“The story’s credible enough if you bear in mind that the only reason this guy would do it is because it could keep peace between the two major powers who seem to be squaring up to one another. If somebody would listen we’d have to work it out step by step.”
“Let’s face the facts, my boy. The only reason why you find it credible is because it comes from your friend Serov. The main reason why I would pursue it is because I trust your judgement. And from that point on it all depends on somebody trusting my judgement. The people I have connections with don’t go much for trust.”
“Then we’ll have to forget it. I’d have to ask you not to mention that the possible collaborator is based in New York.”
“Why not?”
“Somebody might turn down the idea but feel that looking for the man was a better deal.”
“The more I think about it the crazier it seems.” Hancox stood up slowly. “Is there any time limitation?”
“Serov will be staying at my place tonight. I think the sooner he gets an answer the better.”
“Why?”
“He’s acted on impulse and I’d guess that by now he’s beginning to regret it.”
“I’ll see what I can do, but I don’t hold out much hope. I’ll get in touch with you one way or another tonight.” He shook his head slowly. “Don’t expect much.”
When Malloy met Serov at the Waldorf he realised in a few minutes that his diagnosis of Serov’s reaction was correct. He was full of doubts now about the scenario he had described, and guilty that he could have compromised his friend by his impulsive action. Malloy took him back to his home straightaway in the hope that talking with Kathy about other things would take Serov’s mind off the problem.
He had phoned Kathy earlier to warn her that he was bringing home a visitor and he had explained briefly who Serov was.
To his surprise Kathy took to Serov immediately. Amused by his politeness, the kissing of hands and the bunch of flowers from the kiosk at the Waldorf. There was a telephone call as they ate their meal but it was from one of Kathy’s friends.
There were two further phone calls during the evening but neither was from Hancox. It was almost midnight when Malloy finally got the call from Hancox.
“I hope I’ve not kept you up, Bill.”
“That’s OK.”
“When you posed this little problem I wasn’t sure where to go, but in the end I decided that all the traditional routes were just that—traditional. Anyone who’d even consider this would have to be very aware of its potential value without wanting to work out how it could affect their own interests. So I went as high as I could. Very near the top. And I was very surprised. Instant recognition of the possibilities and immediate willingness to explore it further.”
“That’s great news. Can I ask who it is?”
“You can ask but I can’t tell you.” He paused. “Your friend, when does he have to go back to Washington?”
“He’s supposed to be back there now.”
“OK. Ask him to go to the Tabard tomorrow at around 7 p.m. and ask for me. I’ll have a room there. And we’ll see how it goes from there.”
“I’ll do that. Thanks for the effort.”
“I think it’s going to work out. Maybe not exactly as we talked but on the right lines.”
“And no problems about our friend’s friend’s security?”
“No. No problem. Sleep well.”
And Hancox hung up. Malloy sat in his small study for several minutes before going back to join Serov and Kathy.
As Serov walked from his rooms to the Tabard Inn he wondered why he hadn’t let well alone. He was content with his quiet life and now overnight he was involved with people of importance and influence. Why the hell didn’t he mind his own business instead of creating problems for both himself and Bill Malloy? And now an even more important man, the senior partner of the firm of lawyers where Malloy worked. But now he’d started he’d have to carry on for Malloy’s sake.
It was three days before Malloy saw Hancox again and the senior partner had been amiable but without making any mention of the meeting with Serov or its outcome. On subsequent office meetings with Hancox the senior partner had made it subtly but patently clear that he didn’t want to discuss the Serov business.
Malloy had put the episode out of his mind, not without some mild resentment at not being taken into Hancox’s confidence. And then two months later Hancox had walked into Malloy’s office late one afternoon, sitting himself down in the client’s chair and slowly and elaborately clipping a cigar and lighting it before looking at Malloy.
With a half-smile he said, “You’ve put up a good show of being patient, Bill. I’m sorry I couldn’t let you in on what was going on. I didn’t know much myself.” He paused. “It seems to be working out. Slowly, but good foundations have been laid.”
“Am I allowed to ask what’s happened?”
“Are you doing anything special tonight?”
“No. Kathy’s away for a couple of days.”
“I’ll get Sue to book us a table at the Metropolitan and we can eat, it’s usually quiet on a Wednesday. And then we can talk.”
The Metropolitan Club at Fifth Avenue and 60th had been founded by J.P. Morgan, allegedly for friends who had been blackballed elsewhere. But that was a long time ago and now it was extremely choosy itself.
The food was plain but good and neither of them had been disposed to linger at the table. They had found two comfortable, leather
