For the Good of the State

‘Old… friend?’ As Jaggard seemed to be waiting for him to register surprise, Tom obliged him dutifully.

‘Old acquaintance.’ Having published his libel Jaggard carefully Price, Anthony - For the Good of the State retracted it. ‘Old adversary, of course.’ He smiled at Tom. ‘David will tell you a lot about Comrade Panin, if you ask him nicely.

He’s by way of being an expert on the subject. And…’ He trailed off deliberately.

Old, thought Tom. Old adversaries—old acquaintances… old friends—old family friends… even old admirers. Maybe not quite as old as old Ranulf and his adulterine earthworks, but old, old—

‘And?’ Jaggard hadn’t come to the point yet, but was waiting to be prompted.

‘Yes. I was just thinking…’ Jaggard pretended to be just thinking a little longer ‘… if you want to know about Audley, you could do worse—a lot worse—than ask Comrade Panin. It’s quite possible that he knows more about David than we do.’

That couldn’t be the point. ‘I’m going to meet him, am I?’

‘Panin?’ Jaggard wrinkled his nose as a large rain-drop spattered on his newly-polished spectacles. ‘Oh yes… In fact, you’re going to meet both of them—and very soon, too.’ He nodded. ‘This is a time for meetings, Tom: Comrade Panin is soon to meet David Audley—by request, and with our agreement, naturally. And you are going to mind them both, when they meet. And then you are to stay with Audley, like a limpet. Because we don’t think Panin has come over here for old acquaintance’s sake. We think he wants more than that.’

Tom was aware that he’d got more than he’d bargained for in answer to a simple question, and reeled slightly under the pressure of the disorderly mob of questions which crowded his mind. But Price, Anthony - For the Good of the State better to let another simple one through, while he imposed discipline on the big ugly ones. ‘What’s my authority for this, if Audley asks?’

Jaggard looked disappointed. ‘My dear Tom—aren’t you Diplomatic Protection? Panin has diplomatic status —’

‘But I only protect our own people overseas.’ Tom shook his head, even though he knew that he was nitpicking. ‘That’s bloody thin.’

‘But your section advises the Special Branch and the Anti-Terrorist Squad.’ Jaggard shrugged. ‘Use your wits— tell him whatever you think he’ll believe, for God’s sake!’

Actually, it wasn’t such a silly question, because a man like Audley wouldn’t believe any old rubbish. But that was his problem now. ‘Who can I call on for back-up?’

‘That depends on what Audley wants.’ Jaggard gave Tom a shrewd look, as though he’d seen more in the question than had been intended. ‘But if he wants anything, then you deal with Colonel Butler—you deal with him, but you report to me. And I don’t want my name mentioned. You just stay with Audley, and keep me informed as to what he’s up to. Right?’

It wasn’t at all right. ‘You want Audley watched— as well as protected?’

‘My dear Tom—not watched’ Jaggard registered mild outrage. ‘Of all people—not watched… if that’s what you’re suggesting—?’

It was beginning to rain: the clouds had come to a decision at last.

But Jaggard seemed oblivious of it.

‘I’m not suggesting anything.’ To his annoyance Tom found Price, Anthony - For the Good of the State himself thinking of Willy, out there in the rain behind him somewhere. ‘I just want to know what the hell you want me to do.’

‘Of course.’ All Jaggard saw was his annoyance, not the reason for it. ‘David is a difficult man… opinionated, arrogant—not to say eccentric. But his loyalty is above question—don’t even think about it… And quite outstanding in his field, Tom—quite outstanding.’ Jaggard nodded to emphasize the accolade. ‘We need him. And we need him now, with Panin on the premises.’

Tom could see the rain running down Jaggard’s face, and could feel it running down his own. And he thought if Jaggard’s a liar, then he’s a good liar. But then—

‘And we need him kept alive— alive, you understand?’

‘Yes.’ But then he would be a good liar, Tom’s train of thought reached its terminus. But he didn’t think the man was lying now.

‘Keeping people alive is my business.’ He nodded back at Jaggard.

‘So what?’

‘So… Research and Development undertakes field-work occasionally. And I think this will be one of those occasions.

Because whatever Panin gives Audley, David won’t pass it on—

he’ll do it himself.’ Another nod. ‘But… he’s old, Tom.’

Old—

‘He always cut corners, and took risks—even in the old days—’

The old days—

‘I don’t so much want him watched, as watched over. So I want to know what he’s doing—and preferably before he does it. And I want to know why he’s doing it, and how he proposes to do it—I Price, Anthony - For the Good of the State want to know every last damn thing that’s happening. Do you receive me?’

Tom had seldom been given more equivocally unequivocal orders.