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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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