Exocet - Jack Higgins [55]
Montera's heart sank. 'If you say so.'
Donner turned to Gabrielle. 'How would you feel about a couple of days in the country?'
'I don't think so,' she said, and then saw the look on Montera's face and realised how little time would be left to them now. For the moment it drove all considerations about her mission for Ferguson out of her mind.
'Sleep on it,' Donner said.
She stood up. 'And now, if you'll excuse me. I'm very tired.'
'Of course,' Donner said. 'A great pleasure.'
He watched them go, frowning slightly, paused to pay the bill, then walked out without a word to Wanda, who hurried after him desperately, unsure of her balance on the ultra-high heels she wore.
He was on the pavement waiting for a taxi, lighting a cigarette, the match flaring in his cupped hands, when she caught up with him.
He said, without looking at her, 'You made me look a fool in there, you know that?'
'I'm sorry, Felix.'
'I'll think of something good,' he said. 'Very special. The kind of thing you won't forget in a hurry.' He pushed her chin up with the tips of his fingers. 'Give you something to think about, won't it?'
* * *
Back at her apartment, Gabrielle mixed herself a whisky sour and paced up and down angrily.
'That man is the most disgusting object I have ever encountered. Everything I hate. Do you have to do business with him?'
'I'm afraid so, but forget him,' he said. 'I've got something for you.' He took a small package from his pocket. 'After you left me this afternoon I called a cab and went shopping.'
The elegant wrapper said Carrier. She opened it and took out a velvet covered box. Inside was a beautiful ring, or rather, three rings, intertwined in different shades of gold.
'It's what they call a Russian wedding ring,' he told her. 'Usually worn on the little finger of the left hand.'
'I know.'
'I had to make an informed guess about the size. If it is wrong, simply call at Carder's at any time and ask for a Monsieur Bresson. He'll see to it for you. May I put it on?'
She held out her hand and he slipped on the ring. 'I think it might be just a little slack.'
She shook her head, staring down at it. 'No,' she said in a low voice. 'It's perfect.'
'A token,' he said. 'Of ...' He hesitated and grinned crookedly. 'My big moment and I can't find the words. God help me, but I must do this thing properly. Do you think there's the remotest possibility that you might be interested in marrying a rather ageing fighter pilot who, finding himself too old for jet planes now, may prove rather difficult to handle?'
There were tears in her eyes and she put a hand on his arm. 'Raul, do something for me.'
'Anything.'
'Go for a walk. I'd like to be alone for a little while.'
He was full of concern. 'I'm sorry. I'll go back to my apartment. Perhaps I can see you in the morning before I leave.'
'No.' Her voice rose in a kind of panic. 'I want you to come back.'
'Of course, my love.' He kissed her gently. 'Half an hour,' and went and let himself out.
* * *
'Gabrielle,' she said, when Villiers picked up the phone.
'Anything for me?'
She took a deep breath and said, 'Donner joined us tonight. I heard him tell Raul that the transaction was to take place on Saturday morning and that it would be necessary to fly to Lancy in the morning. I don't know where that is.'
'Brittany,' he said. 'It fits in with facts we already know.'
'He suggested I flew down with them. The house they're staying at is called Maison Blanche.'
'And you said yes?'
'I want out, Tony. I can't take any more.'
'I know it's hard,' he said. 'But it has to be done. I know what you think of Montera. As a man, I admire him totally, but he is the enemy, Gabrielle, and we're not talking about personalities. We're talking about stopping Exocets.'
'It's no good,' she said.
'All right. I'm not going to twist your arm. I'll try and handle it without you. But you'll have to tell Ferguson. Check with me in the morning, in case you change your mind.'
He put down the receiver, picked it up again and dialled the number of the Cavendish Place