforahouse.”
“Where’sthehouse?”Sarademanded.
“Whyshouldwetellyou?”saidGuido.
“BecauseI’llshootyourotherhandifyoudon’t!”
Guidohunghisheadandmuttered,“AflatbyCannonWharf.Andwe’vegotacarparkedinUpperGrosvenorStreet.Nothinginittotraceus.Weworkclean.”
“Ijustbetyoudo,”Saratoldhim.“ArethosetheinstructionsoftheMasterwhenyougoonajobfor
him?”Brunolookedpuzzled.
“Who’sthisMastershe’stalkingabout,Guido?”
“Searchme,”Guidosaid,andshrugged.“Idon’tknowanythingaboutaMaster.”
“Really?”Sarasaid.“Sowhothehellwereyouattackingthesegentlemenfor?”
“Justtellher,forChrist’ssake,”Brunomoaned.“IthinkI’mgoingtobesick.”
Guidoshrugged.“Weweredoingajobforafriend.TerryHarkerrunsapubinWappingforabirdnamedMyraTully.Arealbitch.ToldushewasactingforaclientwhowantedsomeonetogiveMr.Cazalethereagoing-over.”
Cazaletsaid,“Didhe,now.Areyousurehedidn’ttellyoutokillme?”
“Absolutelynot,whichourfriend,Terry,couldn’t
understand.Heemphasizedweweretogiveyouathoroughbattering,butnomorethanthat.”
Dillonshookhishead.“Socrazy,it’sgottobetrue.Sowhatdowedowiththem,Sara?”
“UpperGrosvenorStreetisonlyalittlewayupParkLane.RunthemtoRosedenetohaveGuido’swoundtreated—wecan’thavehimgotoA&Eatanordinary
hospital,becausethatwouldinvolvethepolice—then,letthemdrivehomethemselves.Butgettheiraddressandtelephonenumber.”Saraglareddownatthem.“You’readisgracetotheBritishArmy.GodknowshowyousurvivedAfghanistan.YoujustsitandbehaveyourselvesuntilIconfirmwhat’stohappentoyou.”
“WeweredueintheUkraineintwoweeks,”
Guidosaid.“Can’tgonowwiththisbloodyhand.”
Sarashookherhead,hermarestanding.“Oh,getthemoutofhere,Sean,I’llseeyouatthehotellater.”
“I’llgowiththem,”Cazalettoldher.“I’dreallyliketo.”
“SomebodyatRosedenewillrunyoutotheDorchester,sir.Astrangemorning.”
“No,amemorableone,”
Cazaletsaid,andtheyalldispersed.
—There was a fountainonLovers’Walknottoofarfromwherethewholeaffairhadtakenplace.FromtheretheMaster,dressedinraincoatandcapandclutchinganunfurledumbrella,hadwitnessedeverythingthathadtaken
place,hadevenachievedacloserinspectionwithapairofsportingbinoculars.Notthathecouldhearwhattheyweresaying,butthenhedidn’tneedto.Astheoldsayinghadit,everypicturetoldastory.WhatidiotsPirelliandMalonehadturnedouttobe.Somethingcouldbedoneaboutthat,butwhataboutTerryHarker,previouslysoreliable?Perhapssomethingwas
neededtherealso?Therewasmuchtobedone,buthelikedtokeepbusy,andastherainincreasedwithsuddenforce,heputuphisumbrellaandwalkedaway.
—At the Sash and in Myra’sbed,Terrywasawakeearlyandlaythereforanhour,ignoringherheavybreathingasherealizedhehadn’ttheslightestideawhathewas
goingtodowhenhegottoHighfieldCourtexceptcleanwindows.
ThewholethinghadbeenawhimofthemomentandsparkedbythegreatmusicHannahFlynnhadplayed,whichhadbroughtmemoriesofhissistertothesurface.Ontheotherhand,perhapspooroldRoberto’snumber-twoguywouldn’tturnup,andapromisewasapromise,asTerry’smumusedtotellhim
whenhewasakid.Sohesmiled,easedoutofbed,grabbedforhisrobe,andwentdownthehalltohisownroom.
Myra’seyesopenedtheminuteheleft,andasthedoorclickedbehindhim,shelaythere,frowning.SheknewaboutHighfieldCourt,theRabbiandSaraGideon,thefactthatshehadbroughtTodFlynn’sniecebackfromDrumgoolewithher,andthat
TonyDoylewaslivinginashouseguard.AllthishadbeenconfirmedbysearchingTerry’sdeskwhenhewasoutanddiscoveringtheinformationtheMasterhadsenthim.
WhichmeantshewasangryatTerryfornothavingdiscussedthesethingswithher,orlettingherknowwherehewasandwhy.Shewasawarethatcontrolwasslippingawayfromher,her
personalitysuchthatshewasunabletodealwithsecretsinarationalmanner,especiallywhenitinvolvedTerry.Shejusthadtoknow.
Tothatend,shehadcheckedthesat-navonhisMiniCooperandhadimmediatelydiscovereddetailsofhistriptoHighfieldCourt.Notawordaboutthat,sowhy?Itwasasifshewasbeingkeptoutofsomething,andshewasn’thavingthat,so
shegotoutofbed,wentintothebathroom,andstartedtogetreadyforthefray.
—Eric Logan drove upasTerrycameoutofthepubwearingjeansandanorakandaclothcap.Whatdidn’tshowwasatwo-shotderringerwithhollowpoints,carriedinaspringclipatthesmallofhisback.
“You’reoutearly,”Ericsaid.“Whereareyougoing?”
“Oh,I’llgetacafébreakfastsomewhere,thenBillingsgateforfish.”
“Don’tforgetsomelobsters,”Ericsaid.
“Done.I’llseeyoulater,”Terrysaid,gotbehindthewheeloftheCooper,anddroveaway.
Myraappearednotlongafterthat,wearinganOxfordbluetrousersuit,everything
neatandtidy.“HaveyouseenTerry?”sheaskedEric.
“Sorry,Myra,you’vejustmissedhim.Hewasgoingtodothemarkets.”Hesmiled.“Youlookgood.AlldressedupforHarrods,arewe?”
“Andothers,”shesaid.“Igetsickofhangingaroundfortaxis,Eric.WouldyoumindifIborrowedthatoldFordofyours?”
“Whateverturnsyouon,Myra,bemyguest.”
“You’realove,”shesaid,thenjumpedinanddroveaway.
—The half-hour drive ittooktogettoHighfieldCourtcalmedherdown.ShehadnowayofknowingifTerrywouldturnuphereagain.Ifhecame,hecame.Shefoundaspaceinthelineofparkedcars,pickedupacoupleof
magazines,plusalargecoffeeandacoupleofcroissantsfromthecafé,returnedtotheFord,andwaited.
—In Highfield Court,RabbiGideonjoinedSadieandTonyDoyleforbreakfast.ShortlyafterwardacarturneduptotaketherabbidowntoBrightonUniversityforadayofseminarsandanovernight
stayasguestofhonoratthefacultydinner.Intheafternoon,SarawastopickupHannahandtakehershoppingforasuitabledresstowearattheHopeCharityfunctionattheDorchester,whereshewastostayovernight,sharingSara’sroom.
“It’sallabitunfair,”HannahsaidtoSadie.“YouandStaffSergeantDoyleseemtobemissingallthe
fun.”“Oh,I’msurewe’llget
by,”Sadiesaid.“There’salwaysthetelevision.”
TonyDoyle,whowasclearingthetable,said,“Don’tyouworryaboutme,Hannah,I’vegotanewoccupation.SadieisteachingmeYiddish.”
“Isheanygood?”Hannahasked.
“Let’ssayhe’ssurprisedme,”Sadietoldher.“But
enough,it’stimeforyourpianopractice.Asforyou,StaffSergeant,I’vegotalistaslongasyourarmofitemsweneedfromthesupermarket.”
“Soonerratherthanlater,Mrs.Cohen,”hesaid.“It’sbesttogetinthatplaceearly,andI’mnotsupposedtoleaveyouforlongerthanhalfanhour.”
“Well,getstartedassoonasyoulike,”shesaid.“And
thatappliestoyouaswell,Hannah,offyougo.”
—Myra wore her CartiersunglassesandkeptwelldownbehindthewheeloftheFordandalmostmissedtheCooperasitpassedandpulledinbesideRoberto’svan,whichwasparkedoutsidethegeneralstore.Terry,inhiscapandanorak,andespeciallytheRay-Bans,
lookedmoreinterestingthanheshouldhaveashejoinedRobertointhevan.
Atthatmoment,thesecuritygatesofthehouseopenedandTonyDoyledroveout,turnedintoGrosvenorSquare,andvanished.
“Herewego,Signori,”Robertosaid,andhedroveacrosstheroadtotheentrance,causingthegatestoopenagain.Afewmoments
onlyandtheywereintothedrive,thegatesclosingbehindthem.Upatthefrontdoor,Sadiewascleaningglasspanelswithachamoisleather.“Ah,it’syou,Roberto.Who’syourfriend?”
“ThisisTerence,”Robertotoldher.“He’sheretohelpmedotheconservatory.Itwilllookbeautifulagain.”
“Well,Ilookforwardtothat.I’llbringyousomecoffeeandbiscuitsateleven
o’clock.”
—After Hannah hadpracticedforawhile,Sadiecameinwithamugofteaineachhandandofferedherone.
“Thereyougo,love,IknowhowyouIrishloveyourtea.Dillontaughtmethat,thoughit’strueofmanyJewishpeople,particularlyanyonewithRussian
ancestry.”“Butwithoutmilk.”
Hannahlaughed,andledthewayoutofthemusicroomandintothetropicalsplendoroftheconservatory.
Therewasamanoutside,standingontheterrace,holdingahose,sprayingthewindowsandmovingalongtotheglassdoorthatgaveaccesstothegardens.HewaslookingatHannah.
Sadiesaid,“Robertosays
he’sheretohelphimtoday.Hisname’sTerence.”
Hannahsaidnothing,justlookedathimcuriously,thenwhenshe’dfinishedhertea,wentbacktotheconservatoryandstartedtoplayanoldjazznumber,“FascinatingRhythm,”veryfastindeed,headdown,herfingersdancingoverthekeysataconsiderablespeed.Asshefinished,therewasapplause.Shelookedupandsawthat
theglassdoorwasopenandTerrywasstandinginside,clapping.
“Bloodymarvelous,”hesaid,ahugesmileonhisface.“I’veneverheardthelike.IusedtohaveasisternamedHannah.She’sdeadnow,butshewaslearningtoplaythepiano.”
SadiecameintothemusicroombehindHannah.Shewasholdingasawn-offshotgun.“Wethoughtthere
wassomethingoddaboutyouasawindowcleaner.I’vejusthadalookatsomephotosweweregivenofpeoplewhoareadangertous.”
“Comeoffit,love,Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”Terrywasstillsmiling.
SadiewalkedrightpasttheSchiedmayertoconfronthim,andHannahrose,liftedupthelidofthepianostool,reachedinside,easedthe
Dickensboxopen,foundthebuttoftheColt.25andtookitoutwithherrighthand.
Sadiewasveryclosetohimnow.“TerryHarker,”shesaid.“That’syourname,andI’vejustlookedatthreeseparatephotosofyou.”
Hemovedincrediblyfast,brushingtheshotguntooneside,hisotherhandgrabbingandturningheragainsthim,halfchokingherasshestruggled,droppingthegunto
thefloor.HisrighthandproducedthederringerandhelditupsothatHannahcouldsee.
“Youwon’tbefamiliarwiththis,Hannah.It’satwo-shotderringer,hollow-pointcartridges.Couldblowherheadopen.”
“Oh,dear,wecan’thavethat,”shetoldhim,andshothim,removingthelowerhalfofhisleftear.Hecriedout,pushingSadieaway,
staggeredback,clutchingwhatwasleftofhisear,turnedandlurchedoutsideanddownthesteps,whereheranpastRobertoandhisvananddisappearedintoSouthAudleyStreet.
He’dmanagedtoproduceahandkerchieffromhispocket,whichhecrushedagainsthisearasherantowardtheCooper,gotthedooropenandscrambledinside,drivingoffone-
handed.Myrahadseenallthis,hadbeenfrozeninplacebytheshockofit,butwhenshesawHannahandSadieappearintheentrancetothehouse,realizedthatsomethingcatastrophichadtakenplace,startedhercar,andwentafterTerry.
Minuteslater,TonyDoyleappearedinhisarmyLandRover,droveintothedrive,smilingfortheladies.“Well,hereweare,thesuppliesgot
through.Wecanfortupforanotherweek.”SadieandHannahlookedateachother,andhefrowned.“What’sup,hassomethinghappened?”
“Well,youcouldsaythat,”Sadiesaid.“HannahjustshotTerryHarker,MyraTully’sboyfriend.Hewasthreateningtokillme,andshesavedmylife.You’llwanttogetintouchwiththegeneralandseewhathewantstodoaboutit.”
DoyleturnedtoHannah,feelingstrangelyhelpless.“Areyouallright?”
“OfcourseIam,Tony,”Hannahsaid.“Hewasapieceofshitewhogotwhathedeserved.Wouldn’thavelastedmorethanhalfanhouronawetSaturdaynightinBelfastCity.”Therewascontemptinhervoice.“Idon’tknowwhatyoutwowanttodo,butI’mgoinginsideforanothercupoftea,”
andshewentupthestepstothefrontdoor.
—The private health clinicTerryusedspecializedinwomen’sproblemsandplasticsurgery,alsoanythingthattheLondoncriminalfraternitycameupwith.TerryHarkerhadusedtheirDr.Malikpersonallyonanumberofoccasions,andhaddrivenstraightthere.
Morphinehaddulledhispain,buthewasanangryman.“What’stheverdict,Doc?”heaskedMalik.
“Idon’tthinkplasticsurgerywoulddoanygood.”
“SoI’llbeleftwithhalfanear?”
“Yes,butwe’llhavetoseehowitheals.Itmightnotbeasbadasyouthink.”
Therewasadisturbanceoutside,thedooropened,andMyracameinanddidn’thelp
thesituationbysaying,“MyGod,Terry,youlookawful.Ithoughtyou’dbehere.”
“Wherethehellhaveyoucomefrom?”hedemanded.
“Ifollowedyou,Terry,Iwassoworried.”
HeglancedatMalik.“Giveusaminute,Doc.”
Malikdeparted,andTerrysaid,“Whatdoyoumean,youfollowedme?”
“ToHighfieldCourt.Ijustwantedtoknowwhatyou
weredoingthere.Iwasjealous.”
Hemadeaquickadjustmenttohisstory.“You’vegottounderstand.TheMasterwantedaclosewatchontheplacebecausehewantedtoknowhowtheFlynngirlwasgettingonintherewiththeGideons.Ididadealwiththeirwindowcleanertogetmeinside,butthehousekeeperrecognizedmefromsomephotosthey
have.TheFlynngirlpulledagunonme.”
“IknowwhatI’dliketodotothatlittlebitch.”
“Forgetthat.Fergusonwon’twantmeinapolicecell,he’llwantmeshootingmymouthoffabouttheMaster,whichI’mnotabouttodo.I’llhavetodropoutofsightforawhile.”
“Willyougoabroad?”“That’swhatyoucantell
peopleifyou’reasked,but
I’vehadabolt-holeforafewyearsthatnooneelseintheworldknowsabout,soyougobacktotheSashandforgetaboutmeforawhile.”
“Idon’tknowifIcandothat,”shesaid.
“DoyouwantmetogetnickedandendupinBelmarshPrisonwithyourhusband?”
“Ofcoursenot.”“Thenleavenowandkeep
yourheaddown.Ifthegoing
getsrough,turntoEric.”“Thebarman?Areyou
sureaboutthat?”“Ihaven’ttoldyouabout
him,becauseheprefersitthatway.HewasasergeantintheYorkshireRegimentinAfghanistanwhenImethim,intheBRF,theBrigadeReconnaissanceForce,aspecialopsoutfitofmenfrommanyregiments.Accordingtoalotofpeople,theyseemedtospendtheirtime
lookingfordeath.”“Andyouwereoneof
them?”Shewasshocked.“Nevermindthat,”hetold
her.“He’sgotabrain,Eric,andhe’stoppedmorementhanyou’vehadhotdinners.TheygavehimaQueen’sGallantryMedal.”
“Idon’tknow,bloodyAfghanistanagain.Itseemstopopupeverywhere.What’ssospecialaboutit?”
“It’saveryexclusiveclub,
Myra,thatyoucan’tbuyyourwayinto,onlyexperience.Aseasoninhellthat’stouchedthelivesofallofitsmembersfromtheRoyalFamilyon.”Hereachedup,pulledherheaddown,andkissedher.“Getthehelloutofhere,andifFergusonorhispeoplewantyoutotalk,tellthemtogetstuffedandsendforyourlawyer.”
—Ferguson called a councilof waruponhearingoftheincident,andtheyassembledatHighfieldCourt—HannahandCazalet,RoperandDillonandtheSalters,holdingthemeetinginthelibrary.TonyDoyle,Hannah,andSadiesatin.
“LetmesaystraightawaythatStaffSergeantDoylewasnotinanywayatfaultfor
leavingthehousetogoandshopforSadie.Itwaswithinhisremit,”Fergusontoldthem.
“Ishouldthinkso,”Sadiesaid.“Thepoormanhasbeenstrickenbyguiltaboutthewholebusiness.”
“Well,hedoesn’tneedtobe,”Dillonsaid.“SaraandIquestionedRoberto,thewindowcleaner,extremelyclosely.He’sasimplemanwhofellforHarker’sstory.
Heshouldn’thavetakenthemoney,buthe’snocriminal.”
“Iagree,”Fergusonsaid.“JustasIdothatalthoughCaptainGideonbrokestandingordersbypassingaColt.25withhollowpointstoacivilian,IthankGodthatshedid.”
“Andsosayallofus,”Roperaddedcheerfully.“TerryHarkerhasbeenabusyboy,notonlythis,butthosetwocharacterswho
ambushedyouinthepark,”hesaidtoCazalet.“What’stobedonewiththem?
“Well,ifI’mallowedaviewhere,”Cazaletsaid,“theyaren’tevenworththrowingtothecops.Itmightmakeacolorfulstoryforthepress,butoneIcoulddowithout.”
“Iagreewithyou,sir,”Fergusonsaid.“Butwecan’tignoreHarker’sactivities.”
“I’vecheckedhimout,”
saidRoper.“Hehasanexcellentarmyrecord,servedinspecialopsinAfghanistan.Andinterestingly,sodidtheheadbarmanattheSash,oneEricLogan.HeevensportsaQueen’sGallantryMedal.”
“Whatdidhedotoearnthat?”Cazaletasked.
“Hewasguardingsomecivilianswithkidswhenoneofthemdiscoveredanexplosivedevice.Loganranoffwithit,threwitawayjust
intime.”“Splendid,”Fergusonsaid.
“GuaranteedtoearnhimaconsiderablylightersentencefromsomebenignoldToryjudgethenexttimehe’sincourt.”
“That’sabitcynical,General,”Hannahtoldhim.
“Isupposeitis,mydear,”hetoldher.“It’sthefaultofthelifeIlead,whichalwaysdisappoints.Anyway,Ithinksomeoneneedstocallinon
MyraTullyattheSash.Ithinkthatwouldbebettercomingfromyou,Harry.”
“Mypleasure,”Saltersaid.“I’lltakeBillyandSeanwithme.”
—Cannon Wharf wasinanareaoftheThamesunderdevelopment;two-thirdsofthewharfitselfwasmissing,leavingajaggedendpushing
outovertheriverfortyfeetbelow.Itwasraining,anoldmansittingunderthekindofumbrellausuallyfoundonseasidebeaches.Aportableradiowasofferinghimmusic,andheheldafishingrodoutoverabrokenrail,thoughnolinewassuspendedonit.
GuidoPirellistaredoutatthemanfromthedecayinghousewhereheandBrunolivedforthemoment.Brunowasmakingteainthekitchen
andpassedhimacup.“Whatthehellishe
doing?”Guidoasked.“Sittingtherefortwohours.Hemustbecrazy.”
“Well,livinginadumplikethisisenoughtosendanyonecrazy,”Brunosaid.“We’vegottofindsomethingbetter.”
“Wewill,”Brunosaid,“Butwe’reinthehandsofthatGideonwoman.Wecan’tjustclearoff,she’dhavethe
policeafterusinnotime.”Heputdownhiscup,openedacupboard,andtookoutaWaitroseshoppingbag.“Rememberwhat’sinhere,tenthousandpoundsincash.ThankGodDillonandCazaletdidn’tdoahousesearch.”
“Idon’tblamethem,”Brunosaid.“Itstinks,thisplace.Thisiswhattheymeanbyahovel.Ican’ttakemuchmore.”
“Okay,sowhydon’twetakeaneveningoff.Let’sgetadrink.”
“That’sagreatidea,”Brunosaid.“I’llgetready,”andheturnedandranupstairs.
Withintenminutes,theywalkedoutside,anumbrellaraisedagainsttherain,laughingastheymovedtotheircar.Theoldmanturnedandglancedatthem,andGuidocalled,“Caught
anythingyet?”Hegotnoresponseand
movedaroundtothepassengerdoor.“You’llhavetodrive,”hetoldBruno.“Myhand’skillingme,andIneedtheothertocarrytheWaitrosebag.I’mnotleavingthat.”
“I’mabetterdriverthanyouanyway,”Brunotoldhim,gotbehindthewheel,andswitchedon,pushinghisfootontheaccelerator.The
engineroared,thecarseemedtoleapforward,alongthewharfpastthefisherman,andBrunostampedonthebrakepedalandnothinghappenedatall.“Thebrakes!”heshouted.“Something’swrong!”
Guidoreachedtoswitchtheengineoff,butbythenthecarwasmovingtoofast,flewoverthebrokenedgeofthewharfintospace,tipped,andplungeddownintothe
Thamesfortyfeetbelow.Thefishermansatthere,
stunned,thengottohisfeetandwalkedslowlytotheendofthewharf,heldontoabrokenrail,andpeeredover.Therewasnosignofthecar,butdetritushaddriftedupalready,acoupleofscarves,someloosecushions.Andthenasupermarketbagpoppedup,disgorgingagreatdealofwhatlookedlikepaper,thoughhecouldn’tbe
sure,sohemanagedtofindhismobilephoneinhisinsidepocketandcalledfortheRiverPolice.
—The moment Myrahadlefthim,TerryhadcalledEricattheSashandquicklytoldhimwhathadhappened.
“Idon’tknowwhethertolaughorcry,”Ericsaid.“Whatacock-up.Whatare
yougoingtodo?Youcouldmakearunforit.WhathaveyouheardfromGuidoandBruno?”
“Notathing,butI’mnotgoingontherun,nottostartwith.Iprefertoseehowthingsturnout.I’llhavetolosemyselfforawhile,butI’mnotgoingtodoarunner.I’lllosemyselfinthebolt-holeforawhile.Whatconditionisitin?”
“You’reinluck—Ihadn’t
checkeditoutforages,butIlookedinfourweeksagoandwasdismayedatwhatIfound,soI’vebeencleaningtheplaceup.Youcanmovestraightin.DoItellMyra?”
“Likehellyoudo.You’retheonlyotherpersonintheworldwhoknowsmysecret,sowekeepitthatway.”
“Onmylife,Terry,I’vejustcrossedmyself.I’llgonow.Myramightarriveandwanttoknowwho’sonthe
phone,butgoodluckwiththebolt-hole.”
—Terry lay there,thinkingaboutit—itwasanoldThamessailingbargenamedArabella,andhisgreat-grandfather,BenjaminHarker,hadcaptainedherforyears.NowshewasendingherdaysbySt.Jude’sDock,nottoofarfromtheTowerof
London,ahouseboatfloatingbesideanoldjetty,anelectriccableandawaterpipeconnectingitwiththeshore.Itwasahavenfromtheoutsideworld,andaprivateone.Hecouldn’twaittomovein,sohegotoutofbedandhadjustfinisheddressingwhenhismobilesounded.
“Why,Terry,”theMastersaid.“Whatadaythishasbeen.AllthatnonsenseofthemorninginHydeParkwith
thosetwoclownsyouprovided.Ithoughttheycouldonlycometoabadend,andI’mnotsurprisedtofindtheyhave.Itseemsthey’vedrivenstraightoffawharfintotheThames,thusprovingthataswellasalltheirotherflaws,whicheverofthemwasatthewheelcouldn’tevendriveproperly.”
“Youfuckingbastard,”Terrysaid.
“Comenow,Terry,what
onearthwereyouplayingatinHighfieldCourt?”
“Iwastryingtoshowthatsecuritytherewascapableofbeingbreached,”Terryliedhoarsely.“Whocouldhaveknownthataneighteen-year-oldgirlwouldbesogoodwithapistol?”
“Whereareyougoingnow?”
“Youknowsomething,”Terrysaid.“I’mnotgoingtotellyou,soyoucanstewon
that,”andheclickedoff.Dr.Malikwalkedinat
thatmomentwithasmallparcel.“Iseeyou’rereadytoleave.”Heofferedtheparcel.“Thereareantibioticsinhere,besensibleandtakeallofthem.Ifyou’restillaheadofwhatevergameyou’replaying,seemeinsevendays.Ifyoufeelfeverishatall,callmeatonce.Norushtopayme,Iknowyou’regoodforit.Oneoftheporters
hascleanedthebloodoffyourcarseat.”
“You’readiamond,”Terrysaid,andleft.
—Earlier, when MyrahadgotbacktotheSash,Ericwasinthecellar,openingcasesofwinethathadjustbeendelivered.
Shecalleddowntohim,“CanIhaveaword?”
Hewentupandfoundherseatedonabarstool.“Eric,Ineedareallydecentdrink,becauseI’vebeenhavingaterribletime.Couldyoumanageoneofthosespecialmartinicocktailsofyours?”
“OfcourseIcan,anythingforyou,Myra.What’sbeengoingon,then?”
Ashemixed,helistenedtoherversionofevents,whichwasadramaticonetosaytheleast.
Whenshewasfinished,hesaid,“Bloodyincredible,thewholething.IwaswonderingwhyIhadn’theardanythingfromTerry.Sohe’sclearedoff,hashe?Francemaybe?”
“No,allIcansayisthathe’sgoingtoground.Hewantsmetotakeover,bestrongandtakechargeofeverything.HesaysifFergusonandhispeoplewanttoquestionme,Ishouldtellthemtogetstuffedandcallin
mylawyers.”“Well,I’dagreewithhim
there,Myra.You’vegottostanduptallinthislife,that’swhatIsay.”
“I’mgladyoufeellikethat,becauseifIneedhelp,hewantsmetoturntoyou.”
Erictriedtolookmodest.“Why,Myra,I’mtouched,butanyideathatIcanstandinforTerryisabitstrong.”
“Hethinkstheworldofyou,Eric.I’dnoideayou
weresuchaheroinAfghanistan.Theyevengaveyouamedal.”
“Iwouldn’tmakeabigdealoutofthat,Myra.Lotsofpeoplegotmedals.Itwasthatkindofwar.”
“Nevermindthat.I’vebeenthinkingofFerguson,butalsotheSalters.ThatideaIhadofgivingthemsomegriefattheDarkManorevenHarry’sPlace?Terryseemedtoagreewithme.Whatabout
you?”Ericwassavedbythebell
onthatone,becausejustashestartedtosay,“Well,Myra,thewayIseeit...”therewasthesoundofavehiclearrivingoutside.
“Whohavewegothere?”hesaid,thenSeanDillonandHarryandBillySaltercamedowntheentranceandapproachedthebar.
Myraexploded.“Whatthehelldoyoubastardswantin
here?Goon,getout!”“Why,Myra,”Harry
Saltertoldher,“I’moverwhelmedbythewarmthofyourgreeting,andmayIsayyoulookevenmoreravishingwhenyou’reangry.AndEricLogan,asIliveandbreathe.”
Beforeshecouldanswer,Ericsaid,“Look,Mr.Salter,youcanseeyou’renotwelcomehere.Unlessyouhaveasearchwarrant,I
suggestyouleave.”“Can’tdothat,Eric,”Billy
toldhim.“Idon’tneedone.I’manofficerofMI5whohasreasontobelievethatTerryHarkermaybeonthesepremises,anindividualbelievedtohavecommittedactsunlawfulunderarangeofantiterrorismlaws.”
“Why,Billy,”Ericsaid.“I’mimpressed,butcanyouspellallthat?”
Myraexploded.“You’ve
gotanerve,afterwhatthatlittleTaigbitchdidtomyTerry.Shothim,shedid.Youshouldseehisear.”
Ericputahandonhershoulder.“Justcoolit,girl,you’rediggingyourselfindeephere.”
“I’dlistentohimifIwereyou,Myra,”Dillonsaid.“Ican’tsayIcareforhim,buthemeanswell.”
“Andyou’reanotherTaigbastard,SeanDillon,justlike
thatFlynnbitch.Shedeservedwhatshegot.”
“Deservedgettingcrippledatfourteen,herparentskilledbyaProtestantbombleftintheircarbyFrankBellandyourwonderfulda?”DillonturnedtoEric.“I’dliketogetoutofherebeforeIdothiscreatureaninjury.HasHarkerbeenhere?”
Ericshookhishead,hislieswereperfect.“No,buthephonedfromSyonClinic,
wherehegothisearpatchedup,andaskedMyratogobringhimhispassport.Saidhewasgoingtoleavethecountry,FranceorSpain,asIunderstandit.”HeturnedtoMyraasifapologizing.“Sorry,love,it’sbettertotellthetruthandgetthemoffyourback.”
Foronce,shehadthewittoseewhathewastryingtodo,managedtolooktroubled,sighed,andsaid,“Ifyousay
so,Eric.”Harryturnedtohis
nephew.“Areyousatisfied?”“Notreally,butwecan
comebackifweneedto,”Billysaid.
“Isupposeso.”Harrylookedaroundhim.“Whatadump,”andhewalkedtowardtheentrance,Billyfollowing.
DillonignoredMyrabutsaidtoEric,“WhenIlookedyouup,itwasn’tthemedalyougotthatimpressedme,it
waswhatyoudidtoearnit.I’dliketothinkwhatthatsaidaboutyouistrue,sodon’tdisappointme.Leavethismessalone.I’veseenthemovieanditendsbadly!”
Heranupthestepsandoutofthedoor,asshetossedhermartiniglassafterhimandturnedtoEric.“IfIhadaguninmyhand,I’dshootthebastard.Givemeanotherdrink.”
Ashepreparedit,her
mobilesoundedinherhandbagandshepulleditout.“Isthatyou,Terry?”
TheMastersaid,“I’mafraidnot,althoughIspoketohimashortwhileago.”
“TheMaster,”shewhisperedtoEric,andputitonspeaker.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“IwaswonderingifTerrywasthere.”
“I’mafraidnot.Isawhimforashortwhileattheclinic
wherehewasbeingtreatedforagunshotwoundtohisear.Hetoldmehedidn’texpectanyproblemswiththepolice,becauseFergusonwouldn’twantthat.”
“Whichistrue.WherecanIreachhim?”
“I’venoidea.HetoldmeitwasbetterifIdidn’tknow.HedidsayFranceorSpainmightbeapossibility.”
“Itseemstomethatleavesyouinadifficultsituation,
Myra.”“Oh,IthinkI’muptoit,”
shetoldhim.“Ishouldhavenodifficultyrunningtheclub,especiallywithmybarmanagerassistingme.We’vejusthadavisit,bytheway,fromtheSaltersandSeanDillon.”
“TheywerelookingforTerry,Isuppose?”
“Yes.Theymadethreatsaboutantiterrorismlaws,andHarrySalter’snephew,Billy,
turnsouttoworkforMI5.”“Yes,Iwasawareofthat.
ItmakesitmoredifficulttogetattheSalters,inspiteoftheircriminalbackground.”
“Well,itdoesn’tgivemeaproblem,”Myratoldhim.“IcanputenoughroughyoungmentogetheranytimeIwantwho’dlovetogivetheSalters’pubarealturning-over.Orworse.Itwouldn’tbothermeintheslightestiftheDarkMansortof
accidentallycaughtfireandburnedtotheground.”
Therewasaslightpause,andthentheMastersaid,“That’sreallyratherinteresting.Whencouldyoudoit?”
ShelookedinquiringlyatEric,who’dbeenlistening,andhenodded.Myrasaid,“Tonight.”
Itwasjustafterseven,peoplealreadyfloodingintotheDorchesterforthefund-raiserwhenCazaletandDillonpeeredinfromthePromenade.TheyretreatedtothebarandorderedmartinisastheywaitedforSaraandHannah.
“Itcertainlylooksasifeverybody’sgoingtobehere,”Cazaletsaid.
Dillon’sCodexsounded,anditwasRoper,whosaid,“Whereareyou?”
“Oh,atabarasusual,waitingforthegirlstojoinus,”Dillonsaid.
“IjustwantedyoutoknowthatDeclanwilljoinyousoon.MaxShelby’sgoingtopickhimupatRosedeneanddrophimoff.
HowardGlynnhasorderedhimtojointhecrowd:Ferguson,thePrimeMinister,theFrenchForeignMinister.”
“AndUncleTomCobleyandall,”Dillontoldhim.“Wegetthepicture.I’llcheckinwherenecessary.”
“I’dadviseit.FergusonexpectsnothinglessthanperfectionwheretheFrenchareinvolved.Amatterofnationalhonor,Ithink.”Roperchuckledandswitched
off.Cazaletwashighly
amused.“Ahardtaskmaster,CharlesFerguson.”
“Mostgreatmenare,”Dillontoldhim.
“Andtheothers?”Cazaletasked,“DeclanandthisMaxShelby?”
“Well,buymeanothermartiniandI’lltellyou.”
—When Dillon was finished,
Cazaletshookhishead.“Anamazingstory.AnIranianfatherandanIrishdoctorforamother.”
“ABedouinfather,”Dillonsaid.“There’sadifference.HehasIrishnationalitythroughhismother,sohe’sonoursidenow.”
“ThankGodforthat,butthisMajorShelby?There’sanunfortunatecase.Tolosehissonandthenhiswifein
suchrottencircumstances.”“Yes,butpeoplelikeMax
arethebackboneofArmyIntelligence,andthesedays,withsomuchterrorism,hislanguageskillsareessential.HeandSarawerecomradesinarmsinAfghanistan.He’sthesuperintendentofMI5’ssafehousehereinLondonfortheinterrogationofsuspects.”
“WhoisthisHowardGlynn?”
“DirectorGeneralofMI5,
whocan’twaittomeetyou,liketheyalldo,andit’sSirCharles.”
Cazaletsaid,“WhydoIgettheimpressionthatyou’reabouttoburstoutlaughingwhenyousaysomethinglikethat?”
“BecauseIam,butnotatyou.It’sjustthatI’mbewitchedatthesightoftwoincrediblyhandsomeyoungladiesbearingdownonusbehindyou.”
CazaletswirledaroundtofindSaraandHannahapproaching,wearingelegantblackvelveteveningsuits,eachwithherwalkingstick,andlookingmoreliketwinsthanever.
“Sensational,”hesaidtoDillon.“Wouldn’tyouagree?”
“Absolutely,”Dillontoldhim.“Achampagneoccasion,soletmedothehonors,”andheturnedtothebartoorder.
Sarasaid,“Don’tyouthinkwe’llbeexpectedatthereception?”
BeforeDilloncouldreply,hisCodexrangagain.Ropersaid,“You’renothavinganygoodlucktonight,Sean.Guesswhoelseisthere?HamidBeywithSisterLilyShah.Needlesstosay,Fergusonisnotpleased.”
Heswitchedoff,andCazaletasked,“WhothehellisHamidBey?”
Sarasaid,“Whatyoumighttermtheopposition,sir.”
“Sonotonoursideatall?”
“Notevenalittlebit,”Dillontoldhim,andthedooropenedandMaxShelbywalkedinfromtheballroom.
“Sorrytospoilyourfun,sir,butGeneralFerguson’slookingconcerned.SirHowardGlynniswithhimnow,andtheyareexpecting
thePMandtheFrenchForeignMinisteratanymoment.Ifyoucouldfollowme?”
“Ofcourse.”Cazaletbrushedpasthim.
Shelbystoppedsmiling.“You’veheardaboutHamidBey?”
Sarasaid,“I’mafraidso,Max.”
“Can’tkeepthebastardout,yousee,ashe’sboughthisticket.Whatabloody
world,”andhewentout.Beforeanyonecouldsay
anything,DeclanpeeredinandSarasmiledandsaid,“Thereyouare.ColonelDeclanRashid,meetHannahFlynn.You’veheardenoughabouteachother,soit’stimeyoumet.HismotherwasIrish,sothat’sonegoodthing.”
“Oreverything,”Hannahsaid,andshookhishand.
Applausestartedtorisein
theballroom,andDillonsaid,“Soundslikethegreatandthegoodhavearrived.Maybeit’stimetobeonthemove.”
Behindthem,peoplewhohadbeenseatedaroundthePromenadebarweregettingtotheirfeetandcrowdingtowardtheballroomentrance,mostofthemclutchingentrancetickets.AmongthemwereAliandKhalid.
Declanhadeasedback,heandDillonactingasbuffers
toSaraandHannah,whowereleaningontheirwalkingstickstoonesideofthedoubledoors.Asthepressurefromthosepushingforwardincreased,AliandKhalidstemmedit.
Khalidgesturedwithhishand.“Please,ma’am,”hesaidtoSara,andthentheweightofthecrowdpushedthetwoyoungmenforward.
SheturnedtoDeclan.“Therehegoesagain.He
calledme‘ma’am’lastnightwhenheexcusedhimselfinthebar.Onlythemilitaryuse‘ma’am’thesedays.”
“OrtheRoyalFamily,”Hannahsaid.
Declanseemedtobeignoringthem,frowningslightly.“Whatisit?”Sarademanded.
“I’mnotsure.ItwasasifIknewthem.”
“Idoubtit,youmustbeatleasttwentyyearsolderthan
theyare.They’regoodpublicschoolproductsfromtheiraccents,althoughIshouldpointoutthatwhenIwasatSandhurst,theyweren’tallchildrenofprivilege—therewasamuchwidervarietythanthereusedtobe.”
“No,Sara,Iknowthemfromsomewhere.I’llgiveitsomethought.”
—The ballroom was a scene
oftremendousactivity,waiterseverywhere,passingthroughthecrowdofferingcanapésanddrinks.ImportantguestswerestandinginlinetobeintroducedbyHenryFrankel,theCabinetSecretary,andhisteamtothePMandtheFrenchForeignMinisterandCazalet,who,fromthewaypeoplewerepressingforward,wasprovingsomethingofadraw.
Dillonliftedacoupleof
glassesofchampagnefromapassingtrayandhandedthemtoSaraandHannah,whileDeclanprocuredtwointhesamewayandpassedonetoDillon,whoemptiedtheglass,plungedintothecrowd,andemergedwithawickertableandtwochairs,whichheplacedbythewallandwavedtothegirls.
Theycameandsatdown,andSarasaid,“Soyou’reamiracleworkernow?”
“It’sbeensaidbefore,”hesaid,andgrinned.
Declanstoodsomelittlewayoff,scanningtheroommethodicallyforAliandKhalid,enjoyingnosuccessatall,andtherewassomethingofanaltercationtakingplaceattheendofthepresentationline.HamidBeywastryingtoforcehispresence,andHenryFrankelwasjustasforcefullykeepinghimout.SisterLilyShah,ina
blueuniformdressandahoodofthesamecolor,stoodtoonesidelookingmiserableanduncomfortable.
Dillonforcedhiswaythroughthecrowd,bysomemiraclefindinganotherwickerchairontheway,andtookherbythearm,totallyignoringHenryFrankelandHamidBey.
“Ireallydofeelthatyouneedtositdown,soifyou’llcomethisway,we’llfindyou
somecongenialcompany.”HamidBeyscowled
ferociously,butHenryFrankelsmiledwickedly,forhehadknownDillonformanyyears.So—HamidBeywaspushedratherforcefullyoutoftheframewhileDillonledLilyShahbythehandtoSaraandHannah.Heputthechairdownandeasedherintoit.
“Takeyourpick.Oneofthemshotupandtheother
blownup,sowithyouhavingexperiencedtheworstLebanonhadtooffer,I’msureyou’llhavealottotalkabout.”
Heturnedandwalkedaway,LilyShahwatchinghimgowithsomeastonishment.“Ishealwayslikethat?”
“Onlysomeofthetime,”SaraGideonsaid.“WemetatRosedene,soyouknowwhoIam,butthisisHannahFlynn,
Dillon’ssecondcousin.Now,let’shaveanotherglassofchampagneandyoucantellushowthingsworkattheArmyofGoddispensary,”andshewavedtoapassingwaiter.
—It wasn’t surprisingthatDeclancouldn’tcatchsightofAliandKhalid.Thereweresomanypeoplecrammedinto
thatvastballroomthatitwasvirtuallyimpossibletopickoutindividuals.DillongottwomoreglassesandapproachedHamidBey,whowasseatedbyalargepottedpalm,glaringmalevolentlyateveryoneinsight.Dillon,withhisflairforlanguages,spokegoodArabicandcheerfullyofferedchampagnetotheimam.
“Thereyougo,eat,drink,andbemerry,fortomorrow
wemaydie.”HamidBeyknockedthe
glassfromhishand.“Mayyouburninhell,apostate.”
“Aninterestingsentiment,”Dillonsaid.“ButIdon’tmind,aslongasImeetyouthere.”
HamidBeypluckedanotherglassfromapassingwaiter’strayandtossedthechampagneinDillon’sface.Peopleclosetothemsawwhathadhappenedandwere
shocked.Dillon’sresponsewastolickhislips.
“Absolutelymarvelous,oldson,Ienjoyedthat.”Heraisedhisglass.“Toournextmerrymeetinginhell.”
“MyGod,”LilyShahsaid.“Excuseme,ladies.Imustgototheimam.Hisragesareungovernableonoccasion.”
“Weunderstand,”Saratoldher,andtheywatchedhergo,tryingtotaketheimam’sarmandgetting
pushedaway,trailingafterhimwhenheturnedandpushedthroughthecrowd.
“Whycouldn’tyoujustshoothim?”Hannahasked.
“Iwassorelytempted,”Dillonsaid,“butthatwoulddeprivethatniceladyofhersupper,andIshouldpointoutthattheyareofferingasuperbbuffetonthefarsideoftheroom.Isuggestavisitmayproveofbenefittoallofus.”
“WhataboutDeclan?”
Saraasked.“Yougoandgetatable.
I’llseeifhewantstojoinus.”
—By chance,DeclanhadbeenphonedjustalittleearlierbyRoper.Themajorhadbeenfeelingboredsincenotverymuchwasgoingon,andhe’dwonderedhowDeclanwasbearingup,consideringhe’dhadtwobulletspumpedinto
himandwasstillinapostoperativestage.
“Anythingofinterest?”Roperasked.
“ThosetwomenSaraisfascinatedwith,oneaddressedheras‘ma’am,’soshethinkshecouldbeasoldier.I’veheardthemtalk.Englishpublicschoolwithoutadoubt.”
“Soareyou,clown.YouwenttoSt.Paul’sandsoundlikeit,butyou’rehalf
Bedouin,tobestrictlyaccurate.Isthereanychancethesechapscouldhavebeenwithinyourmilitaryexperience?”
“I’veagoodmemoryforthingslikethat.Ifthey’deverservedwithme,I’dknow.”
“Okay,leaveitwithme.PerhapsMajorGilesRoper’smagicboxwillproducesometrickery.Clearoffandenjoyyoursupper,andI’llseewhatIcando.”
Dillon,whohadbeenwaitingpatiently,said,“Allfinishednow,canwegotoeat?”
“Ofcourse.I’mleavingitinRoper’shands.Ifanyonecansolvemyproblem,it’she,soleadon.I’mquitehungry.”
—About an hourandahalfearlier,ithadstartedtorain,aparticularlyhightidestirring
theThames,afive-knotcurrentrunning,andthefreshriversmellmingledwiththeraintogiveasharpedgetothings.
TheDarkManatWappinghadbeenHarrySalter’sfirstpropertyandwasstillhisfavoriteplaceintheworld,inspiteofthemillionshehadmadesincehe’dturnedfromalifeofcrime,aftermakingthediscoverythatusingthesametalentscouldmakehim
afortunefromlegitimatebusiness,aswell.
Hestilltookalotofprideinthepub,butthatearlyintheeveningbusinesswasquietandlikelytostaythatwayinviewoftheweather.JoeBaxterandSamHallwerehavingabeeratthebar,Dorathebarmaidreadinganewspaper,Harrydrinkingscotchatthetableofhispersonalbooth,Billyenjoyinganicecupoftea
becausehe’donlydrunkalcoholonceinhislifeandattheageoffifteen.Thatoncehadbeenenough.
“Idon’tthinkthey’llturnouttonight,Harry,”hesaidtohisuncle.
Harrylookedupfromthesportspage.“Whoarewetalkingabout?”
“Well,thepuntersforastart.It’shardlyaneveningforanightoutatdearoldWapping,thewaythe
weatherisshapingup.I’dsaythesamewillapplyfortheSash.MyraTullywon’tknowwhatshe’sgoingtodonextwithTerryHarkeroutoftheequation.He’sgoingnowhere,thatbastard.He’llbeliftedbeforeheknowswhat’shithim.”
“Couldbe,”Harrysaid.“He’stoowellknown.HaveyouheardfromHasim?”
“No,butIwill.He’sneverfailedtocallinyet.”
Harrynodded.“Agoodkid.”
HasimwasamixtureofEastEndCockneyandJamaicananddevotedtotheSalters,andhe’dbeeninsertedintothestaffoftheSashasapotboy,aparticularlylowlyjobthatinvolvedsweepingthefloors,cleaningtoilets,andmostthingsinbetween.Hisinstructionsweretokeephisheaddownandlistentoevery
conversationthathecould,andhe’dprovedmorethanuseful.
Harrypouredhimselfanotherscotchandsaid,“Ilikethatkid.”
“SodoI,”Billysaid.“HewasdoingwellwithhisboxingatJacko’sHealthClub,butIhadtopullhimoutofthat.Itwouldhavebeenadeadgiveawayifhe’dbeenrecognizedbysomeonefromtheSash.”
SamHallandJoeBaxterhadbeenlisteningin,andSamsaid,“He’sabravekid,becauseifthatTullybitchfoundoutwhathewasdoing,he’dbechoppedliver,andshe’dtakerealpleasureindoingitherself.”
“Well,Iwouldn’tdisagree,”Harrysaid.“She’sableedingnutter,justlikeheroldda.”
“Sodoyouthinkweshouldpullthekidoutof
there?”Billyasked.Thefrontdoorofthepub
swungopenwithacrash,asuddenblastofwindsweepingin,rainbeforeit,followedbyHasim,whowassoakedtotheskin.HelurchedtowardHarry’sboothandfellintoachair.
“Sorry,Mr.Salter,”hegasped.“Ineedtocatchmybreath.I’verunallthewayfromtheSash.”
Dorashouted,“Gawdhelp
us,lookatthestateofhim.”Shedisappearedintothebackofthebar,reappearedwithabathtowel,andcamearoundandenvelopedhim.“Poorsoul,he’llcatchhisdeath.”
“What’shappened,son?”Harrydemanded.
“Well,it’sbeenahellofaday,whatwithyouandBillyandMr.Dillonpayingavisitearlier.MyraTully’saravinglunatic,ifyouaskme.Shewasgoingonaboutwhatshe
intendedtodotoyouall.”“AndEric?”Billysaid.
“Theheadbarman.Howwashetakingallthis?”
“There’sbeennosignofMr.Harker,sofromwhatI’veheard,it’sEricthisandEricthat,andheseemstobegoingalongwithit.”
“Goingalongwithwhat?”Harryasked.
“Shewantstoburnyouout.I’veheardhersaythatmorethanonce.I’mjustthe
sweeperinthebackground,andIthinksheforgetsI’mthere.”Heshookhishead.“Infact,Ithinktheyalldo.ShetoldEricthatthetimehascometosortyououtanddestroytheDarkManonceandforallbyburningitdown.”
“Andhowwouldtheydothat?”Harryasked.
“Approachfromtheriverusingtheoldmotorlaunch,theTara,EricLogan,and
threeorfouroftheirgang.”“AndEric’sgoingalong
withthisnonsense?”Harryasked.
“She’ssocrazy,shesayssheintendstotakepartherself.Walkingaroundwithapistolinherhand,mouthingoff.”Hasimshrugged.“Ericseemssortofoverwhelmed.”
“Butheintendstodoit?”“Well,thatwasthe
impressionIgotwhenImanagedtosneakoff.I
figuredifIgrabbedavehiclefromthecarpark,I’dalertthem,soItooktothetowpathandranalltheway.”
Therewasabriefsilence,andDorasaid,“Well,Inever.”
BillyslappedHasimontheback.“Goodlad.You’vemadeyourbonestoday.Takehimtomybedroom,Dora,fastasyoulike.Dryhimoffandfindhimfreshclothes,boots.Iwanthimdownhere
infifteenminutes.Now,go.”WhichHasimandDora
did,bothbewildered.Harrysaid,“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“I’mgoingtogodownrivertotheSashintheinflatable.I’veshownHasimhowtohandleitinthepast,sonowthatpaysoff.I’mjustgoingtochangeintomywetsuit.”Hesmiledcoldly.“Youhaven’tforgottenthat,thankstoDillon,I’mamaster
diver?”“Andwhat’sthatgottodo
withthepriceofeggs?”hisuncledemanded.
“Oh,I’msureI’llmanagetofindsomethingnastytodotothatmotorlaunch,”andBillyhurriedbehindthebarandwentupstairs.
—Early-evening shadowswerefallingasHasimstoodatthewheelofthelarge
inflatable,oneverysimilartothoseusedbytheRiverPolice.Hewasratherenjoyinghimself.
“Whathappenswhenwegetthere?”
“We’llsee,”Billytoldhim.“Theonethingyoucouldn’ttellmewaswhentheyintendedtostrike,sowecouldbehangingaroundforawhile.It’sallinthelapofthegods,Hasim.Theolderyouget,themoreyourealize
that.”“Anythingyousay,boss.”Billycheckedhiswatch
andnoteditwasjustafterseven.They’dbestartingtocrowdintotheballroomnowattheDorchester.HehadasuddenimpulsetophoneRoper,butdecidednotto.Nopointuntilhehadsomegoodnews.
“Sowhatdowedowhenweactuallyseethemcoming?”Hasimasked.
“I’mgoingtobewaitingforthemintheengineroom.”
“Whatareyougoingtodothere?”
“Opentheseacocks.Thewaterpoursin,theTarasinks.It’sverysimple.Evenbetterifittakesitspassengerswithit,particularlywhenthey’reasunpleasantasMyraTully.”
“MercifulAllah,”Hasimsaid.“Andyouwouldbewillingtodothis?”
“Idon’tseewhynot.IfsheboardstheTara,thatmeanssheintendstoburntheDarkMantothegroundandeveryoneinit.TheScripturessayaneyeforaneye,andI’msuretheKoransayssomethingsimilar.”
Hasimcouldn’tthinkofasuitablereply,andinanycase,theywereapproachingtheirdestination,andBillyfoundsomebinocularsinasidepocketandfocusedon
theSash.Therainprovidedagray
curtain,vehiclesinthecarparkperfectlyvisible,butnotforlongbeforedarknesswoulddescend.Anumberofboatsweretiedupalongtheold-fashionedtowpath,buttherewasnosignofanyonearound.
HesaidtoHasim,“That’stheTarawiththescarlet-and-creamwheelhouse.Justdropmeattheendofthetowpath,
thendriftoutandswitchoffamongthosesmallervessels.I’mgoingtoexploretheTara.IfI’mstillonboardandtheyarrive,youmustfollowwhentheytakeoff.Isthatunderstood?”
“Yes,”Hasimsaid.“Thoughitsoundsalittlebitcrazytome.”
“Ihavemymobileandyouhaveyours.Wecankeepintouch,sojustdoasIsay.”
Theinflatableedgedin,
BillytookalastlookupattheSashthroughthebinoculars,andhesawMyraandEricemergefromtheentrancefollowedbythreemen.
“They’recoming,”Billysaid.“I’moutofit,soyoudoasI’vetoldyou.”
Hejumpedtothetowpath,movedquicklytotheTara,boarded,andbehindhim,Hasimtooktheinflatableaway.
—There was an instant smellofpetrolwhenBillysteppedovertherail.Preparationshadalreadybeenmadeandtherewasarowofjerrycansatoneendofthedeck.Hesliddownintothesaloon.Therewasnosmellofpetrolthereandeverythingseemednormal,sohewentbackondeck,crouching.ThepartyfromtheSashwereclosernowand
therewasraucouslaughter,morethanhintingthatdrinkhadbeentaken,buthemovedtothefrontofthewheelhouse,openedthehatchtotheengineroom,anddroppedinside.
Hecouldheareverything,Myralaughingdrunkenly.“We’llhaveanotherlittledrinkandthendeparttogivethatbastardHarrySalterthesurpriseofhislife.”
Ericsoundedfarfrom
happy.“Comeon,Myra,enoughisenough.”
“Don’tyoutryandtellmewhattodo,EricLogan,”shesaid.“YoucantakeyoursoddingmedalandgoandjumpintheThameswithit.There’sonlyonecaptainonthisship.Now,let’sgetmovingorI’lltakeoverthewheelmyself.I’llbewithmyfriendswhenyouwantme.”
Peeringoutoftheengine-roomhatchway,Billycould
seethebackofherdisappearingdowntothesaloon,heardEric’sfootstepsasheascendedtothewheelhousetoswitchontheengine,whichcoughedintolife.Hereachedoutofthepartiallyraisedhatchandshottheboltofthecompanionwaydoorleadingtothesaloonbelow.Thenhedroppeddownbesidetheengineagainandpeeredoutofasmallportwindow.
Abovehim,EricLoganhadphonedTerryHarkerindesperationandfoundhimrestinginbedatthebolt-hole.
“I’mrightupthecreek,Terry,”Ericsaid.“Andthereisn’tathingIcandoaboutit.”
“Well,tellme,forGod’ssake.”
WhichEricdid.“Downbelowwiththosebastards.Godknowswhat’sgoingon.”
“Damnyou,Eric,you
knowexactlywhat’sgoingon.She’sgettinglaid.WhointhehellcameupwiththeideaofhavingagoattheSalters?”
“TheMastergotintouchwithme.Hewasallforit,andMyraspoketohim.Toldhimshe’dlovetoburntheDarkMandown.WhatdoIdo?”
“I’mthelastmantoaskatthemoment,Eric.I’mlyingherecrippled,inhidingfromeverybody.Whycan’tyou
turntheTaraaroundandsailback?”
“Becauseshewon’thaveit.I’veneverseenhersodrunk.”
“Thenshecangotohellherownway,”Terrysaid.“I’minnoconditiontodoanythingaboutit.You’llhavetohandlethis,oldson.”
—It was really getting darknow,lightsflickering
everywhere,Hasimintheinflatablesomewayback.
Billycalledhimandgotareplyatonce.Hasimsaid,“Iwasgettingworried.What’shappening?”
“Myra’sdrunkoutofhermindanddownbelowwithentirelythewrongkindofpeople.”
“AndEric?”“I’llhavetohavewords.
Beready.”Hekneltdownand
unscrewedtheseacocksoneafteranother,thenwentuptheladderandhauledhimselfoutondeck,tofindafuriousbangingonthecompanionwaydoorandMyrashouting,“What’sgoingon?Getthisbloodydooropen.”
TheTarawassuddenlysluggishwiththeweightofthewaterpouringintoher,thedecktiltingandBillyslippingbackagainsttherail.
Atthesamemoment,Ericsliddowntherailsfromthewheelhouseandgapedinastonishment.
“Wherethehelldidyoucomefrom?”Inthesamemoment,hepulledaBrowningoutofthepocketofthesailor’speajackethewaswearingandshotBillyatclosequarters,bouncinghimagainsttherail.BillyreachedforthesilencedColt.25hehabituallyworeinarearbelt
clipandshothimbetweentheeyes,drivinghimbackovertherailintotheThames.Thankstothebulletproofvesthe’dbeenwearinghimself,hewasonlystrugglingforbreath,butknee-deepinwater,theTaradownbythehead.Justintime,Hasimroareduptotherescue.BillyfellintotheinflatableandtheyfledastheTaradisappeared.
Hasimcried,“Areyou
okay?Whathappened.Didyouletthemout?”
“Ididn’tgetachance.Ericpulledagunonmeandknockedmeover.LuckyI’mwearingavest,butIhadtoreturnfiretostophimfromdoingitagain.Bythattime,itwastoolatetogetthedoortothesaloonopen.”
“IwonderwhereEricwillwashup.”
“Maybenowhere.Morethanhalfofthebodiesthatgo
inareneverseenagain.TheThamesisatidalriver,andonoccasion,fiercecurrentscanwashanycorpsestraightouttosea.”
“Sowhatdoyouthinkwillhappen?”Hasimasked.
“Tomeandyou?Nothing.Thekindofpeoplewhoareinvolvedinanaffairlikethisdon’tcomplain,Hasim,nottotheauthoritiesandcertainlynottothepolice.MyraTullywasspawnedbyasevila
familyasanyinthecriminalunderworld.HerhusbandisdoingfifteenyearsinBelmarshPrison.TheonlywordfromScotlandYardwillbegoodriddance.Nowlet’sgetbacktotheDarkMan.”
“WhichwillbeadistinctpleasureformeaftermytimeattheSash,”Hasimtoldhim.
“Well,thereyouare,then,”Billysaid.“Takeushome.”
—Back at the pub,Billyshoweredandchanged,notingtheseverebruisinghe’dreceivedfromthepistolshot,thenhephonedRoper.“YoucantellFergusonfrommethatMyraTullyandEricLogannolongerpresentaproblem.”
“Well,thatisinteresting,”Ropersaid.“Tellme,”which
Billydid,andwhenhewasfinished,Ropergruntedapproval.“Anunpleasanthumanbeing.Ican’tseethatshe’llbemournedbyanyone.”
“TerryHarker,perhaps?”Billysaid.
“He’llbetoobusykeepinghisheaddown.No,Ican’tseeaproblemthere.Thiswasagoodone,Billy,butyou’rerapidlyrunningoutofyourninelives,sotakecare.”
“Don’tIalways?”Billysaid.“I’llletDillonknow.”
—The events of Billy’searlyeveningontheriverreachedDillonashewasenjoyingsupperatthefund-raiserinthecompanyofSara,Hannah,andDeclanRashid.
Whenitwasfinished,Dillonsaid,“Whatdoyouthink?”
Declansaid,“OfBilly?Well,heobviouslydoesn’ttakeprisoners.”
Dillonsaid,“Hewasagangsterfromanearlyage,butthen,hewouldbe,withHarryashisuncle.IrememberwhenBlakeJohnsonwasbeingheldbythugsinaremotecountryhouseinDevon.Iwasgoingtosurprisethevillainsbyparachutingfromasmallplane.Billyinsistedongoing
withme—eventhoughhe’dneverjumpedbeforeorhadanytraining.”
Sarasaid,“Hishobbyismoralphilosophy,which,waitforit,hewasintroducedtobyDillon.”SheturnedtoDillon.“Whatwasyourimpressionwhenyoufirstmethim,Sean?”
“ThathewaslikesomeoneoutofoneofthoseFrenchgangstermovieswithAlainDelon.Infact,askhim
whatheisandhemightshockyoubysayinghe’sagangster.”
“Well,somepeoplewouldsaythatasanagentofMI5,that’swhatheis,”Sarapointedout.SheturnedtoHannah.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Thathe’sbraveandgoodwithwomenandwasprobablyanaltarboywhenhewasyoung.Asforhimlockingthedooronthatboat
sothatMyraTullydrownedinthesaloon,kickingandscreaming?I’lltellyouwhatIthink.Ithinkshewasacompletebitchwhodeservedeverythingshegot.”TheorchestrasuddenlyeruptedintooneofColePorter’sfinest,“NightandDay.”“Ah,realmusic,”shesaid,andturnedtoSara.“Shallwegoandsitcloser?Atleastwecanenjoylistening.”
“Whatagoodidea,”Sara
said.AsDillonandDeclan
followed,thecolonel’smobilesoundedanditwasRoper.“IthinkImayhavesolvedyourproblem.”
“How?”Declanasked.“Yousaidyouwouldhave
rememberedthosechapsifyou’dsoldieredwiththem.”
“Definitely,andIhaven’t.”
“Butwhatwasthemostrecentappointmentyou
receivedfromtheMinisterofWarinTehran?”
“Well,IwaspromotedtosecondincommandoftheSecretFieldPoliceintherankoffullcolonel.ButIneverinspectedthem.Everythinghappenedinsucharush.”
“Thereareonehundredandfiftyofficers,mainlyyoung,inthatunit.Weren’tyougivenafilelistingthem,andtheirrecords,bytheWarMinister?”
“MyGod,whatafoolIam,”Declansaid.“IhadtocatchanembassyplanetoBeirut.Everythinghappenedsofast,butIdorecallnowaministrysecurefileofallofficersintheSFP,plusphotos.”
“Ihaveobtainedaccesstothatinformation,andifyougoandsitdowninsomequietcornerwithyourCodex,youcanbrowsethephotosandseewhereitgetsyou.”
—Declan returned tothePromenadebar,whichwascomparativelyquiet,orderedamartinicocktail,andstartedexaminingthephotos.Hefoundhisquarrywithinfifteenminutes,standinginline,crisplyuniformed,soldiersattheirbest,andcalledRoperatonce.
“I’vegotthem.Captains
AliHerimandKhalidAbed.They’reunmistakable.”
“JusthangonandI’llprocessthematonce,”Ropertoldhim.
Declanswallowedhismartini,orderedanother,andsatthereonthebarstool,emotionsmixed.Theimplicationherewasthattheywereuptonogood,theenemy,butitcertainlydidn’tsitcomfortablywithhim.PeopleintheWesthad
forgottenthatbeforetheGulfWar,IranhadfoughtSaddamHusseinforeightrathersavageyears.
Thedoorswungopenbehindhim,andSaraandHannahentered,followedbyDillon.“Sothereyouare,”Sarasaid.“Wewerewonderingwhathappenedtoyou.”
“I’vebeendealingwithRoper.He’sdiscoveredwhothemysteriousyoungmenare
whokeepcallingyouma’am,Sara.Itseemsthey’reofficersinmyoldunit.I’mwaitingtohearwhatelseRoperdigsup.”
—Roper came back to him.“Theyhaveexcellentarmyrecords,theseboys.Theyarecousins.AliHerimisposingasoneLanceHarvey,KhalidAbedashisbrother,Anthony.Wouldyoubelievetheywent
toWinchesterandayearatSandhurst?”
“I’velearnedtobelieveanythingyoutellmenow,Giles,”Declansaid.“Butthatisn’tthepoint.Whataretheydoinghere?”
“Spies,”Ropertoldhim.“They’reclassic.Butlisten,how’sthisforawildsupposition?SaraGideonwasattackedbyBrotherhoodmembersnotlongagoatHighfieldHouse,right?And
twocompletestrangersintervenedwearingskimasks,andbeathelloutofthem.”
“Cockneyhardboysinterfering,”Declansaid.“Thatwasthesuggestion.”
“Whichdidn’tmakesense,”Ropertoldhim.“Butwhatdoesistwoyoungtoughswithspecialforcestraining.”
“Youmean—?Butwhywouldtheydothat?”Declan
asked.“Maybebecausetheywent
toWinchesterandhavebettermanners,”Sarasaid.“Itwouldcertainlyansweralotofquestionsforme.”
“Well,you’vegottheirphotosonDeclan’smobileandyougirlshavemetthemface-to-face.Isuggestyoupeopleleavethecrowdandseewhatyoucanfind,whileInotifyFergusonaboutwhat’sgoingon.”
“Whichhewon’tlikeonelittlebit,”Dillonsaid.“Whatanight.FirstwehadBillydrowningpeopleintheThames,nowspiesattheDorchester.Wherewillitend?”
“Justshutup,Sean,andlet’sgetonwithit.”Andsheledthewayout.
—Terry Harker had foundan
oldterry-clothrobefromhisboxingdaysbutwasstillcold,lyingonthebedinthebolt-hole,listeningtotherainpoundingdownoutside.
Whenhismobilesounded,heansweredinstantly,andtheMastersaid,“Howareyoufeeling?”
“I’vebeenshot,youidiot,howdoyouexpectmetofeel?”
“EvenworsewhenItellyouwhat’shappenedtoyour
friendsEric,Myra,andthelittletaskforcewhoseintentionwastoburntheDarkMantotheground.”
“Okay,sotellmetheworst.Whatwentwrong?”
“Wrongforyourfriends,youmean?Happytooblige.BillySalterboardedtheTara,andwhenhefoundMyraconsiderablyworseforwearandwiththreeroughnecksforcompany,helockedtheminthesaloonandopenedthe
seacocks.”Terrywasawareofsweat
rollingdownhisfaceinspiteofthecoldandsaidhoarsely,“WhathappenedtoMyra,didEricmanagetosaveher?”
“Hedidgetashotoff,whichdidn’tdotheslightestgood,asBillywaswearingavest.BillyrespondedbyshootinghimbetweentheeyesandjustmanagedtotransferboatsastheTarawentdown.”
“Bastard,”Terryroared.“I’llgetBillySalterforwhathe’sdonetoMyra,andmaybeI’llgetyou.”
“Stopmakingstupidthreats,Terry.We’llgetthelotofthem,Ipromiseyou,”theMastersaid,andswitchedoff.
Theballroomseemedmorecrowdedthanever,particularlythedancefloor,anditwasobviousthatagoodtimewasbeinghadbyall.DillonandDeclan,SaraandHannah,pausedaftercominginfromthePromenadebarandRoper
spoketoDillon.“Whereareyou?”Roper
asked.Dillontoldhim,andRopersaid,“Waitthere.Fergusonwantsaword.He’snotexactlyhappy.”
DillonhadjuststartedtellingtheotherswhenFergusonpushedhiswaythroughthecrowd,followedbyHenryFrankel,whowassmilingcheerfullyasusual.
“Ah,thereyouare,”Frankelsaid.“Isn’tthisfun?
I’veheardallaboutyoungBillySalter’sexploitsandnowthis.Ihaven’thadsuchagoodtimeinyears.”
“Doshutup,Henry,”Fergusonsaidgrimly.“There’snothingfunnyaboutit,”andheaddressedthegroup.“I’vehadaquickwordwithJakeCazalet,soheknowswhat’sgoingon.He’sprovedverypopulartonight,thankGod,sohe’shelpingthePMbykeepingtheFrench
ForeignMinisterhappy,plusSirHowardGlynnandassortedhangers-on.”
“Sowhatdoyouwantustodo”Saraasked.
“Findthem,Captain,”Fergusonsaid.“Thesetwo,HerimandKhalid.Findthemnow.”HeturnedtoFrankel,facegrim.“Haveyouanythingworthwhiletosay,Henry?”
“Yes,Charles,comebackandsitdownbeforeyouhave
astroke.”HetookFerguson’sarmandwinkedatDillon.“Goodluck,youlot,”andheledFergusonaway.
—There was still asizablecrowdoverbythebuffet.AliandKhalidhadmanagedtogetatableearlyintheeveningandhadhungontoit.Theviewoftheballroomwasgood,andacoupleof
verylargepottedpalmsgaveacertaincover.AliwaitedthereforKhalidtoreturn,eyesscanningthecrowd.
HehadfeltuncomfortableonfirstmeetingSaraGideon,andevenmoresointhePromenadebarearlier.Whenshe’dlookedathim,he’dsensedaqueryandcouldn’tunderstandwhy.ThesightofDeclanRashidinthefleshhadn’tworriedhim,though,becauseheknewforafact
thatthey’dneverhadoccasiontomeetduringtheirarmyservice.
Therewasadisturbanceafewyardsaway,HamidBeyarguingwithayoungwaiteratthebuffet,LilyShahtryingtoplacatehim.Hegaveheranelbowthatsentherstaggering,andAlijumpedtohisfeetandcaughtherasKhalidappeared,carryingKruginabucketandtwoglasses.
“Getup,woman,”HamidBeysaidharshlyinArabic,andAliansweredhiminthesamelanguage.
“Sheisnotyourdog,sogivehertherespecttheKoranexpectsyoutoofferherasawoman.”Heshookhishead.“Thereisonlyonedoghere.”HeturnedtoLily.“Areyouallright?”
“Iwasanarmynurseforsevenyears.IcarryaColtinmypurse.I’mfine.”She
turnedtotheimam.“WeparkedinHenryStreet.I’mgoingnow.”
“No,youaren’t,”hetoldher.
“Youcangetacabwhenyou’reready,”shereplied.
Shemadestraightforthedoorthatawaiterhadusedandwasgone.HamidBeyglaredatAliandKhalidandwentafterher.
Thecorkhadalreadybeenthumbedoutofthebottleof
Krug,andKhalidfilledtwoglasses.“Thereyouare,Cousin.Whatabastardthatmanwas.”
“Anddidyounoticethey’dparkedinHenryStreet?”Aliasked.“That’swhereweleftourcar.”
HeraisedhisglassandsawHannahstandingnearby,leaningonherwalkingstick,rememberedshe’darrivedwithSaraGideonandknewtheywereintrouble.
Butheplayedouthisrole.“Wehavealittlelostlambhere,Tony,”andhesmiledatHannah.“Canwehelp?”
“Onlyifyou’reCaptainsAliHerimandKhalidAbedoftheSFP.AndIhavetotellyou,I’veseenyourphotos,sothere’snopointindenyingit.You’relovelychapsandyourperformanceisfirst-rate.Youshouldhavebeenactors.”
Khalidsmiledengagingly.“That’sbeensaidbefore.I
realizewhoyouare.Thepianist.”
“Whowasblownupwithyourmotherandfather,”Alisaid.“Whichexplainsyourwalkingstick.”
KhalidtoppeduphisglassofKrug,offeredittoher,andHannahtookitautomatically.“Nicetochat,butwe’llhavetoloveyouandleaveyou.”
“Don’ttrytofollowus,”Alisaid.“It’snotworththestrugglewiththewalking
stick.”“Ah,gentlementothe
end.”“Wetry,Isuppose,”
Khalidsaid.“Lifereallyisabitchsometimes,butthenyoufoundthatoutratherearly.”HenoddedtoAli,andthentheyrushedthedoorattheendofthebarandweregone.
Hannahsatdownattheemptytable,dranktheKrug,andcalledSara,whoansweredatonce.“Whereare
you?”“Sittingbythebaratthe
endofthebuffet.Ifoundthem,andtobefrank,they’rerathernice.”
ShequicklycoveredthebusinesswithHamidBeyandLilyShah,theconfrontationwithAliandKhalid.“Justonething.WhenLilywalkedoutontheimam,shetoldthemtheywereparkedinHenryStreet.Doesthatringanybellswithyou?”
“Iknowitwell.It’sashortwalktothehotel.Aquietstreetwithgoodparking,closetoSouthAudleyStreet.That’swhypeopleuseit.”
“AliHerimheardthatandmentionedthatheandKhalidAbedhadalsoparkedthere.”
“Saynomore,”Saratoldher.“Dillon’sgothisoldMiniparkedoutfront.Joinusasquicklyasyoucan.”
—Ali was already onthephonetotheMasterastheynegotiatedthemazeofcorridorsonthegroundfloor.
“Theroof’sfallenin,”hesaidcrisply,andexplainedwhathadhappened,includingtheclashwithHamidBeyandLily.
“I’mwonderingwhethertheywillstillbeinHenry
Streetwhenyougetthere,”theMastersaid.
“We’llhavetogoandsee,”Alitoldhim.“Nochoice.Whathappensnext,that’sthething.It’sallunraveling.Itwon’ttakeRoperlongtoworkoutwherewe’vebeenliving.Heprobablyknowsnow.”
“Yes,I’davoidtheplaceinPimlico.Ifyou’veobeyedorders,you’llhavebackuppassportsonyourperson?”
“Wehave,”Alisaid.“Excellent.Justfindyour
carandgetoutofthere.Findamodesthotelforthenight,andI’llbeintouchwithanewplanofactionforyou.”
“AndtheMinisterofWarinTehran?”
“Youdon’tgoanywherenearhim.Roperhasprobablypenetratedhissystems.JustgettoHenryStreet,recoveryourcar,anddrivecarefullyaway.”
Heswitchedoff,andafewmomentslater,AliandKhalidhadopenedaservicedoorandpeeredoutintoParkLane.Taxiswerepullingin,peoplealreadyleavingthefunction,anditwasrainingheavily.Aliclosedtheservicedooragain.
“We’llgetsoaked.Seeifthere’sanythingthat’llhelparoundhere.”Andtherewas.Astoreroomwithanumberofyellowoilskinsandalarge
Dorchesterumbrella.“Wecanshareit,”Ali
said,andtheyputontheoilskins,steppedoutintoParkLane,thenopenedtheumbrellaandwalkedbrisklyaway.
“Englishrain,”Alisaid.“There’snothinglikeit.”
“IrememberthemilitaryhistorycoursemakingapointaboutthatwhenwedidourSandhurstyear,”Khalidremindedhim.“Howthe
RomansneverceasedcomplainingabouttheweatherinBritainduringfourhundredyearsofoccupation.”
“Theyinventedsocksbecauseofit,”Alitoldhim.“Mindyou,thisisexceptional.”
“No,it’snot.RememberSyrialastNovember,whenweweren’tsupposedtobethereanyway?Ithoughtthegreatfloodhadreturned.Youknow,NoahfromtheBible?”
Alinodded.“Iadmitthatwasbad,especiallyastheywereshootingatussomuch.”
“Yes,itdidn’thelp.”Khalidnodded.“ButI’vebeenthinking.WhatdidtheMastermeanbyamodesthotel.Wherewouldwefindsuchaplace?”
“Ihaven’ttheslightestidea,butdoesitgiveyouaproblem?”
“Yes,itdoes,becauseitseemstomethatifyou’re
rich,whichweare,theobviousplacetohideisinarichman’shotel.”
Alilaughedoutloud.“Andwhere’syourlogicforthat?”
“Becauseitwouldbethelastplaceanyonewouldlookformenontherun.”
Aliwasamazed.“Mydearestcousin,you’regoingtocometoabadendoneday,butnotbecauseyouaren’tclever.Ah,hereweareat
HenryStreet.”Theystartedalongthe
pavement,well-litbystreetlamps,andthereweremanyvehiclesparked,notonlyautomobiles.TheirblueMiniCooperwassomedistanceaway,andastheywalkedtowardit,theycametoalargevanofatypemuchusedbyhospitals.Theinsigniaonthesidesaid“PoundStreetDispensary.”
Theypaused,andKhalid
said,“ItmustbeLilyShah.”Theycrowdedtogether,
peeringinside,andfoundherleaningbackbehindthedrivingwheel,eyesclosed.Alitappedonthewindow,hereyesopened,obviouslyalarmed,andthensherecognizedthem,openedthedoor,andsteppedout.
“It’syou,”shesaid,andshookherhead.“Idozedoff.”
“AndHamidBey?”Aliasked.“Whathappenedto
him?”“Hedidn’tturnup.He
musthavegottenataxiafterall.I’vehumiliatedhim.Hewon’tforgivemefordoingthat.”
Alisaid,“Excuseme,butyou’reholdingyourpurseinonehandandthesilencedColt.25intheother.”
Sheglanceddown,surprisedforjustamoment.“Yes,sittingthere,givinghimachancetoturnup,I
heldtheguninmylap,Isupposebecauseitmademefeelsafe.AndthenIdozedoff.”
Acar’sengineroaredintolifehigherupthestreet.Nolightswenton,thedriver’swindowwasdown,ashadowyfigurewithin,aimingasilencedweaponthatcougheddeeplyasoneroundafteranotherfired.
AnditwasLilyShahwhoreturnedfirefirst,inareflex,
sinceshewasalreadyholdingherweapon,dullsoundsthathardlydisturbedthepeaceofthestreet.Shecriedout,lurchingagainstAli,abulletgoingthroughherleftarm,andasheheldherclose,leaningoverher,hewasshotintheback.Khalidjoinedin,jumpingintothestreet,pullingouthisWalther,hittingthevehiclethroughtherearwindowasitspedaway.
Afewmomentslater,
Dillon’sMinicamearoundthecorner,Declanbesidehim,thegirlsintheback,andtheywereshockedtofindthedamage.Dillonwasoutinseconds.
Hestoodthere,soakingintherain.“Damnthisdownpour.Peoplestartedtoleaveearly.Parkingwaschaotic.”
Khalidsaid,“Nevermind,Mr.Dillon,I’msureyouknowwhoweare.Myfriend
hasbeenshotintheback,theladyinthearm.”
“Bywhom?”Saraasked.“Atthisstageofthegame,
Icanonlyguess,butIbelievewe’vebeenambushedbyamanknowntoyouastheMaster.”
DillonwasalreadyonthephonetoRoper.“Rosedene.Thesepeoplehavesufferedseriousdamage.SisterLilyShahwasdrivingalargevan—we’llusethattogetthe
woundedtoyouasfastaspossible,butwe’llallcome.”
So,AliandLilyweretakenawaybyDillon,withSaratendingthem,inthebackofthevan.DeclandrovetheMiniCooper,andKhaliddroveDillon’sMiniwithHannah,whoseneweveningsuitwassosoaked,itwasobviouslyruined.Theexchangeofsilencedpistolshadbeenquietenough,onlythesoundofvehiclesbeing
somethingtoapologizefor.AsHannahwasgettingin
theMiniwithKhalid,adooropenedandaburlymanappearedonthefrontstep.“Isthatit?”hecalled.“Canwehavesomepeace?”
“Peace,isit?”Hannahsaid.“Wedon’tdothatthesedays,mister.You’llgetplentywhenyou’redead,though,”andKhaliddroveheraway,laughinghelplessly.
—It was providentialthatProfessorCharlesBellamyhadhadoccasiontocallinlateatRosedenetochecktheprogressofafewpatientsbeforegoinghome.Theprospectoftwopeoplesufferingfromgunshotwounds,oneofthemcritically,changedthelastpartofthatplan.Maggie
Duncanhadtorecallstaffateveryleveltopresenthimwithtwosurgicalteamscapableofworkingatsuchasustainedlevel,andthatwasnoteasy.
“Norestforthewickedtonight,Professor,”shesaidastheypreparedtostart.
“Norestforanyone,I’mafraid,includingyou,Matron,”hesaidformally.“I’mrelyingonyoutoassist.”
—Declan, Sara, and HannahsatwithDilloninthehospitalityroom,alongwithKhalid.Afterawhile,ParkerwheeledRoperin,followedbyHenryFrankelandFerguson.
“Itlookslikewe’reallhere,”Fergusonsaid.“Sothankyou,Parker,forputtingintwentyhourstoday.Gettothekitchenforsomesupper
andthey’llalsohaveabedforyou.”
“Thankyou,General,”Parkersaid,andwentout.
“Therewillbebedsforeveryone,”Fergusoncontinued.“ColonelRashid,asthewalkingwounded,Isuggestyouleaveusnow.Alsoyou,younglady,”hesaidtoHannah.“CaptainGideon,Dillon,andMajorRoperwillstaywiththeprisoner.”
DeclanandHannahleft,shewithobviousreluctance,andFergusonsaid,“Let’sgetonwithit,MajorRoper.Isuspectwe’dallliketogettobed.Icertainlywould.”
“Isharethesentiment,General.”RoperturnedtoKhalid.“Iknowallaboutyou.Winchester,Sandhurst,anofficerandagentleman.YouspeakEnglish,French,Farsi,andArabic.Correct?”
“Yes,Major.”
“Yourarmyrecordhasbeenexemplary.IdoubtwhethertheBritishHighCommandcouldfaultit,sowhatthehellareyouandyourcomrade,nowfightingforhislifeontheoperatingtable,doinginvolvingyourselveswithal-QaedaandthecultoftheMaster?”
Fergusonbrokein.“I’vealreadyspokentoProfessorBellamy,andImusttellyou,itwillbeaveryclose-run
thingwithyourfriend.Theheartwastouchedatoneside.Itwilltakeallhisskill.”
Khalidsaid,“Thankyou,General.AliandIarecousins,postedtoLondon,asyouknow,asCaptainLanceHarveyandhisbrotherTony.Aboutfourweeksago,thisonecalledtheMasterphonedourMinisterofWar,toldhimColonelDeclanRashidwasatraitor,andthatyouandyourpeoplewereenemiesofIran.
Sotheministertoldustofindoutallwecouldaboutyou.”
“Doyouapproveofal-Qaeda?”
“No,Idon’t,andneitherdoestheMinisterofWar.Hewassimplybeingexpedient.InIran,weprefertoruleourowncountryandnotberuledbysomeoneelse.Ithinkyoumakeamistakeinallowingpeopletoomuchpowertothosewhothinkotherwise.”
“Suchas?”Saraasked.
“It’shappeningaroundyou.TheArmyofGod,theBrotherhood.”
“Andyoudon’tapproveofthem,either?”
“Iwouldn’tapproveofpeoplewhobehavelikethatinmyowncountry,sowhywouldIapproveofsuchpeoplehere?”
“WhichiswhywhenyousawCaptainGideonbeingattackedatherownhomeaboutthreeweeksago,you
putonskimasksandwenttotherescue.You’dbeenkeepingwatchonherhouseanyway,Ipresume,”Ropersaid,smiling.
“CanIaskwhyyoudidthat?”Sarasaid.
“Onesoldiertoanother,youknowhowitis,Captain.Weadmiredyou,andwedidn’tlikethem.”
Fergusonsaid,“AsgoodareasonasI’veeverheard.Areyouhappy,Henry?”
“Absolutely,”theCabinetSecretarysaid.“Everythingasoldiershouldbe.”
“Isuspectthat’stheSandhursttraining,”Fergusonsuggested.
“Idon’tcarewhatitis,”Frankeltoldhim.“Justmakesurehestaysonourside.Idon’tknowabouttherestofyou,butI’mgoingtobedandI’llseeyouatbreakfast.”
Andwiththat,theyadjourned.
—It was providential thattheMasterhadbeenpayingcloseattentiontotheeventsattheDorchesterwhenhereceivedAli’sphonecall.Ontheotherhand,desperatesituationsbroughtoutthebestinhim.
He’darrivedatHenryStreetandseenLilyShahstandingbesidehervan,thenclimbinginashepassed.
WithnosignoftheIranians,he’dparkedontheotherside,wherehe’dsat,lightsout,nursingaGlockpistol,windowdownandhiscollarupagainsttherain.
Ithadallhappenedsofast,startingwiththeIranianscomingaroundthecorner.Hisattackwasabsolutelynecessary,thoughthefactthatLilyShahhadreturnedfirewasashock.Thatshe’dbeenhit,althoughstill
standing,wasobvious,aswasthefactthatAliHerimhadgonedown.ButKhalidhaddamagedtheMaster’scar,hisrearwindowgone,andheneededtogetridofitfast,whichhedid,dumpingitinadarklaneoffSouthAudleyStreetandwalkingbacktothegeneralareaoftheDorchester,wherehemightminglewithrespectablepeopleifhehadtowalkhome.
Aproblemnow,theIranians.TheMinisterofWarwouldbefuriousatsuchaturnofevents.EvenifAliKerimdied,itwouldn’thelpthesituation,sinceKhalidAbedwasfightingfit.Itwouldhavesuitedeveryone,politicsbeingthedirtygameitwas,ifthey’dbothendedupdeadinthegutter,buttheyhadn’t.
Ontheotherhand,nobodyattheMinistryofDefence
wouldwantthemtouchedwithanykindofpublicity.Theywouldneverhavetostandupincourtoranythinglikethat.Thosedaysweregone.AndCharlesFergusonwastheoriginalconnivingbastardandwouldbeecstaticifhecouldrecruitthem.Hesmiled.IftheCIAdidn’tbeathimtothepunch,thatis.
HewalkedthroughShepherdMarket,whereheknewtherewasalate-night
coffeeshop,andfounditalmostempty.Sohesatinacorner,enjoyingtwoespressos,andanalyzedhispresentsituation.HisbossesontheCouncilhadtobekeptsweet,andFerguson’speoplewerestillaproblem.ThefactthatCazaletwasnowinLondonandapossibletargetwastohiscredit,sowhatwasn’t?
Theanswerwaseasy.HamidBey.TheMasterhad
warnedhimagainstattendingtheHopeCharityFoundationeveningbecausehiserraticbehaviormadehimoutofplace,buthe’dstillgone.
“Youknowwhat,Hamid,”hesaidsoftly.“I’mgoingtohavetodosomethingaboutyou.”
Hedroppedsomemoneyonthetable,leftandhailedataxi,tellingthedrivertotakehimtoPoundStreet.
Itwaslate,butheknew
whereHamidBey’spersonalvehicle,astationwagon,wasparked,inadimlylitgaragebelowtheapartmentthatwentwithhisjob.Heraisedthehoodoftheengineandreachedintomakeadjustmentstotheflowofbrakingfluid.Itwasalwaysdifficulttogetitjustright.Satisfied,heclosedthehoodandwalkedaway,callingHamidBey,whodidn’tanswerforawhile,andwhen
hedid,soundedcautious.“Whoisit?”“TheMaster,andyou
mustlisten,myfriend.”“Whatisit?”“LilyShahaccompanied
youtotheDorchesterthisevening,correct?”
“Yes,shedid.”“Thetwoofyouparkeda
PoundStreetvaninHenryStreetnotfarfromthehotel.Apparently,whenLilyreturnedtoreclaimit,shewas
shotinthearm,anditseemsoneofmytwoIranians,who’dalsobeenatthefund-raiser,wasshotintheback.”
HamidBeysaid,“IsLilyallright?What’shappening?”
“ThewoundedarebeingcaredforbyProfessorCharlesBellamyatRosedene.”
“Agreatsurgeon,”HamidBeysaid.“Andafinehospital.They’llprobablytrytopoachLily.”
“Doyouthinksheshouldbesomewhereelse?”
“She’saChristian,butsheisverypopularhere.”
“Thatisbesidethepoint,”saidtheMaster.“Lily’smotherwasaJew.ThefactthatherfatherwasChristiandoesn’tmatter.HermotherwasJewish,andthatmeansLilyis.It’safactoflifethatcan’tbealtered.Idon’tthinkwecantrustheranylonger.”
Heswitchedoff,leaving
HamidBeyprofoundlydepressed.Hespentthenightbadly,barelysleptatall,andwasonthephonetoRosedeneateighto’clockthefollowingmorning.
—Maggie Duncan took thecallshehadbeenexpecting,forFergusonhadwarnedheritwouldcomeandthatHamidBey,basedonpastexperience,waslikelytobe
awkward.Asitturnedout,thereversewastrue.
Hearrivedwithflowersfromagardencenterandwearingagrayflannelsuit.MaggieDuncangavehimYemenicoffeeinthehospitalityroom,andinformation,amazedathowcivilhewasbeing,warninghimthatinspiteofthebulletpassingstraightthroughLily’sleftarm,thebonehadbeenchipped,aserious
complicationthatwaslikelytotaketimeandaconsiderableamountoftherapytoputright.
Theystudiouslyavoideddiscussingthereasonsforwhathadhappened,andwhenhehopedthattheothervictimwasdoingwell,sheshruggedandsaidhisproblemwasrathermoreserious.ThensheledhimtoapleasantroomwhereLily,paleandill-looking,herleftarmheavily
bandagedandsupported,smiledweaklyathim.Maggiesaidtwentyminutesandleftthemtoit.
Lilyseemedtired.“Youlookcompletelydifferent.Haveyousomewheretogo?”
“Ididhave,butnowIamhere,”hesaid.“Toapologizeformybehaviorovermanymonths.Idon’tknowwhy,butsuddenlyIfeelcompletelydifferent.Perhapstheterribleshockofwhat
happenedtoyouandthatyoungman.”Heshrugged.
“Heisfar,farworsethanme,imam.It’samercythatweareinthehandsofthesepeoplehere,andProfessorBellamy.”Hereyesfilledwithtears.“Peoplecanbesowonderful,andjustattherighttime.Youhavecometosaysomethingtome,Ithink?”
“Itisnotaneasythingtodo.Overthetimewe’ve
knowneachother,Ihavebehavedbadly.Yousee,youhadahusbandwhenyoucametoPoundStreet,andIlovedyoufromthemomentIsawyou.Butthiswaswrong,especiallyforareligiousleader,soIbecamewhatIbecame.WhenyourhusbandwenttoGazaandwaskilled,IthoughtitwasareminderfromheaventhatIhadbeenwrong.ButnowIfeelquitedifferent.”
“Andwhywouldthatbe?”“TheMasterspoketome
lastnightandtoldmeyourmotherwasaJew.”
“Whywouldhedothat?”“Ithinkitgavehim
pleasuretotrytohurtme,expectingthatasaMuslim,Iwouldturnaway.”
“Andwhatdiditdotoyou?”
“Mademewanttocomfortyouandtellyouitdidn’tmatter.”Shenodded,
asifconsideringthepoint.“You’retired,soI’llgonow.Ifyouneedme,youknowwhereIam.Thereisnoobligation.”
HeturnedjustasMaggieDuncanwasopeningthedoor,andsheusheredhimout.“Sheseemstobecrying?”
Hesmiledgravely.“Ihopefortherightreason,Matron.IfImay,I’llkeepintouch.”
“Ofcourse.”
Heleft,andshereturnedtoLily.“Allright,mydear?”
“Absolutely.Ijustgotthegreatestsurpriseofmylife,butI’llsleepagainnow,Ithink,andspeaklater.”
—Hamid Bey wassurprisingly calmashedroveaway.Itwasthestrangestfeelingthateverythinghadchanged,andasheputhisfootdownand
thecarincreasedspeed,hesmiled,thinkingoftheMaster.He’donlymeantharmbytellingHamidthatLilywasJewish,buthehadopenedupanewpathwayforhiminstead,andhopefullyforheralso.
Therewasroadworkatthebottomofthehillthathe’dhadtonegotiateonthewayup,butnowthecarstartedtoshakegoingintothebend.Hestampedonthe
brakesandnothinghappened,nothingatall.Hescrapedaroundbysomemiracleandfoundafive-tonconcretetruckslewedacrosstheroad,workersscramblingoutoftrenches,andthentherewasonlythetruckashesweptonlikeabullet,andthentherewasnothing.
—Giles Roper picked upa
policereportoftheaccidentandcalledMaggieDuncanatonce.
“YouwereexpectingHamidBey,Matron?”
“Yes,he’sbeenandgone.”
“Furtherthanyouthink.Killedinacarcrashnotmuchmorethanamileortwofromyou.”
“That’sdreadful,”shesaid,andgroaned.“HowamIgoingtotellLilyShahabout
this?”“Howisshe?”“Verypoorly.”“Ishouldhavethoughthe
wasthelastpersonsheneededtosee.”
“No,hewascompletelydifferent.Norobes,businesssuit,quietandwell-mannered.Anewmodelineveryway.Tobehonest,havingexperiencedhimashewasbefore,itwasverystrangetoseehimlikethat.”
“AndLily?”“She’dcriedalittlewhen
theyspoke,buttheypartedongoodterms.She’ssleepingquitedeeplynow.GodknowshowI’mgoingtobreakthenewstoher.”
“Andhowmanytimeshaveyouhadtosaythatovertheyears?Takecare.”
—In the penthouseapartmentonthehugetop
flooroftheEdwardianhouseinMayfair,theMastersatatthedeskinhisvelvetbathrobe,drinkingcoffeeandlisteningtothetransmitterpouringoutinformation,usefulorotherwise,compiledcontinuouslybytheGrandCouncil.Itwasmorningandhewasjustrisen,havingfollowedhisusualpracticeofwalkinghomeinsteadofusingataxi,forsecuritywashispersonalobsession.
HehadjustheardthenewsofHamidBey’sdeath,whichhehadnotintended.Hisexploitwiththeimam’scarhadbeenmeanttoteachthemanalesson,notkillhim.Anuisance,sinceitwouldbenecessarytofindsomeonetofillhisplace.TheGrandCouncilwouldfeelconsiderablyputout,butthatwouldbeeasyenoughtohandle.HecouldalwaysblameFerguson’speople.
Hepouredmorecoffee,thenmovedtothewindowandpeeredout.HelovedthispartofMayfair,therooftops,theechoofBigBeninthedistance,eventhedamnrainwashingthestreetsbelowandthepromiseofmore,andthoughtofLily.Shewasnotingoodcondition,butshewouldsurvive.AliHerimwassomethingelseagainandverypossiblywoulddie.Butthatwasallright.Hewasa
soldierandhadtakenasoldier’srisks.Buttheyallwerewhenyouconsideredit.Ferguson,Cazalet,SaraGideon,evenDillon,togivehimhisdue,thoughhisarmyhadbeentheIRA.
PeopleliketheSaltersweredifferent,ofcourse,cheapgangsterswhenyouthoughtofit.JustlookatwhatBillySalterhaddonetotheTara,anditsuddenlystruckhimthathehadn’t
checkedtoseeifTerryHarkerwasstillsurviving.
—The Arabella in St. Jude’sDockwasamiserableplacetobe,swampedinmistandheavyrain.Theonlygoodthingaboutitwasthattheelectriccableandwaterpipeconnectiontotheshoresupplywerestillholdingup,sotherewasacertainamountofheattomaketheall-
pervadingdampbearable,especiallywithablanketoveryourshoulders,whichTerryhad.
Hewaspastbeingunshaven,abeardsprouting,andhe’dremovedthedressingfromhisear,whichwasbetterthanhehadfeared.Therewaspowderedmilk,frozenmealstomicrowave,tinnedfood,andbooze.Plentyofthat,andhewaspouringhotwaterintoalarge
whiskeywhenthephonebuzzed.
Hehesitated,thenfoundtheMasterwhenheanswered.“Howareyoubearingup?”
“HowthehelldoyouthinkIam?”Terryasked.“It’slikelivinginaswamp.HowarethingsdoingattheSash?”
“Ihaven’ttheslightestidea.ForGod’ssake,Terry,itwasonlytwodaysagothat
Tarawentplungingtothebottom,andGodknowswheresheisnow.ThisbadweathercoupledwithexceptionalcurrentscanbouncewrecksallthewaydowntotheGoodwinSandsandthesea.”
“Isthatsupposedtomakemefeelbetter?”Terrydranksomeofhiswhiskey.“WhenyouthinkwhatBillySalterdid.”Heshookhishead.“AndIthoughtI’dseensome
badtimesinthearmy,butnevermindthat.WhatisgoingtohappentotheSash?Who’srunningtheplace,payingthestaff,orderingthesupplies,replacingthebooze?”
“Breathedeeplyandstartgettingyourheadstraight,”theMastertoldhim.“Somuchhashappenedinashorttime.TheSashhasstoppeddeadforawhile.Itcanwait.”
“Whatfor?Afewmore
peopletogetknockedoff?”Terrydemanded.
“Ifthat’swhatittakes,yes.YouknowhowtheseSicilianmafiosihaveit.Allyourdoubtswillberesolved.”
“I’mnotsureaboutthatanymore,”Terrysaid.
“You’venowheretogo.I’mallyou’vegot.Soshutup,andwait.I’llbeintouch.”
SomuchhadhappenedthatFergusondecideditwastimetocallameeting.CazalethadinsistedonstayinginvolvedandarrivedwithSaraandHannah.BillyandHarrySalterwerethere,DeclanwithKhalidAbed,andFergusonwaswithHenry
Frankel,whowasrepresentingthePrimeMinister.
Fergusonsaid,“I’dliketostartbyexpressingourappreciationtoJakeCazaletforinsistingonbeinghere.”
“It’swhereIshouldbe,”Cazaletsaid.“Iwasthereatthebeginning,soIcertainlyhaveeveryintentionofbeinghereattheend.”
Fergusonsaid,“Thisaffairisonlyafewweeksold,but
thecarnagehasbeenterrific.ThosetwoChechenassassinsatNantucket,BellandTullyatDrumgoole,althoughwestillhavenoideawhoshotDr.AliSaifoutsidethegatehere.He’sbeenclosetodeath,butrallying.”
Ropersaid,“Hestillfindsspeechverydifficult,soifhisresponseispoorwhenyoutrytocommunicate,dothebestyoucan.”
“We’lltakethaton
board,”Fergusonsaid.“ThenwehaveTerryHarker,woundedandontherun,thankstoHannahbeingasexpertwithapistolassheisatplayingapiano.”
Harrycutin,“Haveweanyinformationonwhereheis?”
“Notatthemoment,”Ropersaid.“Butit’sonlyamatteroftime.”
Fergusoncarriedon.“Thenwehavethepeopleon
theTara.CongratulationstoBillyforthatoperation,atconsiderablepersonalrisk,andI’venocomplaintsaboutthewayhehadtodoit.”
Sarasaid,“Sowhatabouttheshootinglastnight?”
“ItappearslikelythattheMasterstruckpersonally,hisintentionbeingtodisposeofCaptainsAbedandHerim.I’mgoingtoallowColonelRashidtoexplainthatsituationtoyou.”
Declandid,finishingbysaying,“Ithinkweallseethatthesetwoyoungofficershadlittlechoiceinwhattheydid.CaptainAliHerimishangingontolifebyathread.Whetherhelivesordies—thetwoofthemareonoursidenow.”
“Well,I’llsecondthat,”Harrysaid.
FergusonturnedtoRoper.“Anythingtoadd?”
“Justtoconfirm—when
theboystoldtheMasterthey’dbeenrumbledandweremakingarunforit,there’snodoubthewastheonewhoambushedthem,becausetheyhadtobeshutup.Lilytookhimonandhe’dnohesitationinshootingher,whichshowswhataruthlessbastardheis,consideringthatshewasobviouslythewomanheusedonNantucket.”
“Sowhatwillhedonow?”Cazaletsaid.
Ropersaid,“Myopinion?Ithastobesomethingspectacular.TheGrandCouncilhastobesodispleasedwithhimthathe’shangingbyathread.Whateveritishasgottobefast.”
“Sowillwe,”Fergusonsaid.“SoIsuggestweadjournforlunchandputourthinkingcapson.Anythingyoucancomeupwithwillbewelcome.SpeaktoRoperor
meorshoutitaloud.”Ferguson’sCodex
sounded,helistened,gotupandwalkedawaytohisoffice,andCazalettooktheseathe’dvacatedbesideRoper.“Couldwetalk?”
“Ofcourse,Mr.President.”Roperhadusedthetitleautomaticallyanddidn’tknowwhy,exceptthattherewassomethingveryseriousaboutCazaletatthatmoment.
“Yearsago,myfirstpresidentialtermtookplacewhilethewarbetweentheIRAandtheBritishArmywasatitsworst,bloodonthestreets.BritishIntelligencehadanagreementtokeepusfullyinformedofthemostdelicateintelligence,butitturnedoutthatitwasbeingpassedonbysomeoneontheWhiteHousestafftovariousIrishsourceslinkedtoterrorism.”Heturnedto
Roper.“Itwasslightlybeforeyourtime,Major.Youwerebusydefusingcomplicatedbombs.”
“IndeedIwas,sir.”“Well,wecouldn’taccept
that,andthenwecameacrossaspecialcomputerprogramcalledSYNOD.TheCIAhaduseditintheColdWar,andithadenjoyedconsiderablesuccessincatchingRussianspies.”
“Wouldhavebeenabit
beforemytime.Doyourecallhowitworked,sir?”Roperasked.
“ItwaslikeanearlyversionofECHELON.Millionsofconversationspassedthroughwordrecognition.You’dinsertanameandthecomputertaggeditforyou,thenittookyouback,sothatyoucouldlistentotherelevantconversations.Wecaughtthevillainofthepiece,aWhite
Houseseniorstaffernoonewouldhavesuspected.”
Sarasaid,“SomaybewecoulddothesamewiththeMaster’smobilephonesthathavepassedthroughourhands.You’vestillgottheonetheMastergaveTodFlynn,Ihope?”sheaskedDillon.
“NotthatIgotanywherewithit,butyes,Ihave,”hetoldher.“AndI’dpresumeLilyShahhasone,ifshe
reallywastheladysympathetictotheircausethattheMastermentioned.”
“Ofcourse,”Ropersaid.“She’sboundtohave,surely.”
CazaletsaidtoRoper,“Interesting,isn’tit,butIsupposeyankingoldhardwarelikethatbackintoserviceisprettywellimpossible?”
“Actually,no.Infact,it’sgotmesointrigued,Ican’t
waittotryit.Soifyoudon’tmind,I’mgoingtogettowork.I’dappreciateyoulettingmehavethatmobilephone,Sean.”
“It’supstairsinmyroom,”Dillontoldhim.“I’llgetitforyou.”
Hewasbackquickly,gaveittoRoper,thenjoinedtheothers.OfFergusontherewasnosign.
“He’sbeengonelongenough,”Dillonsaid.“I
wonderifthere’ssomethingwrong,”andatthatmoment,FergusonhurriedinandcalledtoMaggieHall,“Coffee,andstrongasyoulike.Icandowithit.”
“Trouble?”Dillonasked.“Youcouldsay.Sir
HowardGlynnturnedupatRosedenewithMaxShelby.Theyhadn’tappreciatedhowseriousAliHerim’sgunshotwoundwas,andGlynnwasveryinterested,havingserved
asanarmysurgeonwhenhewasinuniform,sohegotdeepinconversationwithBellamy.Thentherewasquiteafuss.”
“Whathappened?”Dillonasked.
“AliSaifhadsomesortofconvulsivefit,couldn’tspeakbecauseofchoking,andhisstrugglescausedhimtoyankoutsomeofhislines.”
“AndLily?”Saraasked.“Wokeup,having
problemswithhermobile.AccordingtoMaggieDuncan,shethoughtitwastheMasterandsaiditwouldn’tspeaktoher.Obviously,shewasdelirious.”
HannahmadeafaceandwhisperedtoSara,“I’dsayRopermightliketohavealistentothatphone.Perhapsweshouldgoandgetitforhim.”
“I’mupforitifyouwant
totakearuntoRosedene,”Dillonsaid.“I’lljusttellRoperwe’regoingandwe’llgetoutofhere.”
“AndI’llseeifhe’sgettinganywherewithSYNOD,”Cazalettoldthem,andledthewayout.
—At Rosedene they foundMaggieDuncanholdingthefort.Shesaid,“Bellamy’satGreatOrmondStreet.Heart
operationonachild,noavoidingthat,butDr.Saifhassettleddownnow.SirHowardandMaxShelbywereshockedathiscondition.Heseemedtobechokingatonestage.”
“Weunderstandhehadafit,”Sarasaid.
“Well,Dr.SaifbeingMI5now,theirconcernispersonal.He’sterriblybadoffandgettingthroughtohimisdifficult.Hehasthat...
huntedlookthatyousometimesseeinhospitals,asiftheindividualwonderswhat’sgoingtohappennext.I’lltakeyouin.”
AliSaifwaslyingthere,festoonedwithlinesthatmonitoredhisvitalorgans,thelowhumofmachinesthatwereessentialtokeepinghimalive.Suddenly,hiseyesopened.Hestaredatthem,andthenpanicsetinandheseemedtoshrink,pullingout
thelinetohissalinebags.Maggie,backedbyayoungnursestandingatherelbow,hadtorushtosavehim.Astheystruggledtoholdhimsotheycouldinserthislineagain,Dillonsteppedforwardinstinctivelytohelp,tryingtoholdhimstill.
Saif’seyeswidenedasifrecognizinghimforthefirsttime,andhegrippedDillon’stie.“Sean?”heaskedhoarsely,hesitatedasifnot
sure,thenspokeinArabicveryfast.
Athirdnursehadappeared,ahypodermicready.Maggiesaid,“Issomethinggoingonhere,Sean?”
“Yes,Ithinkso,butgivehimrestforthemoment.I’lltakecareofthings.”
Theneedlewentin,theresultwasincrediblyquick,Dilloneasinghistiefree,andbetweenthem,hewas
droppedbackagainstthepillow,everylineinhisbodythoroughlychecked.Maggienoddedtohertwonurses,wholeft.
Sara’sfacewasblank,frozen,withoutexpression.Hannahlookedfromonetoanother.“Istheretheslightestchancethatoneofyoucouldpleaseexplainwhat’sbeengoingonhere?IcanspeakIrish,Cousin,andsocanyou,butwhatwasheusingwhen
hetalkedtoyou?”“Arabic,”hesaid.“Sara
cantellyouwhathesaid,andratherbetterthanIcan.I’mchokingonitatthemoment.”
Therewasaterriblesilence.“PerhapsIshouldleave?”MaggieDuncansaid.
“You’reasmuchentitledtobehereasIam,afteralltheyearsyou’vegiventoourdamntrade.Sara,explaintoHannah,ifyoudon’tmind.”
“AliSaifwasspeaking
Arabic,andwhathesaidtoSeanwas:BewaretheDevilwhocomestoyoudisguisedasyourbestfriend,”Sarasaid.“ButyouaremybestfriendandthemajoristheDevil.”
Maggiesaid,“Themajor?Youdon’tmean—Shelby?MaxShelby?”Notears,herfacewasifcarvedfromstone,butMaggieDuncan’seyeswerewild.“Oh,dearGod,whatwouldmakeanyonesay
suchathing?”Saraputanarmaround
her.“There’salwaysareason,Maggie,eventhoughit’sabadonetootherpeople.”Shekissedherontheforehead.“NotawordtoBellamy,andcertainlynottoSirHowardGlynn.Thisisforbiggerpeoplethanustodecideon.KeepacloseeyeonSaifandLily,thoughIdoubtthey’llbeinanydangernow.”
“Asyousay,Captain.”“Good,thenwe’llgoback
toHollandParkwiththenews.”
Maggienodded.“Godhelpme,butIwantsomuchtofindthere’sanexplanation.”
“Well,hangontothatthoughtifitmakesyoufeelbetter,”Dillontoldher.“AswesayinCountyDown,pigsmightfly,butIdoubtit.”Whentheywereatthecar,he
said,“Wouldyouminddriving,Sara,andyousitwithher,Hannah?I’mgoingtocallRoperandtellhimwhat’shappened.”
“Youmeanpreparehimfortheworst,”Hannahsaid.Itwouldbesomethingofashocktohearthatyourenemyturnedouttobesomebodyyou’dalwaysthoughtwasonyourside.
“Theworldweliveincanbeastrangeplacesometimes.
AskDeclanRashidaboutit.Onourlastbigcaseinvolvingal-Qaeda,theMasterturnedouttobenotonlyanimportantIraniangeneral,hewasDeclanRashid’scommandingofficer.”
“ThatmusthavegivenDeclanaproblem,”Hannahsaidastheydroveaway.
“Itcertainlydid,whichiswhyhe’swhereheistoday.”
Dilloncutin.“I’mcallingRopernow.”
Hewasansweredatonce.Dillonsaid,“WhatwouldyousayifItoldyouIknowwhotheMasteris?”
“IfyoutellmeMajorMaxShelby,I’dsaySnap!”Ropersaid.“BecausethatwaswhatSYNODtellsme.HeansweredtheFlynnmobileyou’dprovided,Sean,andcutitontheinstant.Whenheheardmyvoice,Isuspect.Buthe’dbeencaughtbythelink,andhecan’tgetaway
fromthat.”“Hisaddress?”“Topfloorofanold
EdwardiantownhouseinaquietpartofMayfair,notfarfromtheConnaughtHotel.”
“Doesheknowthathe’sblown?”Saracutin.
“AllIcansayisthatwehaven’tapproachedhiminanyway.It’sanextremelytrickysituation.”
“Apolicydecisionwhichobviouslycan’tcontinue.
TakeRosedene,forexample.MaggieDuncan’salreadyawareofthepossibility.HowdoesshehandlethesituationifhecontactshertoinquirehowLilyShahandAliHerimaredoing,andDr.AliSaif?It’sgottobesorted,andquickly.”
“Itwillbe,andatthehighestlevel,Sean.”Ropersaid.“FergusonhasreportedtoDowningStreetandtakenCazaletwithhim.Ifhehadn’t
mentionedSYNOD,we’dstillbeinthedark.”
“Soit’sallhandstothepumps,isit?”Dillonsaid.“Well,hecoulddoworsethandraftinamanlikeCazalet.”
“Exactly,”Ropersaid.“Ican’tgetoverthefactthatsuchimportantanswerscamefromasystemsupposedlywayoutofdate.”
“Orlisteningtotheravingsofaverysickman
whichturnedouttobetrue,”Dillonsaid.“We’llseesoon.”
—Max Shelby’s dayhadbeenadisaster.First,SirHowardGlynn’schauffeurhadbeenviolentlysickwhilewaitingtotakehimtoRosedenetovisitLilyandCaptainAliHerim,soShelbyhadhadtoreplacehim.Andithadbeenagraveerroronhispartto
lookinonAliSaifinthefirstplace.ShelbyhadtriedtoassassinatehimoutsideHollandParkbecausehe’dbeenawareforsometimeofSaif’ssuspicionsofhim.RosedenehadbeenthewrongplacetocloseinonSaif,withLilyShahwanderingaroundlikeafrightenedghost.Saif’sfearofhimdidn’thelpeither.
Worstofall,andveryclumsy,totryandfinishSaifoffbypullingoutthelines
necessarytokeephimalivehadgothimnowhereexcepttofuelsuspicionfromMaggieDuncan.Thathadbeenconfirmedwhenhehadphonedher,askingtobeputthroughtoLily,andhadbeenrefusedandaskednottophoneagain.
That,coupledwithadearthoftelephonecalls,spokeforitself.Itwastimetogo,butwhere?Hewasgivingeveryoneaterribleproblem.
Hisgreat-great-grandfatherwho’dbuiltthehouse,asurvivorofwarinAfghanistanandamajorgeneral,wouldhavehadaneasyanswertofallbackon.Alargebrandyandapistoltoblowoutyourbrains,butthatwouldhavebeenabetrayalofnotonlyhissonbuthiswife.Al-QaedaandtheGrandCouncilwouldnotbepleased,buthedidn’tgiveadamnaboutthemwhenit
camerightdowntoit.They’dlookedonhimasaprizeofwar,ifyoulike.Aseriouslydisturbedindividualwho’dlosthisson,andbecauseofthat,hiswife,andwantedtomakesomeonepay.
—In the Prime Minister’soffice,thePM,Cazalet,andHenryFrankelweredeepindiscussionwhentherewasatapatthedoor.Frankel
openedit,andFergusonentered.“Anynews?”thePMasked.
“He’sbeenseencomingoutoftheConnaughtHotel.That’sveryclosetohishouseinMayfair.Ifhe’sgoinghome,I’llknowverysoon.”
“Andthenyou’llspeaktohim?”thePrimeMinisterasked.
“Yes,Ithinkso.”HeturnedtoCazalet.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Well,Icanseeyoufavorthefriendlyapproach.”
“We’dmuchratherthiswholeunfortunatebusinesswasn’thappeningatall,”Fergusonsaid.“I’dpreferachancetomakeitlooklikethat.TheBritishpresswouldmakeamealofit,andasfortelevision...”Heshrugged.
“OnethingIlearnedwasnevertojumptoconclusions,”saidCazalet.“Weallwishitnever
happened,sogoeasy.Negotiate,that’swhatIlearnedasajuniorofficerinVietnamdealingwiththeenemy,andaspresidentoftheUnitedStatesyearslater.”
“I’llbearthatinmind,”Fergusonsaid,andtookouthisCodex.
“Well,youdothat,”Frankelsaid.“Anddon’tforgetheshottwomenandawomanwhoarepatientsinRosedenebecauseofhisitchy
triggerfinger.”“Yes,allveryunfortunate,
Henry,”Fergusonsaid,“butthey’renotdeadyet.Now,kindlyshutupwhileImakethiscall.”Hegotaninstantresponseandsaid,“Thatyou,Max?Soyou’reathomenow?”
“Ishouldhavethoughtthatwasobvious,Charles.I’msurprisedyoudidn’thavemelifted.You’denoughpeopleonthejob.”
“Don’tbesilly,”Fergusonsaid.“It’dbeastupidthingtograbyoupublicly.Apolicecarmightdrivepastatthewrongmomentandwonderwhatwasgoingon.Wherewouldwebethen?”
“IwonderwhyIdidn’tthinkofthat,”Shelbysaid.“Whathappensnow?”
“Weneedtotalk.”“Whatabout?”“Well,there’sthefactthat
you’vebeengoingaround
shootingpeople.Wecan’thavethat.”
Shelbylaughed.“Youoldhypocrite.You’vebeendoingthatforyears.Anyway,Idon’twanttotalktoyouanymore.I’llhavewordswithSaraGideonandDillonatmyhouse.It’stheprideandjoyofmygreat-great-grandfather,thegeneral.HecalleditKabulPlace,sothathe’dneverforgethowlongithadtakenhimtogetoutof
thatcityalive.IthadanothermakeoverinEdwardiantimes,andI’veimproveditwithmodernsecurityequipment.You’dbewastingyourtimetryingtobreakin,evenifyouusedtheSAS.”
“Max,whyonearthwouldwedothat?Wejustwanttosortthisunfortunatebusinessout.”
“SaraandDillon,that’sall,andI’llseethemintheentryporch.Fouro’clockand
onthedot.Ifthey’renotthere,I’llshutupshop.GivethePMmyregards.TellhimIvotedforhimlasttimeandhaveneverregrettedit.PresidentCazalet,you’reacredittoyourcountry.That’sit,gentlemen,curtaintoapplause.”Andheswitchedoff.
HenryFrankelsaid,“Ifyouaskme,Ithinkhe’sonsomething.”
“Nevermind,we’vegot
him,”Fergusonsaid.“Itrustyou’reallrightwiththat,PrimeMinister.I’mreturningtoHollandParktobriefthetroops.I’msureyou’dliketojoinme,”hesaidtoCazalet,“andyou’llbeverywelcomeaswell,Henry,aslongasyou’llpromisetokeepyourtrapshut.”
—In the computer room,Roperplayedarecordingof
thephoneconversation,whichwaslistenedtoagainbyHenryFrankelandCazalet,whiletheSalters,Sara,Dillon,andHannahtriedtomakesenseofitforthefirsttime.
Whenitfinished,Frankelsaid,“IstandbywhatIsaid.Hemustbeonsomedrug.Howcanhekeephimselfsocalmandcontrolledafterallthathe’sdone?”
Hannahsaid,“Maybeit
goessomethinglikethis.HissondiedhorriblyintheAfghanWar,hismotherasaconsequenceofthat.Frankly,I’msurprisedhehasn’ttakenanoverdoseandfinishedthings.”
“Thevoiceofyouth,”Frankelsaid.
“Notexactly,”Hannahtoldhim.“Thefruitsofbitterexperience,ofbeingblownupbyabombinyourcarthattookyourmotherandfather,
crippledyouandleftyougoingoutofyourmind,untilsomewonderfultherapistsandpsychiatriststookyoubythehandandsaidnotthatway,thisway,andrestoredyoutosanity.”
HenryFrankelwashorrified,astheyallsattakinginwhathadbeensaid,andHannahlookedaboutherandstoodup.“I’veshockedyou,I’mafraid,butit’simportanttorealizethatthe
manwhohasbetrayedhisfriendsandshotpeopleisnotthesamemanheoncewas.That’stherealtragedyhere.I’minmyroom,ifanyonewantsme.”
Sheturnedandwalkedout,hersticktapping,andSarastoodupandwentafterher.
—Henry Frankel departed,verysubdued,andHarry
Saltermovedtosaygood-byetoRoper.“AnydevelopmentswiththeSash?”
“Closeduptight,”Ropersaid.“Thefewmembersofstaffleft,laidoff.ItseemsMyraTullywaswayinoverherheadwithloans.Thebank’sslappedabankruptcyorderonthebusiness.”
“AndwhatabouttheTara?”
“Missingfromitsmoorings.Reportedtothe
RiverPolicebythebankaspossiblystolen.Theytellmeithappensallthetime.”
“Nothingseemstobesafethesedays,”Harrysaid.“Comeon,Billy,”andtheyleft.
—The rain continued heavyandpersistentallday,andtherewasmorethanahintoffogasParkerdrovethe
splendidoldDaimlerthatwasFerguson’sspecialpridedowntowardMayfair.FergusonandCazalet,SaraandDillon,satintheback.
“NotmuchsignofMI5today,”Cazaletsaid.“Thatsurprisesme.”
“AnoperationlikethisisbyPrimeMinister’sWarrant,andusuallywedon’tneedanyoneelse—exceptwhenwedo,andthat’stoday.Asaprofessionalcourtesy,Sir
HowardGlynnhasplacedasubstantialnumberofhispeoplearoundKabulPlace.”
“Isupposethat’sverykindofhim.”CazaletturnedtoSara.“Wouldn’tyouagree,Captain?Itcertainlymakessensetome.”
“Theonlythingaboutthat,sir,isthatitwillmakesuchgoodsensetoMaxthathe’llprobablydosomethingthat’snotexpected.I’vesoldieredwithhiminthebadlandsof
HelmandProvince,andhesurvivedtwelveyearsoutthere.”
“I’mwellawareofthat,”Fergusonsaid.“Soit’suptoyoutoferretoutwhathemightbeconsidering.”
“Whichisexactlywhatwe’regoingtodo.”Dillonsaid,gazingout.“ThisraintakesmebacktoBelfastatitsworst,whenyoufelttheTroublesweregoingtolastforever.”
“Ithoughttheydid,Sean,”Sarasaid,astheDaimlerdrewuptotheimposingpilethatwasKabulPlace.
Parkerwasopeningthedoorforherbeforetheothershadtimetounscramblethemselves.ShewasoutaheadofDillon,andashefoundher,FergusonpulledthedoorclosedbehindthemandtheDaimlerleft.
DillonwatcheditdisappearintotherainasSara
openedasmallumbrellashehadbeencarrying.HelookedupatthehouseandtherewasnothingAfghanaboutit,tallatfivestoriesincludingtheroofarea.
“Ipresumeyou’vebeenheremorethanonceinthepast.”
“Never.”Sheshookherhead.“ItwasaknownthingthatMaxandhiswifedidn’tentertain.Imethimatfirst,beforeImetyou,becausewe
soldieredtogetherwiththeIntelligenceCorps.HewasmymentorwhenitcametoPashto.”
“Didyouknowhiswife?”“Absolutely.Agentlesoul
whoenduredbadhealthforyears.ShewenttotallytopieceswhentheirsonwaskilledinHelmand.Shesimplycouldn’tcope.”
Avoicerangout.“Allright,whenyou’vefinishedtalkingaboutme,getuphere
beforeyou’rewashedaway,”MaxShelbycalled.
—The garage area wasaroundtheback,aswasmostofthegarden,whichwassmall,butpicturesqueatthefront,apathleadingtobroadstepsmountingtoalargeconservatoryporch,Victorianstyle,metalworkbars,thefrontdoorbehinditleading
intothedarknessofahall.MaxShelbysatstaringoutthroughthebars,andwassittingbyawickertable,anopenbottleofChiantiandaglassstandingonit,aGlockpistolclosetohishand.
“Whythepistol,Max?”Dillonasked.“Ithoughtwewerefriends.”
“Idon’thaveanyofthoseanymore,andthatincludesyou,Sara.TheGlockistoshowwhoeveriswatchingus
throughbinocularsthatImeanbusiness.Thesethingspumpoutseventeenrounds,asbothofyouknow.”Heraisedhisglassofwine.“I’mhappywiththis,butifyou’llsitdownatthetableI’velaidforyou,there’sathermosoftea,anotherofcoffee,andanopenbottleofIrishwhiskey,knowingyoubothhaveatasteforit.”
Therewasagardentablelaidoutjustbesidetheopen
doortotheporch,twochairsbesideit,raindriftingin,asSarapouredcoffeeandspokeforthefirsttime.
“IthoughtIknewyou,Max,andIfindIdidn’t.”Shewrappedherhandsaroundthemug.“It’snotquitetheworstthingtohappeninmylife,butitcomesclose.ThefirstwashearingthatmyparentsonholidayinJerusalemhadbeenkilledbyaHamasbusbomb.”
“Godhelpme,butI’msorryforyourhurt,girl,”hesaid.“Itwasnotintended.”
“Youcouldhavefooledme,”Dillonsaid.“TherearetwomenandawomanupthereatRosedenenowwithyourbulletsinthem.Wasthatnotintended?WhataboutLilyShah,akindanddecentwomanhard-usedbylife,connedintobelievingyourlies?”
Sarabrokein,hervoice
urgentandangry.“Justtellus,Max,whatwassoimportantthatitjustifiedtheterriblethingsyou’vedone.”
“Well,wecouldstartwiththestupidpoliticianswhobungledoperationsoveratwelve-yearperiodinAfghanistan.WhotooknonoticeofthefactthattheRussiancampaigntherewasatotaldisaster,withthousandsdead.EvenAlexandertheGreatcouldn’tgetoutofthe
countryfastenough.Iwantedrevengefortheobscenityofmybutcheredson’sbodypartshangingfromathorntreeoutsidesomewretchedvillageinHelmand,andformywife,reducedbyallthistoawalkingcorpse,reducedtocrammingpillsdownherthroattoendhertorment.Doesanyofthismeanathingtoyou?”
“Dreadful,allofit.”Sarashookherhead.“Butrevenge
isnotgoingtogetusanywhere.”
“Oh,yesitis.AsweleaveHelmandProvince,theTalibanaremovingbackin,socanWashingtonorLondontelluswhatitwasallabout?Asformylinkwithal-Qaeda,theyknewhowitwaswithme.ThatIdidn’tgiveastuffaboutOsamabinLaden,butI’vebeenbeyondpricetothem.AninsiderintheSecurityServicewhoisn’t
evenaMuslim.AbitlikePhilbyduringtheColdWar,workingfortheSecurityServiceononehandandtheKGBontheother.”
“Therecanonlybeoneendtothis.Yourealizethat,don’tyou?”
“Oh,theexecutionerswillbeout,”MaxShelbysaid.“They’llallprefermedead.I’veonlyonethingtosay,andthat’scatchmeifyoucan.Itwouldbemuchbetter
ifyougonow.”Sarasaid,“WhenIwasa
veryyoungofficerinBosnia,shockedbyallthosebodies,youtoldmethathonorwaseverythingtoasoldier,becausewithoutityouwerejustabutcher.”
“Asthetimeschange,allmenchangewiththem.Thatwasthen,thisisnow.”
“IwishI’dcheatedonthetermsofthismeeting,becauseIhonoreditand
didn’tputapistolinmypocket.IfIhad,I’dhaveshotyoudeadbynow.”
“Ifyoucould,”hesaidcalmly.
Dillonsaid,“Ishouldn’thavelistenedtoherwhenshepersuadedmetoleavemypistolathome.”
Sarahadreachedtheroad,andtheDaimlermovedintogether.Maxsaid,“Well,what’stostopmefromemptyingthisGlockintoyou
rightnow?”“Yourplan,Max.You
werealwaysthecleverbastard,sothere’smethodtoyourmadness,andtoshootmedeadrightnowwouldruinit,whateveritis.”
Maxhadstoppedsmiling.“Shutyourmouthandgetoutofhere,otherwiseImightchangemymindandpullthetrigger.”
“OnaquietstreetinMayfair?Thatwouldbea
stupidthingtodo,andyouwereneverthat.Ontheotherhand,itwouldindicatetomostpeoplethatyoureallyhavegonemad.”
Maxstoodthererigid,theGlockraisedinhisrighthand,afixedlookonhisface,andthenhesmiled.“Why,Dillon,youalmosthadme,”andhissmilehadacertaintriumphinit.“Goon,clearoff.”Heturnedaway,slammingthedooronthe
othersideofthebars,andDillonmovedback,scanningthefaçadeofKabulPlace,thenswungtomeettheDaimler,whichpulledintopickhimup.
Sarasaid,“Whatwasthatallabout?”
“Oh,Ididn’tlikehowhe’dbeenwithyou,soIwasbracinghim.”
“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”shesaid.
Cazaletsmiled.“Means
tryingtopickafight.”“Italmostworked,”Dillon
said.“Iinvitedhimtoshootme,trashedhim,andforaninstantthere,Ithoughthemightpullthetrigger,butthatwouldhaveruinedhisplan.”
“Justgetyourbreathforaminute,”Sarasaid.“Whatplan?”
“Ihaven’ttheslightestidea,butI’mcertainhe’sgotone.Sorry,Sara,you’dhavetohavebeentheretorealize
it.”“Igettheimpressionyou
reallythinkhe’scrazy,”Cazaletsaid.
“Allthewickedandevilthingshe’sexperiencedaretrueenough,”Dillonsaid.“Thebarbarityofwhathappenedtohisson,thementaldestructionofhiswife,aretrueenough,butthey’returninghiminward,andit’sbeenverydestructivetohispersonality.He’snot
theoldMaxanymore,buthestillhassomecontrol.HedemonstratedthatbynotshootingmewhenItauntedhim.”
Fergusonsaid,“Iwon’thavethis.TheMI5agentsaboutKabulPlacearetoinvadethehousewhenitgetsdark.Apowerfailurewillthenshutoffanyfancysecuritysystems,soaccessshouldbenoproblem.”
“Whatifheputsuparmed
resistance?”Dillonasked.“I’dratherhavehimin
onepiece,”Fergusonsaid.“Butifithastobethatway,sobeit.”
“Somuchtidier,”SarasaidastheDaimlersweptintothefrontentranceoftheDorchester.
“Don’tbebitter,CaptainGideon,”saidFergusonasParkerbrakedtoahalt.“I’mhopingthisisgoingtowork.”
—Of course Max Shelby hada plan,aproductoftheboyishgamesofchildhood.ThegeneralopinionofKabulPlacewasthatitwasVictorianbutrefurbishedinEdwardiantimes.LivingathomeandattendingSt.Paul’sSchoolasadayboy,KabulPlacehadbeenbetterthanastorybook.Hisfatherawayinthearmy,hismother
indulgent,heroamedatwillinthedarknessbelow,ahalogenlampheldhigh,prizingopenclosed-upentrancesandfrequentlyfollowingthesoundofwatertostrangeplaces.
FewpeoplerealizedthattheLondonundergroundwasriddledwithtunnelsthatranformilesallovertheCity—NormanandTudorsewers,anetworkofsmallerriversleadingtotheThamesthatthe
Georgiansand,later,theVictorians,intheirwisdom,coveredover.Ithadremainedhishobby,placeswhereyouonlyneededasledgehammertosmashthroughcrumblingVictorianbrickstocreateapointofentrythatcouldbeeasilycamouflaged.
So,inhispresentsituation,he’dexpectedthekindofattackthatFergusonhaddescribed,notjustbecauseitwasobvious,but
becauseitwastheonlywaythatwouldmakesensetohisenemy,buthe’dnointentionofwaitingforthem.
Hehadmadepreparationsforthissituationalongtimebeforeandwentupinthelifttothepenthouse,wherehehadleftayellowwaterproofoverallofthetypeusedbysewageworkers,changedintoitquickly,plusrubberbootsandasafetyhelmetwithastrongspotlightfixedtoitto
guidetheway.Hehadinformedal-
Qaeda’sGrandCouncilofthesituation,thegreenlightonhistransceiverpingedsoftly,hepressedthebutton,andthevoicesaid,“Situationunderstood,youractionapprovednowandinthefuture.Anyhelpneededwillbeavailable.”
Heclosedthetransceiver’sneatcaseandputitintoalargemilitaryduffelbag.Just
ashe’dthought.They’dhangontohimwhiletherewasstillagametobeplayed,whichmeanthewasstillinbusiness.FromhisdeskdrawerhetookasilencedGlockandslippeditintohisrightpocket,thentookoutaWaltherPPKandputitinhisleft.
Thereweretwopineapplegrenadesatthebackofthedrawer.Heexaminedtheminturn,frowning,then
rememberedtakingthemfromthebodyofanAfridihe’dkilled.Heshrugged,droppedthemintotheduffel,thenreachedforasmallerbagthathe’dpackedquickly.Lightweightblacksuit,shirt,shoes,atoiletbag,hiscreditcard,athousandincash,passport,andarmyidentitypapers.Heclosedit,droppeditintothelargerduffel,whichhezipped.Helookedouttothestreetsbelow,foundthem
darkenoughtosendhimhurryingtotheliftwiththeduffel,descendingallthewaytothecellars,whereheturnedonthelights,hurriedthroughthreecorridors,oneofwhichendedwithalargewoodenchairagainstthewall,anold-fashionedhalogenlighthangingfromahook.Heswitchedonhishelmetlight,andashedidthesamewiththehalogen,thepowercutoff.
Therewerealreadysoundsofmovementupstairs,soheswungbackthechair,threwtheduffelinside,andfollowedit,takingthehalogenlightwithhimandpullingthechairbackintoplace.Therewereshoutsinthedistance,bootspounding,buttheywerealreadyfadingasMaxShelbyhurriedfromonetunneltoanother,theduffelhangingfromitsstraponhisleftshoulder.
Thecombinationofhishelmetlightandthehalogenoftheotherilluminatedthetunnelsasneverbefore,andonoccasion,hewasankle-deep,andatonepointtohisknees.Theconstantrainofthelastfewdays,ofcourse,butitdidn’tmatterbecausehehadnointentionoffollowingthemazeoftunnelstotheThamesitself,amileormoreaway.Hehadanotherdestinationinmind,andthen
everythingchangedashesteppedoutofasidetunnelandfoundamirrorimageofhimselfstandingfoot-deepinwater,staringathim,anetinonehandandarakeintheother.
“Whothehellareyou?”themandemandedbelligerently.
“NevermindwhoIam,”Maxsaid.“Whatareyouupto?Scavenging?Orareyoulookingforbodies?”
“Youcantalk.I’dliketoseewhatyou’vegotinthatduffel.”
“Feelfree.”Maxreachedin,tookoutapineapplegrenade,removedthepinwithhisteeth,lobbeditathim,andduckedbackintothesidetunnel.Theroarechoed,drowningwhatevercriestherewere.
Asthingscalmed,hesteppedouttoexaminethecarnage.Theothermanhad
obviouslybeenkilledinstantly,hisownactionhadbeenonimpulse,sothathewasnotevensurewhatitwassupposedtohaveachieved.Perhapshewasmadnow,andthiswouldbethefinalprooftoFergusonandtherest.
Thefacehelookeddownonwasunrecognizable,theyellowuniformexactlylikehisownbutrippedtobloodstainedtatters.Hefeltinsidethetornjacket,founda
cheapwalletcontaininganame,ahosteladdress,andthirtypoundsincash.
Alifetonopurpose,orperhapssomepurpose?Therewasaquestionhere.Sayatrulydesperatemanwhohadsufferedmorethanmostinhisprivatelife,amanoncehighlyrespectedbutnowharriedbyauthority,facedonlypublicshameoftheworstsortanddecidedtostoprunningandenditall?
Itcouldworkifhewascareful.HecouldkeeptheGlock,whichwasanillegalweapon.TheWaltherhadbeenissuedandwastraceable,soitwentintoapocketofthedeadman’suniform,togetherwithMax’spassport,armyidentitypapers,allsoakedinbloodstainedwater,asweretheitemsinthesmallbag.
He’dbeenrunningthroughthosetunnels,dogs
onhisheelsinaway,andthepointhadcomewherehe’dhadenough.Whyhe’dchosensuchadreadfulwaytodoitcouldonlybeexplainedbyasoldierwhowouldhaveknownitwouldbringdeathontheinstant.TheothergrenadediscoveredintheduffelwouldberecognizedasRussian,arelicoftheSovietwarinAfghanistan.Withluckitwouldallmakesense,forawhileatleast,together
withthehalogenlightthathebouncedoffthewall,smashingit.
Whichlefthimthetransceiverinitsleathercase,shockproof,impervious.Hestartedtorunnow,holdingitinhislefthand,awareofsoundsinthedistance,finallypassingacrossaconcreteslopethatresembledawaterfallbecauseofrecentrain.Thetunneltherewassmaller,rougher,anarea
discoveredinhisyouth.Hefinallyreachedthecrudesteps,agrilledgatewherehehadtocrouchandapplyforcetoopenit,andemergedintothedarknessofanovergrowngardeninoneofthelanesatthebackofShepherdMarket.
Anotherrelicfromboyhood,oneofhisfavorites,themodestbuildinghadoncebeenthestableforthecobbledstreet,convertedintoagaragewithaflataboveit.
Adeadend,atinygarden,nobodytowonderwhohewas,sohehadbeenabletocomeandgoforyears,noobviousconnectionwithKabulPlace,evenduringarmytimeandMI5.Afterall,iftherewasonethingtheSecurityServiceshadtaughthim,itwashowsimplyonecouldchange.Dyejobforthehair,andtherewasplentyofthatinthebathroom,falsemustache,tintedglasses,and
atweedcap.Hecertainlyhadnointentionofsittingaround,and,afterall,cabdriverscameinallshapesandsizes,anditwasanoldLondonblackcabhe’dkeptinthegarageforyears,sousefulforparkingandthepolicejustwavedyouonmostofthetime.
Thekitchenneededtidying,buttherewasplentyofcannedfoodinthecupboardsandthefreezerfullofusefulitems.Hewentupto
themodestbedroom,reportedtothetransceiverthathewasstillalive,andwentintothebathroomforashower,whistling.Tomorrowwasanotherday.
—“They say it’s pretty foul,Charles,”SirHowardGlynntoldFerguson.“Youandyourpeoplehavearighttoseehim,Isuppose.AndIhavetobecauseIwashisboss.
ProfessorGeorgeLangley,whomyouknowwellenough,isdoingtheautopsyatChurchStreetMortuary,whichiswherethebodyisnow.I’mgoingstraightthere—ifyouandthoseinvolvedwanttoseehim,youcanjoinme.”
“I’llcertainlybethere.Don’tknowabouttheothers.MayIbringCazalet?”
“Whynot?I’llseeyouthen.”
Fergusonsattherethinkingaboutit,thencalledRoperandfilledhimin.“IfeelIhavetogo,butI’llleaveittoyoutospeaktotheothers,ifyoudon’tmind.Wouldyouconsidergoing?”
“Absolutelynot,”Ropertoldhim.“I’mold-fashioned,andI’veseentoomanygoodmendeadinmytimetohaveanykindofsympathywithatraitor,whateverhisexcuses.”
Fergusonsigheddeeply.
“It’sapointofview,Major,andyou’reentitledtoitifanybodyis.I’llleaveittoyou.”
—Sara went, ofcourse,andDillononlybecauseshedid,andFergusonandCazaletandSirHowardandthreeMI5peoplewholookedtroubled.BillySalterarrivedlateandjoinedSaraandDillonasthey
werealljustgoingintohearwhatProfessorLangleyhadtosay.
Theroomwaslinedwithwhitetiles,fluorescentlightingbouncingoffthemharshly,lowbuzzingnoisesinthebackground.Whatwasleftofthebodylaynakedonasteeloperatingtableandlookedappalling,andtwooftheMI5peoplegagged,turned,andhurriedout.Saraheldasilkscarftohermouth,
Dillontookherotherhand.Fergusonsaid,“Professor,
willyoupleaseconfirmwhatyouhavetoldmeonthetelephone?”
“Certainly,”Langleysaid.“Asyoucanseefromthestateofthecorpse,thebodyhasbeendamagedextensivelybytheexplosionofapineapplefragmentationgrenade.”
“Sodeathwouldhavebeeninstantaneous?”
Fergusonsaid.“Icanguaranteethat.Also
terriblydamaging,asyousee.”
“Isthereanythingelseofparticularinteresthere?”
“Well,thereweremanythingswecouldnotcheckbecauseofthedestruction,butwewereabletoconfirmhisbloodtypewithsamplesfromthecadaver.Interesting,that.”
“Whywouldthatbe?”
Dillonasked.“BecauseMajorShelby’s
bloodtypewasrelativelyrare,Bpositive,andsoisthebody’s.ThatoccursinonlyeightpercentoftheU.K.population.Itwasnotedinhisarmyrecords,butconfirmedagainfromasampletakenfromthecorpse.Normally,someDNAcheckswouldbemade,butinthiscase,itwouldleadnowhere.Hiswifewascrematedafew
weeksago,hissonbutcheredbytheTalibaninAfghanistan.Insuchtragiccircumstances,besttobringmatterstoaclose.”
SaraturnedtoDillon,whohadanarmaroundhershoulders.“Sothat’sit,Sean?”
“Exactly,”Fergusonsaid.“Witheverythingcomingtoahead,hedecidedtoputanendtoitall.ByPrimeMinister’sWarrant,Inow
invoketheOfficialSecretsAct.HewillgiveaClosedCourtOrder.Nojurynecessary,andaninstantcremationorderwillbeissuedinviewofthestateoftheremains.”
HeshookLangley’shand.“Manythanks,George.Rottenbusiness,butthereyouare.”
“ThankGodit’sover,”SirHowardsaidonthewayout.
“Iagree,andablessing
thatthere’snotevenahintinthepress,”Fergusonsaid.“HenryFrankeliswaitingwithbatedbreathatNumberTentohearthatthematterisresolved.”
“AndRosedene?”Saraasked.
“ThingsarelookingmuchbetterforAliSaif,andAliKerimseemstohaveturnedacorner.KhalidAbedguardsthemfiercely.AsforLilyShah,MaggieDuncanwants
heronstaff.”“That’swonderful,”Sara
said.“Yes,Ithoughtthat,”
Fergusonsmiled.“ShallwemeetattheDorchesterlaterforanightcap?”
Dillonlaughed.“It’soneo’clockinthemorning,andMI5invadedKabulPlaceearlylastnight.What’shappenedsince,hisdeath,thepressureofofficialdomtogetthewholebusinessfinishedat
everylevel,hasbeenincredible.”
“I’mbeginningtofeelasifitneverhappened,”Sarasaid.
“WhichisexactlythewayDowningStreetwantsittreated,Godhelpme,”Fergusontoldher.“It’dbealotbetterforallofusifwecouldseeitthatway.Imustgonow,becauseIreallyamexpectedbythePM.”
HegotintotheDaimler,
Parkerdrovehimaway,andBillygrinned.“Well,that’smefinished,thesimplefootsoldierwhogetsthingsdone,wavingoffthegreatandthegood.”
“Andwherewouldwebewithoutyou?”Sarasaid,andkissedhimonthecheek.“It’sthesortofthingShakespearewouldhavewrittenabout.”
“Well,Idon’tknowaboutthat.”Hesmiled.“Itwouldhavemadeagreatscript,but
Godknowswhothey’dgettoplayMax,”andhewalkedoffintotheraintofindhiscar.
Cazaletsaid,“AsI’mstillinLondon,youtwoarestillresponsibleformysecurity,whichmeansyouhavetheavailabilityofthosetwoextrabedroomsinmysuite,soIhaveasuggestion.Tohellwiththetime.Let’sgoandsamplethebesttwenty-four-hourroomserviceinLondon.”
DillonsaidtoSara,“He’sgotapoint.Idon’trememberhavingdinner.”
Sara’ssmilewassmallbutthere.“Cometothinkofit,neitherdoI,anditwouldgiveusthechancetosaygood-byeproperly.”
“Excellent,”Cazaletsaid.“SolendmethatrathersmallumbrellaandI’llgooutinthisgloriousLondonrainandhailacab.”
Thefollowingmorning,havingspentthenightinhiswheelchairinthecomputerroomasusual,Ropercameawaketoasolid,drivingperformanceof“FromThisMomentOn,”followedthesound,andfoundhimselfinthediningroomwithHannah
seatedatthepiano,wearingherrobe.
“Whatagreatwaytowakeanybodyup,”hesaid.
“Icouldn’tagreemore.”“Haveyoueaten?”“No,butI’veplacedmy
order.”Thekitchendoorswung
opentoadmitMaggieHallwithatray.“FullIrishbreakfast.Thatmeansit’ssodabread,andnoteasytocomebyinHollandPark.”
“Iknowwhatitmeans,”Ropersaid.“AndI’dstillpreferabaconsandwichandamugoftea.”
Withnocomment,shereturnedtothekitchen,andHannahgotupfromthepianoandjoinedhim.“Itwasallhappeninglastnight,then?”shesaidasshestartedtoeat.“Wereyousurprised?”
“AboutMax?TheTroublescuredmeofbeingsurprisedatanythinginthis
lifeeveragain.WhathappenedinUlsterdamagedyouandme.Afghanistanandthesameforhim.Hewantedsomebodytopay.”
“Butlifedoesn’tworklikethat,doesit?”Hannahsaid.
“YouheardtherecordingofwhathesaidtoSaraandDillonabouthowhissonhaddied,hiswife.Nothingcouldpayforthat.DidyouspeaktoSara?”
“Yes,shetoldmeabout
allthehorridstuff,theautopsy,viewingthebody,andsoon.Sothat’sit,then?It’sallover?”
“Legallydead,cremated.Anyway,reallifebeginsagain.Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“SarawassayinghowCazaletfeelshe’sgottoreturntoWashingtontoshowhisfaceafterallthat’shappened.Hesaidtherewasadangerthathe’dbe
summonedtoreturnunderPresidentialWarrantifhedidn’tmakeamove,butI’msurehewasjoking.”
“Andwhataboutyou?”Roperasked.
“Sarawantsmebackatthehouse,tositdownatthatSchiedmayerandgetreallyseriousagain.HergrandfatherthinksIshould,andSadieisthreateningtocomeandgetme.”Hannahlaughed.“Ibetshewouldif
shehadto,butverysoonI’llbeastudentattheRoyalCollegeofMusic.Fourwonderfulyearswaiting.”
“Whichyourichlydeserve,”hesaid.“Justaslongasyoudon’tforgetus.Sogetbacktothepianoandplaymeout.I’vegottoreturntomyscreens.”
—Max Shelby had slept wellandhadawakenedtothe
greenlightonhistransceiverpingingsoftly.Hepressedthebuttonasusual,andasthevoicespoke,helistenedintently.Heneverfailedtobeamazedathowup-to-datetheywerewiththeirinformation.Hewasnotonlylegallydead,butcremated,everythinghavingobviouslybeenrushedthrough.CazaletintendedtoreturntoWashington,wasstillbookedatthehotelforanotherthree
nights,butunlesstherewasarealchanceatthetarget,hewastoleaveitaloneanditwasanorder.Nowhewasdead,hewastoovaluabletorisk.
Now,thathedidn’tcarefor,andheputtogetherabreakfast,feelingthoroughlyangry.Thiswasnottohislikingatall,tobemanipulatedbysomeonesittingatadesk,siftingthroughtheinformation
pouringin,selectingwhatheconsideredsuitabletargets.
Well,itwasnotthewaytheoldMaxShelbyhadoperatedandcertainlywouldn’tsuitthenewversion.He’dhavetoshowthem,andhefinishedhiscoffee,wentupstairsandcheckedhiswardrobe,selectingaslightlyold-fashionedcountrysuitinbrownHarristweed,brownshoes,apaleblueshirtanda
military-lookingtie,asbefittinganolderman.
Hefoundhismakeupboxinthebathroomcabinet,selectedagraymustache,toucheditwithglue,andfixeditinplace.Therehappenedtobeanoldpairofhorn-rimmedspectaclesinthebox,whichcompletedthepictureasheranacombthroughhishair,leavinghimlookinglikearetiredbankmanagerandvery
respectable.Hisappearancemadehim
feelhappyandconfident,buttodowhat?Thetransceiverwasquietandnottransmitting,hisGlocklayonthetablebesideit,andheunloadeditandcarefullyreloadedit,anoldhabit,slippeditinawaistholsteronhisleftside.Theconstantrainofthepastweekrattledagainstthewindowwithrenewedforce.
WhichmadehimthinkofTerryHarker,nursinghalfanearinhisbolt-hole,ashelikedtocallit,theoldArabella,Rottingaway,coldanddamp,he’dprobablygoneoutondecktobeshockedbythetotaldesolationoftheplace,boatsofallkinds,decayingeverywhere.St.Jude’sDock,anditamusedMaxtorecallthatSt.Judewasthepatronsaintoflostcauses.Terry
Harkercouldhavemadeabetterchoice,butthenwhatcouldyouexpectofamanwho’dmadeafoolofhimselfoveracreaturelikeMyraTully?Andanimpulsecametohim,awildandcrazyimpulse.Heknewheshouldn’t—but,comeon,whomwasHarkergoingtotell?
—His supposition had been
evenworse,forTerrywasshiveringwithfeverinspiteofaheavyboxer’stracksuit,plusseveralblankets.Hehadgoneupondecktochecktheweather,andreceivedasoakingwhilediscoveringthatthereappearedtobeaproblemwiththeelectriccableconnectinghisboattothejetty,which,althoughintermittent,wasshowingsignsoffailingcompletely,whichwouldmakeit
impossibleforhimtocontinueinhispresentsituation.
Herolledover,reachingforabottleofbrandythatstoodonthebedsidetablebesideaBrowningHiPowerpistol,arelicofhisarmydays.Hemanagedtounscrewthecap,swallowedsomedown,andhismobilesounded.Hescrewedthecapbackon,althoughknockingtheBrowningtothefloor,
thenanswered.“Whoisit?”hecroaked.“Why,Terry,”Max
Shelbysaid.“Yousoundterrible.Iseverythingokay?IthoughtitwastimeIcheckedhowyouweredoing.Idon’texpectthisweatherishelpingyou.How’stheearcomingalong,better?”
“No,itisn’t.IthinkImayneedmoreantibioticsandIhaveafever,soIdon’tneedyoupretendingtobesobright
andcheerful,asifwewerefriends.Whatdoyouwant?”
“I’mconcernedaboutyou,andIdohappentobebrightandcheerful,because,inaway,it’sasifI’vebeenreborn.”
Terrysaid,“Whatinthehellareyoutalkingabout?”
“ThewordisthatI’mreallyMajorMaxShelbyofMI5whohastakentoworkingforal-Qaedabecausethemoneyisbetter.”
Terrysaid,“Whataloadofrubbish.Goon,clearoff.”
“Nowyoudodisappointme,”Maxsaid.“WhenItoldyouaboutthesinkingoftheTara,yousaidyou’dgetBillySalterandmaybeme,becauseofwhathappenedtoMyra.”
“SoIwill,”Terrysaid.“You’renoteveninthe
sameleagueasBilly.HewasscrewingMyraandyouweretoostupidtoseethat.I’ve
visitedyourbolt-holewhenyouwereout,butnexttimeI’lldropintoseehowyourfacelooksthesedays.Iknowtheaddress,theoldArabellaatSt.Jude’sDock.Myragaveittomeaftergoingthroughyourdrawers.Youcouldn’teventrusther.”
“Youbastard!WhatmakesyouthinkIwon’ttelleverybodywhoyoureallyare,Major?”
“Oh,please,Terry,who
areyougoingtotell?Noonewillbelieveyou!Andanyway,myboy—you’redying!Suchashame!”
Helaughedandwasgone.
—Terry Harker had neverknownsuchanger,notevenintheboxingringattheheightofhispower,anditwasakillingragedirectedcompletelyatBillySalter,aneedtodestroyhimface-to-
face,punchhimintothegroundinthewaythathadtakenhimtoachampionshipoftheBritishArmy.Ontheotherhand,ifhecouldn’tseehim,hecouldhearhisvoice,andheknewthephonenumberoftheDarkManwellenough.So,fortifiedwithmorebrandy,hemadethecalltoBillySalter.
—
Sam Hall had drivenHarrytotheCitytomeettheaccountant,JoeBaxterwashelpingDorasortoutthewineinthestillroom,andHasimwasfloorpolishingwithamachine.Billywasinoilskins,sittinginHarry’sboothenjoyingcoffeeandreadingtheTimes,justinfromcheckingtheboatsintherainwhenhisphonerang.
TerryHarker’svoicewashoarseandroughashesaid,
“Isthatyou,Billy?”“Itcertainlyis,butI
haven’tgottheslightestideawhoyouare.Yousoundasifyou’reatdeath’sdoor,oldson.”
“I’mnotyouroldson,notafterwhatyoudidtoMyraandEric.”
“Andwhatwouldthatbe?”Billyasked.“Imean,where’sthisstorycomingfrom?”
“TheMaster,youshite.”
ThedrinkwasgettingtoTerrynow.“He’sbeenonthephoneandtoldmehefeelsrebornbecausehe’sMajorMaxShelbywho’stakentoworkingforal-Qaeda.Saysthemoney’sbetter.”
“Terry,ifthat’syou,somebody’shavingyouon,andwhereareyoucallingfrom?”
“I’mnotfallingforthat,nocops,”Terrysaid.
“Okay,howaboutit
couldn’thavebeenMaxShelby,becausehewascrematedlastnight.”
“You’vegotitwrong.Hetoldmehewasbeingpaidmoremoneybyal-QaedathanMI5,andthatnexttime,he’ddropintoseemeinsteadofphoning.Heknowsmyaddress.”
“Oh,that’sgood,”Billysaidquickly.“Andwherewouldthatbe?”
Anditworked,forpoor
drunkenTerryansweredatonce.“Arabella,mooredatthejettyinSt.Jude’sDock.”
“Well,that’snicetoknow,sothisiswhatIwantyoutodo.Haveanicecupoftea,liedownandwait,andI’llarrangeforMaxShelbytocomeroundtoseeyou.”
“Allright,”Terrysaid.“Butnocops.”
“Now,wouldIdothattoyou?”Billyasked.“I’llseeyousoon.”
—Billy said to Dora,“I’mgoingout,love,somethingneedsseeingoverattheSash.I’lltakeHasim.We’llgointheinflatable.”
“Likeamonsoonoutthere,Billy.Isthatwise?”shesaid.
“Thingstobedone,Dora,andI’dliketheladtogetasmuchexperienceinthatboat
aspossible.”“SameastheRiverPolice
use,”Hasimtoldher.“Couldhaveacareerinthat.”
Dorapattedhisface.“You’retoonicetobeapoliceman,butifyouhavetogo,wearthosewaterprooftunicswiththehoods.You’llbecatchingyourdeathsfromacoldifyoudon’t.”
Billyledhiswaytohisofficeattheendofthebar,openedacupboard,andtook
outacoupleofbulletproofvests,tossingonetoHasim.
“Thesethingsaremadeofnylonandtitanium.They’llstopanykindofbulletyou’relikelytoencounter,andatpoint-blankrange.Wearitnexttoyourskinunderneaththetunic.”
“Arewelikelytobedoingsomeshooting?”Hasimasked.
“Imighthaveto,butyourvestisonlyaprecaution
wherethereisapossibilityofstrayroundsflyingaround.Thatisnotlikelytohappentoyou,becauseyou’llbestayingwiththeboatwhileI’mgone.Solet’sgettoit.”
—That the whole businesshadreallygottoTerryHarkerhadgivenMaxShelbyenormoussatisfaction,butthatcouldonlycomefromseeinghispreyface-to-face,
beingabletojudgetheirpain,andforthat,he’dhavetogoout.
Sohefoundanoldtrenchcoat,tweedcapandscarf,andaconventionalumbrella,openedthegarageandtookoffintheblackcab,nottotelephonethistime,foritwasnolongerenough.OnlytherealityofTerryHarkerandtheArabella,tiedtothejettyatSt.Jude’sDock,couldbethat.
—At the Dark Man,Hasimhadgoneaheadtotheboat,andDoracameinasBillyfinishedgettingready.ShefoundhimloadinghisfavoriteColt.25,thesilencedversion.
“Hollowpoint?”sheasked.
“Youshouldknow,Dora.”“Somethingserious.
Forgivemebeingnosy,butit’showIfeel.”
Billysmiled.“Ain’tlifestrange?Youneverthoughtyou’dendupplayinggrandmothertoahomelessMuslimboy,didyou?”
“MuslimCockney,”shecorrectedhim,“andifyouwanttoknow,Ilovehim,andwhenIseeyoufittingthatweaponintoitsbeltholster,Iworry,justlikeI’vedoneforyouovertheyears,andit
couldbestartingalloverwithHasim.”
“BeingwithMI5makesmerespectablenow.Hasim’slikeakidbrotherwho’sgottolearntohandlehimselfinadangerousworld.That’swhereIcomein.”Hekissedherontheforehead.“Don’tworry,Dora,I’vegotitinhand,”andhewasgone.
—
Hasim was enjoying beinginchargeoftheinflatable,hadtakenitawayfromitsmooringswithacertaindashanddidn’tmindtherainatall.
“Soyouknowwhereyou’regoing?”Billysaid.
“OfcourseIdo.ThosenewThameschartsyougotareclearandeasy,andwe’llbethereintwentyminutes.TheoneI’musingisunderthecanopy,wellmarked,by
thebinoculars.”WhichBillyquicklyfound
astheyturnedintotheshore,thewholeplacelookingthoroughlymiserable,aslightmist,thedecayingwarehousesintherain,thecrumblingboats,andusingthemagnification,hemanagedtoidentifythetarget.
“Thereyouare,theArabella,”hetoldHasim.“Killtheengine,letherdrift
inamongthoseboats,thoughhalfofthemappeartobesinking.I’llgoupthosestonesteps,keepmyheaddown,andseeifanyone’sathome.”
“Istherelikelytobetrouble?”Hasimasked.
“Theguyinvolvedwasinabadwaywhenhephonedme.Hehasafeverandhe’sbeendrinkingtoomuch,buthe’smyproblem,notyours.”Hepassedhimthebinoculars.“Justkeepyoureyesopen,
butyoumuststaydownhere.That’sanorder.”
“Whateveryousay,”Hasimtoldhimreluctantly.
Billymountedthestonestepsandpausedontheblindsideofthewheelhouse.FromthesoundofTerrycoughinghisheartoutupinthecabin,hewasinanevenworsestatethanhehadbeenearlier.
Changingthesituationonimpulse,hephonedRoperandgotaninstantreply.“I
thoughtyou’dfallenoutoftheloop,”Ropersaid.“IphonedtheDarkMan;HarrywasoutandDorasoundedunhappy.Whereareyou?”
“I’lltellyouifyou’lllisten.AdreadfulbloodyplacecalledSt.Jude’sDock.IspokeearliertoaverysickTerryHarker,whoisholeduphere.HephonedtotellmeheintendedtokillmeforwhatI’ddonetoMyraandsaidthattheMasterhadbeen
intouch,claimingtostillbeMaxShelby.Hasim’sstandingoffintheinflatable,andI’mvisitingthecabintoseehowTerry’sgettingon.”
“Forheaven’ssake,youmustletmegetthingsmoving.Whyareyoudoingthis?”
“Becauseit’sthere,isn’tthatwhattheysay?I’lljustgodownandsortoutTerry.Weaponsbeingaspecialtyofhis,Ithinkitwouldbewise
ofyoutoletMr.Teagueknowthatheandhisdisposalteamcouldbeneeded.”
“Justthinkaboutitagain,”RoperpleadedasBillyopenedadecayingmahoganydooroftheoldhouseboatandwentbelow.
—“Who is it?” Terrycried.“Staywhereyouare.”
Hewascrouchingonthe
narrowbedinthecornerinhistracksuit,blanketsallovertheplace,hisfacewild.TheBrowninginhisrighthandconstantlyshook.
Billystayedverycalm,standingonthebottomstep,clutchingthesteelpolethatsupportedthesteps.Thesmellofbrandywasveryobvious,andTerryreachedforanopenbottlethatstoodonthebedsidetable.Heheldittohismouthandtossedit
away.“Empty,”hesaid,and
suddenlyfrowned.“BillySalter,youbastard.Soyou’vefinallymadeit?Butnotonyourown,Iwon’tbelievethat.”
“It’sthetruth,”Billysaid,turningslightly,stillclutchingthepoleinhislefthand,buthopingforachancetograbforhisColtwiththeright.
“Standstill,damnyou,”
Terrytoldhim,andeverythinghappenedatonce.
Therewasthesoundofavehicledrivingupoutsideandbraking.Aminuteonlyandthedoortothedeckopened.Hasimpeeredinandwasimmediatelypushedheadlongdownthesteps,tobegrabbedbyBilly,andtheyfellheavilytothefloortogether.
TerryHarkershoutedupatMaxShelby,framedinthe
deckdoorway.“Whothehellareyou?”
Allthatgothimwasabulletbetweentheeyesthatdrovehimbackwardontothebed.
Hasimseemeddazedfromhisfall,butBillymanagedtopullhimupprotectingly,onlytoreceivetwoshotsinthebackfromMaxthatdrovehimacrossthecabintofallonhisface.
Therewassilenceafterthe
wildness.Hasimsobbingalittleashetriedtogetup,gaspingforbreath,andMaxmovedintokick.“Crybaby,”hesaidcontemptuously.
“No,braveboy,”BillySalterreplied,crouchedinthecornerbehind,andhefiredfourofthedreadedhollow-pointcartridgesintotherearofMax’sskull,explodingitlikeawatermelon.
Hasimstaredathiminawe.“Ithoughtyouwere
dead.”“Itoldyouthere’snothing
likeanylon-and-titaniumbulletproofvestforprotection,evenwhenaweaponisfiredatyouatpoint-blankrange.”
“Sowhywasn’tthismanwearingone?”
“Irecognizedhim.Hismustacheisfalse.”Billypeeleditoffandremovedtheglasses.“HeworksforMI5,butforgotthatIdo.Histwo
bulletsinmybackwereawasteoftime.MineworkedbecauseIshothiminthehead.Butwhat’syourstory?”
“IwasworriedwhenIheardsomeofthethingsyousaidtoMajorRoper,andwhenyouwentbelowandtheshoutingstarted,IjusthadtocomeandseeiftherewasanythingIcoulddo.Thentheblackcabturnedup,andwhenthedriveraskedwhatwasgoingon,Ibeggedhim
forhelp.Whenhegotoutofthecab,hegrabbedmeandthenshovedmedownhere.Whywashesuchabadbastard?”
“Believeitornot,buthehadhisproblems.Itwouldtaketimetoexplain,andfromthesoundofit,Ithinkthecavalry’sarriving,solet’sstealTerry’sumbrellaandgoupondecktoreceivethem.”
—They stood on the jetty,shelteringfromtherainundertheoldumbrella,andaverylargeblackvancoastedinsilentlyandfivemeninblackoverallsgotout.Theirleaderwasatallandratherdistinguished-lookingmanwithsilverhair.
“ThisiswhatwecalltheDisposalTeam,”BillysaidsoftlytoHasim.“They’llsee
tothebodiesandcleanup.Youwon’tknowthey’vebeenhere.”
“Sothey’reundertakers?”Hasimasked.
“Ourownprivateundertakers.Fergusondecidedtoomanyrealbadguys,terroristsandsuch,weregettingawaywiththeirmisdeeds,andthecourtsdidn’tseemtobeabletodomuch.”
“Sohowdoyouhandle
it?”“Summaryjustice.”Hasimfrowned.“And
what’sthat?”“Withouttheusuallegal
procedures,justlikewhat’shappenedhere.Wetakecareoftheroughstuff,andourfriendswho’vejustarrivedhandlewhatcomesafter.Thosetwocorpseswillbetwelvepoundsofgrayashinabouttwohoursfromnow.They’llbecremated.”
“Isthatlegal?”Hasimasked.
“ItistoFerguson.Let’ssayitsavesalotofcourttimeandleaveitatthat,”Billytoldhim,andheldouthishandtothemenapproaching.“Mr.Teague,howareyou?”
“Good,William,”Teaguereplied.“YouruncleHarryiswell,Itrust?”
“Healwaysis,”BillysaidasTeague’speoplejoinedhimwithtwostretchers,body
bags,andcleaningmaterials.“You’vetwodowninthecabin.TerryHarker,awell-knownvillainintheEastEnd,andMajorMaxShelby,whomIbelieveyouknew.”
Teaguefrowned.“Yes,buttherewasnotmuchlefttorecognizeofthefaceofthemanwecrematedlastnight.Excusemeforamoment.”
Hewentbelowandwasbackinstantly.“ThisoneisMajorMaxShelbywithouta
doubt.Yourbullets,iftheywereyours,havewreakedmostoftheirdamagetothebackoftheskull.There’senoughofthefaceformetoconfirmhisidentity.Sowhowasthedoppelgängerwesenttotheovenslastnight?”
“Ihaven’ttheslightestidea.”
Hasimsaid,“Thatblackcabthatheturnedupinisyearsold.I’minterestedincars,andathinglikethat
wouldcarryitsregistrationbookletonboard,otherstufflikeinsurance,anddefinitelyanaddress.Thatwasthelawthen.”
Teagueactuallysmiled.“Youngman,Ithinkyou’vegotsomethinghere.We’llimpoundthevehicle,takeitwithus,andexploreitthoroughlyattheworkshops.ItmayofferasolutiontothemysteryofwhatMaxShelbywasuptoinmorewaysthan
one.”Twomenwithabodybag
onastretcheremergedfromtheArabellabehindthem,followedbyasecond,andtheymovedquicklytotheblackvanandloadedthestretchersinside.Allfourmenreturnedatoncewithbrushesandbuckets.
“You’vegothalfanhourtonormalizethingsasmuchaspossible,andthenIwantoutofhere.”Theytrooped
below,heturnedtospeaktoBillyandHasimagain,andavanmovedontothejettyandcametowardthem.“Idobelievethat’sourfriendsfromHollandPark.”
Sarawasatthewheel,Dillonbesideher,gettingoutasshebrakedtoahalt.“Mr.Teague,goodtoseeyouandyou,Hasim.”
“Andgoodtoseeyou,Mr.Dillon,whatamorningwe’vehad,”Hasimsaid.
“Well,youcantellMajorRoperallaboutit.He’sintheback,”Saratoldhim,andswitchedonthehydraulicsystemthatopenedthereardoorandloweredRoperinhiswheelchairtotheground.
“What’sbeenhappening,Billy?”hedemanded.
“It’scomplicated,butwhatyoushouldknowistheMasterturneduphereintheflesh,MaxShelbyasIliveandbreathe,andMr.Teague
willconfirmthatforyou.”Roperturnedinquiringly
toTeague,whosaid,“It’strue,I’mafraid,sowhowecrematedlastnightisaconundrum,especiallyastheyhadthesamehighlyunusualbloodgroup,butthatcouldjusthavebeenbychance,Major.”
“AbloodgroupfoundinonlyeightpercentoftheU.K.population?Hardlylikely,”Ropersaid.
“SoiswinningmillionsontheNationalLottery,butsomebodydoesandfrequently,”Billysaid.“Mr.Teagueisgoingtopursueinquiriesthatcouldgiveyousomeanswers.YoumaytellFergusononmybehalfthatTerryHarkerisdead,shotbetweentheeyesbyMaxShelbyinalivelyfracashere.Whereishe,bytheway?”
“CocktailpartyatDowningStreettosaygood-
byetoCazaletandtheFrenchForeignMinister,”Sarasaid.“Boringstuffwithabunchofpoliticians.”
“Well,HasimandIhadaninterestingtime,whichinvolvedhimbeingthrowndownthecabinstepsbyMax,whoshotmeinthebacktwice,forgettingIwaswearingtheusualbulletproofvestrecommendedbyMI5.I,ofcourse,madesureofhim,blastingfourhollow-point
cartridgesintothebackofhisskull.So—I’mkeepinginpractice.Ididkillsomeonetoday.”
Dillon’sfacestayedcalm,butSaralookedtroubled.Ropersaid,“Fergusonwillneedtoseeyou,Billy.”
“Whatfor,anotherdoseofthegreatandthegoodwaitinggraciouslytothankthesimplefootsoldierwho’sgotthingsrightagain?Well,I’vehadit.Ineedarestfrom
allthat.I’mgoingtotakeit,andyoucantellthegreatmanI’venoideawhenI’llbebackorifIeverwill.Comeon,Hasim,let’sgetoutofthisdisgustingplace.”
HewasdownthestonestepsandintotheinflatableandcastingoffbythetimeHasimcaughtupwithhimandsaid,“Wherenow?”
“Home,Isuppose.”BillySalterturnedhisfaceuptotherain,eyeswideopen.
“Areyouokay?”Hasimasked,troubled.
“Justallowingtheraintowashawaymysins,”saidBilly.
“Anddoyouthinkthatmighthelp?”
“NotwiththeloadIhavetocarry,butlet’sgetmoving,I’vehadenoughofthisplace.”
Astheyroaredaway,Sarasaid,“Doeshemeanit?”
“Fornowhedoes.”Roper
shrugged.“Buthe’llbeback.”
“Howcanwebecertainofthat?”sheasked.
“Becausehehasnowhereelsetogo,”Dillontoldher.“Solet’sgetoutofherebeforeyouaskmeifthatalsoappliestous.”
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