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'I see.' Villiers examined the map and pointed to one of the flags situated between Maison Blanche and Lancy. 'What about that?'

'Yes. I'm sure that would meet your requirements perfectly. A small modern bungalow called Whispering Winds, built five years ago by a schoolmaster in Nantes for his retirement. He only uses it for vacations at the moment. Fully furnished, two bedrooms. I could let you have that for five hundred francs for the week, plus a one hundred franc deposit against breakages. In advance, of course.' He smiled apologetically. 'It is a sad fact of life, Monsieur, but I'm afraid it has been my experience that there are those who leave without paying.'

'I perfectly understand.' Villiers took out his wallet and counted the money out on the desk.

'Would you like me to take you out and show you the place?' the old man asked.

'Not necessary. I'm sure you have work to do. If you'll just give me the key.'

'Of course, Monsieur.' The old man took it from a board and handed it to him. 'There is an excellent general store down the street. Madame Dubois can meet all your requirements.'

Villiers went out to the Citroen and got in. Harvey Jackson said, 'Okay?'

'You could say that. I found out where Maison Blanche is and I've got us a holiday bungalow nearby.' He held up the key. 'Whispering Winds.'

'God Almighty,' Jackson said.

'Stop off at the store up the street. We'll need a few things.'

Villiers sat back and lit a cigarette. It was going rather well. Now, all that was needed was Donner, Raul Montera and Gabrielle and the game could begin.

* * *

When the Chieftain touched down at Lancy just before noon, Stavrou was waiting to meet it with a large Peugeot estate car. Villiers, watching from the trees on the hill through field-glasses, saw the passengers get out of the plane, which then taxied inside one of the hangars, the door of which Stavrou had opened earlier. He helped Rabier close them and the others got into the Peugeot.

'Gabrielle there?' Jackson asked.

Villiers nodded as Rabier got into the front seat beside Stavrou and the Peugeot drove away.

'Okay, let's get back to the bungalow and have something to eat, and I'll phone the Brigadier. Give our friends a chance to settle down. We can check out Maison Blanche later.'

They turned and went back to the car.

* * *

Harry Fox was having an early lunch when Villiers got through. He said, 'He's not here, Tony. Attending a meeting of the Joint Chiefs at the Ministry of Defence. I expect him back within the hour. Where are you?'

'The depths of the Breton countryside. A holiday cottage called, if you would believe it, Whispering Winds.'

'And Donner?'

'Just up the road.'

'Fine. Give me your number and I'll call the moment he gets back.'

* * *

At Maison Blanche, Donner opened the door of one of the bedrooms on the first floor and ushered in Montera and Gabrielle. It was an old-fashioned room with a high ceiling and tall narrow windows, sombre because of the wine-coloured wallpaper. There was an uncomfortable looking bed, very high off the floor.

'Bathroom through there,' Donner said. 'All the comforts. Stavrou tells me lunch in half an hour. I'll see you down there.'

He went out and Montera sat on the bed and bounced up and down. 'Mother of God, listen to those springs. The whole world will know of my mad passion for you.'

She sat on the bed beside him. 'I don't like this place, Raul, and I don't like him.'

'I know,' he said. 'But you like me, so that's all right.'

He turned her head and kissed her gently.

* * *

Villiers was having a drink in the sitting room, waiting for Ferguson's call, when Jackson came in from the kitchen.

'I was just listening to the radio from Paris. There was a newsflash. 2 Para hit Goose Green early this morning.'

'What's the score?'

'Apparently heavy fighting according to American sources.'

Villiers kicked a chair. 'And here we are, playing games for schoolboys.'

'Don't be stupid,' Jackson said flatly. 'They're damned important