Natasha agreed. ‘It would have to be at the very highest level. Anything short of your Prime Minister or Foreign Secretary and they might not give it the attention it needs.’
‘Excuse me while I shake a few trees.’
Sean walked out of the room, looking for somewhere secluded to make the call. In truth he was sceptical that any of this would make a difference.
Besides, he had already decided on a plan of attack.
‘Hi Robert, how’s the weather in Washington?’
‘Lousy, how’s yours?’
The British Prime Minister pulled the heavy curtain aside. It was late evening and a light fog had descended on the capital, giving the street lights a halo effect.
‘Miserable.’ The PM could hear the famous chuckle on the other end of the line. ‘Well, enough about the weather. The reason I called is that something has cropped up. It appears that a couple of our agents have been picked up in your country.’
‘Were they working a case?’
‘They were checking something out. We think they upset the local police, but I have it on good authority no laws were broken. There was some local damage to a house where they were staying, but nobody was hurt. The damage will be made good, of course.’
‘Care to tell me about your investigation?’
‘Of course. One of our former nationals died in suspicious circumstances in a road accident. We sent someone to take a look.’
‘You don’t normally send your guys over to check out a hit and run, so why the interest?’
‘Robert, I’m wondering why you think the road accident was a hit and run. I never mentioned how the man died.’
‘Well I’m just guessing, is all. But why the interest?’
‘You might recall we spoke about an unfortunate incident last time — to do with the near sinking of HMS Astute.’
‘Ah, I do remember Terrance’ replied a testy President. ‘We’ve had problems getting the information you wanted. But all the indications are nothing untoward occurred. We’re treating it as an accident. Anyway, what’s the connection with your agents?’
‘They found out the man in the road accident was working on a secret project. That project involved testing a robotic submarine and we now know the submarine trials were a disaster. The submarine has gone rogue and we think it attacked our submarine HMS Astute. Since our last conversation I’ve been informed one of the men on-board died of radiation poisoning and two others are still on the critical list.’
‘I’m truly sorry to hear that Terrance’ said the President gravely. ‘But I’m afraid there’s no connection between any secret project we might be conducting and the problems sustained on your sub.’
‘I’m sorry too Robert,’ replied the PM. ‘There will be a huge enquiry surrounding the Astute. If the press were to get even a whiff of an American rogue submarine, they would have a field day.’
The President considered the remark. At last he sighed. ‘So what do you want me to do — send them back?’
‘Not exactly, Robert. Originally my agents were tasked with finding out who was responsible for ordering the murder of the hit-and-run victim. They’re close to finding out who that person is. It’s possible the same person is behind the sabotage of your secret submarine project. I want you to give my agents all the assistance they need to complete their mission.’
‘Seems like we both want the same things Terrance.’
‘We do Robert. When I said all assistance, can I take it you will make sure it happens?’
‘You can Terrance. We’ve a lot invested in the project and we could do with any help from your guys. God knows how many agencies are involved in hunting this blasted rogue sub, but I’ll make sure we’re all working together.’
‘Thanks Robert. Oh by the way, there is one more thing.’
‘Yes,’ replied the President cautiously.
‘My name is Terry, not Terrance.’
Sergeant Timothy Evans knocked on the door of the office and went in. Station chief Peter Cheevers indicated the chair opposite. ‘Take a seat, Tim. How’s the interrogation going?’
The Sergeant chose to stand. ‘He’s close to breaking’ he said brusquely.
‘Tim, I’ve just been talking to the Commissioner. We’ve orders to halt the interview and let them go.’
‘What do you mean, let them go?’ the Sergeant almost spat.
‘The British have been making noises. The British Ambassador phoned me in person. They want their men back.’
‘Tough, let them go fish.’
‘It’s not as easy as that. It’s gone political — the Brits spoke to the White House. The White House called in the State Department and they’ve been on the phone to the Commissioner.’ Cheever looked at his sergeant. ‘It’s out of my hands, Tim. We have to let them go.’
‘You know what I think about that!’
‘I know Tim and you don’t have to tell me. But I’m telling you. Suspend the interrogation and let them go.’
Sergeant Evans remained still.
‘However..’, began Cheevers. ‘I haven’t been ordered to stop looking for the third agent.
The sergeant took the seat opposite his boss.
‘When we let these two go, they might lead us to the third man. But you’ll need to be very discreet.’
‘Can I pull him in?’
Cheevers shook his head. ‘No. Just follow them and find out where they hole up. Be very careful.’
‘I will chief.’
‘How is Lomax? Is he well enough to leave hospital?’
‘Apparently he’s OK. A bit roughed up — some kidney damage and a cracked rib. They’ve sorted the kidney with some medicine but the rib will have to take care of itself. He should be able to go under his own steam.’ He stared at the station chief. ‘A pity.’
‘I know you were looking forward to interrogating him when you’d finished with the kid.’
A grim smile appeared on Sergeant Evans’ face. ‘I told the kid that Lomax wouldn’t last the night — just to add a bit of pressure. That’s when he came close to breaking.’
‘He’ll know soon enough that Lomax is OK’ observed Cheevers. ‘When you’ve completed the paperwork, put all of it on my desk.’
The Sergeant turned to go.
‘Oh, and Tim?’
Sergeant Evans looked back.
‘Not a word to anyone. Is that clear?’
The Sergeant nodded and left.
‘You don’t look in any fit state to go anywhere’, Sean observed.
‘I’ve felt better.’
Sean helped Lomax swing his legs over the side of the bed. ‘Here’s your clothes. I didn’t have time to get you any others — we’re up against the clock.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘We’ve just over twenty four hours to find a way of turning that sub back.’
Lomax grunted, struggling to pull his clothes on. ‘London’s been on the phone. They’ve persuaded the Yanks to co-operate with us.’
Sean turned and gave Lomax a surprised look.
‘Don’t ask me how’, Lomax growled. ‘But we’ve got full agency support, backed by the President, no less.’
‘Phew’ said Sean. ‘Shame it didn’t happen earlier.’
Lomax stood up. ‘How do I look?’
Sean shook his head. The contrast with Lomax’s normally immaculate figure was stark. ‘To be honest you look like a hobo who’s just crawled out of the hedge.’
‘Thanks’ said Lomax sarcastically. ‘We need to find a new safe house and plan the next move.’
Sean turned to go. ‘Oh, by the way, do you know where DD is?’
‘The police are hanging on to him a while longer. Not sure why, but you’ll need to check for ticks when you pick him up.’