Solo - Jack Higgins [82]
Katherine Riley turned, went into the sitting-room and slammed the door behind her. Ferguson sighed. 'Women really are the most perverse of creatures, aren't they? Why is it the Mikalis attract them?'
Baker returned with a note. 'Apparently this Frenchman, Deville, who visited Mikali at Hydra, is at the flat now. When I contacted French Intelligence about him, they thought I was crazy. He's one of the most celebrated criminal lawyers in Paris. Anyway, they did put him through the computer.'
'And?' Ferguson said.
'One interesting point, sir. He was a slave worker for the Nazis during the war. One of thousands shipped to Eastern Europe to work in coalmines and so on. Those who survived were returned by the Russians in nineteen forty-seven.'
Ferguson smiled softly and turned to Morgan. 'And what would that suggest to you, Asa?'
'KGB?'
'Perhaps, but their main task was to infiltrate the French Intelligence system itself in the years after the war. I should have thought Soviet Military Intelligence much more likely. From the sound of him, Deville has style, something I've always found conspicuously lacking in the KGB.'
'Even the Old Etonian variety?'
'A fair point.' Ferguson wiped his chin with a napkin. 'But a man like Mikali. It really is quite astonishing. Why, Asa? What is his motive?'
'I haven't the slightest idea. I can tell you where his experience came from, that's all. He joined the Legion when he was eighteen. Served two years in Algeria as a paratrooper.'
'How very romantic of him.'
'Excuse me, sir,' Baker interrupted. 'Might I ask about Deville? Do you want him lifted now?'
'A moment, Superintendent.' Ferguson turned to Morgan. 'I think, Asa, it might be politic at this point if you slipped next door and made your peace with Doctor Riley.'
'Which means you don't want me in on this discussion?'
'Exactly.'
Baker went and opened the sitting-room door. Morgan hesitated, then passed inside and the Superintendent closed it behind him.
Katherine Riley stood at the Adam fireplace, her hands on the mantelshelf, staring into the flames. She raised her head and looked at him in the ornate ormolu mirror.
'You've been in hell without a map, Asa. I couldn't leave you there.'
'Oh, but you have a way with words,' he said. 'I'll give you that. That's what comes of an expensive education.'
'Asa - please.' There was real pain in her voice now.
'I know,' he said harshly. 'Passion had you by the throat and wouldn't let go. But who for? Me or him?'
She stood there, staring at him, her face even paler now and when she spoke, her voice was very low.
'We washed you between us the other night, Maria and I. How many times have you been wounded? Five? Six? And those are only the scars that show. I'm sorry for you.'
She walked past him, opened the door and went into the other room. Ferguson looked up and Baker turned to face her.
'Can I go now?' she asked.
Ferguson glanced at Morgan standing in the doorway. She leaned forward, her hands on the dining-table. 'Please!' she demanded urgently. 'I can't take much more of this.'
Ferguson said, 'And where would you go, Doctor Riley?'
'I have the use of a friend's flat in Douro Place. My car's there. I just want to get back to Cambridge as soon as possible.'
His face was very calm and his voice surprisingly gentle when he said, 'And that is what you want to do? You're quite sure?'
'Yes,' she said dully.
'Very well.' He nodded to Baker. Tut Doctor Riley in a car, Superintendent. Have her taken to this address in Douro Place. We can always contact her in Cambridge if we need her.'
She made for the door and Baker went after her. As she got it open, Ferguson said, 'One point, Doctor. Please don't try to leave the country until you receive full security clearance. It really would be most embarrassing to have to stop you.'
Kim came in with a covered dish. Ferguson said, 'Ah, pudding. I was beginning to think he'd forgotten.' He sat down and tucked