She smiled and, with a little nod, went on her way. Hill stood where he was, gazing after her until she was out of sight; then he turned, and continued the ascent, but this time did not hurry.
‘Gad!’ he muttered to himself. ‘What a stunning girl! Her Italian was perfect, but I don’t think she hails from these parts. Her beauty is more Grecian than Italian.’
He sought his room, still thinking of her, as a result of which he entirely forgot what he had gone there to seek. At the expiration of the time indicated by Shannon, he knocked at the door of the latter’s room, and was immediately admitted.
‘Jove, Hugh!’ he exulted. ‘I saw a perfectly topping girl ten minutes ago. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone more beautiful.’
Shannon eyed him with an air of surprise. Hill was not given to going into rhapsodies over the other sex.
‘Didn’t know you were impressionable,’ he grunted. ‘Take a pew, and have a cigarette.’
‘Prefer a pipe, thanks.’ Hill took the armchair. ‘She has glossy black hair, a marvellous complexion, wonderful mouth, the pearliest of teeth, and her eyes! Oh, boy, if you could only have seen them!’ He sighed deeply. ‘To think I shall never see her again,’ he groaned.
Shannon laughed.
‘As bad as all that,’ he chuckled. ‘Perhaps you will see her again. This is a small world.’
‘Don’t be so horribly trite! It isn’t a small world, when you’re searching it for the one girl who matters.’
‘You don’t mean to tell me this houri has actually captured the cold, self-centred heart of our tubby little doc!’
‘I am not tubby,’ protested Hill vehemently. As it was the first time Shannon had ever known the ex-doctor resent the word, he concluded the affair was serious. ‘My heart is neither cold nor self-centred,’ went on Hill, ‘and you know it. Women simply haven’t interested me before.’
The burly man sank rather weakly on the bed.
‘Are you really trying to tell me,’ he demanded, ‘that you are in love, and with a girl you’ve only met today?’
Hill scratched his head with the stem of his pipe.
‘It sounds darn stupid,’ he admitted, ‘but I believe I am. If I were in the habit of falling in and out of love like Tommy Carter, I wouldn’t take any notice of it, but honestly there is nothing more I desire at this moment than to meet her again.’
‘Who is she?’
‘Haven’t the foggiest. Dash it all! I only saw her for a moment on the stairs. We almost collided. All we have said to each other were apologies, though why she apologised to me, I don’t know – it was my fault.’
‘There is no such thing as love at first sight,’ declared Shannon sententiously. ‘Her beauty gave you a jar, that’s all. It will wear off.’
‘What? The beauty or the jar?’ asked Hill sarcastically.
‘Both,’ was the reply, ‘especially if she obtains the beauty from a jar.’
‘Hugh Shannon,’ protested the other, ‘this sad and solemn moment is not the time to give expression to your extremely low sense of humour. And let me tell you that love at first sight is the only real and genuine love. Dash it all! I wish I hadn’t gone up those stairs.’
‘Why not? You wouldn’t have met her, if you hadn’t.’
‘That’s just it. If I hadn’t met her, I should not now be suffering the pain and torment of a love that is bound to be unrequited.’
‘May I remind you that you are here on duty, and not on pleasure?’
Hill nodded gloomily.
‘You’re right,’ he agreed. ‘That girl has so taken possession of my senses that I nearly forgot. We’ll put her from our minds.’
‘You mean you’ll put her from your mind. She’s not in mine. There’s another girl occupying my mental equipment to the exclusion of all else.’
‘You mean Helen?’
‘I do not mean Helen. Even she must take a back seat just now. I refer to the lady who was here when you first called.’
‘Oh, yes. Tell me about her.’
‘That is exactly what I propose to do. You never met Thalia Ictinos, did you? Of course you didn’t, or the chief wouldn’t have sent you out.’
‘I didn’t meet the lady,’ returned Hill, ruefully fingering a scar in his neck, ‘but I have a good deal of reason for remembering her father. Sir Leonard told me the fair Thalia was with the party you are after. By Jove!’ he exclaimed suddenly, ‘you don’t mean to tell me she was the woman here – in your room?’
‘I do,’ returned Shannon. ‘It was Thalia Ictinos, my lad. She came to ask for my help.’
‘Great Scott!’ Hill’s innocent blue eyes were open to their widest extent. ‘Ask your help!’ he echoed. ‘You mean she has tumbled to your game, and is brewing something of her own?’
‘I don’t think she is,’ replied Shannon slowly. ‘She has almost persuaded me that she is genuinely in need of assistance. But light that pipe of yours – you’ve wasted half a box of matches on it already – and give me all your attention. I have a tale to unfold.’
Hill dutifully lit his pipe, a task he had already essayed half a dozen times only to interrupt himself. Shannon waited until the tobacco was glowing evenly.
‘How much do you know about this affair?’ he asked then.
‘Pretty well all up-to-date I should think,’ was the reply. ‘Sir Leonard sent for me directly after he had been speaking to you on the telephone, and gave me the lowdown, as the Yankees call it. Of course I don’t know the details of that tragic business in Cyprus. The chief and Major Brien are terribly cut up about it, especially Brien. He was almost a second father to her, I believe.’
Shannon nodded. Reference to the death of Barbara Havelock had caused his face to become grim and hard. He told Hill the full story of the events leading up to the tragedy, the fight, and the manner in which all reference to the British Secret Service had been suppressed. His own efforts to save Barbara were glossed over, but the doctor knew his colleague, and guessed a lot. Shannon then took him step by step through subsequent happenings, concluding with the coming of Thalia Ictinos to his room and the conversation he had had with her.
‘What do you think?’ he asked finally. ‘Has she some deep and sinister motive in coming to me, or has she been entirely genuine and truthful?’
Hill pulled his right ear, a habit of his when deep in thought or perplexed.
‘I find it difficult to express an opinion,’ he replied. ‘After all, I have never met her. You fellows, who have, always seemed to be pretty certain she was a beautiful devil with no suggestion of the angel about her anywhere, though Jerry Cousins has declared that there was a good side to her character. He, you remember, suffered rather severely at her hands.’
‘Yes, and I’d back Jerry’s judgment against most other people’s. Personally, Tubby, I’m inclined to believe she is sincere.’
‘I can’t see what motive she could possibly have had in coming to you, and telling you things which you know to be true, unless she is. If she had spun a yarn which your knowledge proved to you was false, it would have been a different matter. All the same I should go warily, old chap. Remember her previous threats and expressions of hatred.’
‘Aren’t you helpful?’ scoffed Shannon. ‘You don’t think I have forgotten, do you?’
‘No; but it seems to me the young siren has bewitched you slightly. She must be marvellous to do even that with our Hugh.’
‘She is marvellous,’ Shannon retorted. ‘I don’t think I have ever seen a woman more beautiful, glamorous, or magnetic.’
‘Coming from a man who, the whole world knows, thinks there is no woman on earth like his wife,’ laughed Hill, ‘that is complete evidence that Miss Thalia Ictinos is a unique being.’
‘So she is. One can’t get away from it. Helen is lovely, Lady Wallace is a beauty, but Thalia, in some ways, stands alone. I suppose it is her allure – she is fascinating beyond description.’
‘Ha! A siren indeed. But you haven’t seen the girl I m
et on the stairs. You wait until you do; then, believe me, Thalia Ictinos will pale into insignificance.’
‘I thought you didn’t know where to find her.’
‘I don’t.’
‘Then it seems to me,’ observed Shannon drily, ‘that my wait will be a long one. But this isn’t a discussion on the beauty of women. Listen, Ray, while I propound a scheme I have in mind. You speak German like a native, and would pass anywhere as an Austrian, even in Vienna. My idea is this: tomorrow morning I shall take you along to the house agent in the Piazza di Spagna, and introduce you as an Austrian friend of mine who has come to Rome for two or three months to study Roman art. Savvy? You will announce that you wish to rent a furnished flat, and that the block in the Ludovisi district has taken your eye.’
‘Supposing it does not contain a vacant flat?’ objected Hill.
‘It does, my son. Thalia told me there are several vacant ones there. I will leave you to his tender mercies. No doubt he will take you round, you can find out where the others are grouped, and choose one near by. Once installed, you ought to find some means of listening in to conversations. You and I don’t find guards and watchdogs a bother as a rule.’ He grinned, and Hill indulged in one of his comfortable chuckles. ‘You’ll have to be circumspect of course,’ went on Shannon. ‘They’re bound to regard any newcomer with suspicion, but, if you show no apparent interest in them, I don’t see why you shouldn’t pass muster. How does the idea appeal to you?’
‘It’s better than any I can think of at the moment,’ was the frank reply. ‘What are you going to do? Play possum?’
‘No; I am going to meet Thalia in the Pincio tomorrow evening, and I shall tell her I am at her disposal. If she plays me false, it won’t matter, because you will be running your show separately, and can carry on without me.’
‘I can also get you out of the mess you get into I suppose?’ commented Hill drily.
‘Not on your life,’ boomed Shannon. ‘If I come to grief, you’re not to interfere understand? Your job will be to find out what game those blokes are up to. It would be damn silly, if you gave yourself away by trying to rescue me. Hang it all! You know the rule of the service. Failure must not be risked, because I get in a jam.’
Hill nodded.
‘No; I suppose not,’ he returned, ‘but you’re taking a hell of a chance, old chap.’
‘To hear you speak,’ scoffed Shannon, ‘one would imagine that was something rather unique. I am not worrying. I have a notion Thalia is playing a straight game this time. If she is, I’m all for her. If she is not,’ he shrugged his shoulders; ‘then I’m very much afraid someone will get hurt.’ Suddenly he laughed. ‘That reminds me, I’m sewn up in various odd places. Would you mind removing the stitches?’
‘Let’s have a look at you!’ commanded Hill tersely.
Shannon removed his upper garments. The other gave vent to an exclamation, as his eyes fell on the numerous bandages. When he had removed the dressings, his ejaculations were even louder and more forcible.
‘They certainly cut you about,’ he remarked. ‘Great Scott! Anybody else, but you, would have been in bed at least a week with wounds like these. Yet, except that you’re a bit paler than usual, you don’t look much the worse!’
‘Rot! They’re only scratches,’ retorted Shannon scornfully; then he sighed deeply, and his eyes became sorrowful. ‘I wish to God,’ he murmured, ‘that poor Barbara had escaped as lightly.’
Hill nodded.
‘I’ll leave the stitches in until tomorrow,’ he announced, bandaging the wounds again. ‘I’ll also put on fresh dressings. I have a surgical case with me.’
‘Do you ever travel without it?’
‘Seldom. It often comes in useful, and, although I have renounced the profession of doctor, I like to keep my hand in.’
‘It’s nice to have a tame medico knocking about,’ chuckled Shannon. ‘It saves answering awkward questions.’
After breakfast the following morning, Hill accompanied the burly Shannon to the house agency in the Piazza di Spagna. The latter, who was thought by the head of the firm to be a member of the British Diplomatic Service and connected with the embassy, introduced Hill as Herr Kirche, explaining that the supposed Austrian and he had become friendly while he was attached to the British Legation in Vienna. Shannon’s assurances of the integrity of his companion were good enough for Signor Bonella. He personally took Herr Kirche to view the flats in the block which the latter declared had attracted him. Shannon did not accompany them. He paid a duty call at the embassy in the Via Venti Settembre, where he was a well-known and popular figure.
It is not usual for a Secret Service agent to visit his embassy or legation in a foreign capital when engaged on any confidential duty. Secret diplomacy is a strange game. The men who play it, those particularly who run the risk of capture and imprisonment, perhaps death, have to act entirely on their own. If they are caught, they cannot, and do not, expect the governments of their countries to intercede or interfere on their behalf. They know they and their actions will be repudiated. Success brings little or no reward, failure utter and complete ruin. It has its sordid, unpleasant side this great game, but the men and women who play it are usually actuated by the noblest of all motives. Shannon, as yet, was conducting no enterprise that could in any way reflect on the British government. There was no reason, therefore, why he should not call at the embassy. Sixteen or eighteen months previously he had been stationed there as an extra attaché. The ambassador had fallen foul of a certain section of the Communists in Italy, who had threatened him. Shannon’s post, as a kind of official watchdog and investigator, had become almost a sinecure, owing to the very excellent precautions taken by the Italian authorities. As he had complained to his colleagues on recall, he had not even had an opportunity of hitting someone.
He was greeted warmly, but no questions were asked concerning the reason for his presence in Rome. It is always wiser not to enquire too closely into the motives underlying a Secret Service agent’s arrival in any particular place. Under certain circumstances it is necessary for them to communicate with their embassies and keep in touch with them, but unless they do, they are never questioned. Shannon was invited to stay to luncheon, but declined. He was anxious to return to the Hotel Splendide, and discover if Hill had succeeded in obtaining a flat that would be suitable for his purpose. He was sitting in the lounge when the ex-doctor strolled in. Shannon watched him approach, but gave no sign of recognition. Men who daily carry their lives in their hands are rendered extremely cautious by the very nature of their hazardous profession. There was a possibility that Plasiras and his companions had had their suspicions roused, and had set a watch on Hill with a view to ascertaining if he were actually the man he represented himself to be. However, there seemed no grounds for caution on this occasion to judge from the manner in which the fresh-faced man conducted himself. He walked up to Shannon in a perfectly open manner, smiled cheerfully at him, and threw himself into a chair at the same table.
‘I’ll have a Bronx, Hugh, thanks very much,’ he announced.
Shannon gave the order to a waiter hovering by.
‘You’re sure you haven’t been followed?’ he asked.
‘I was followed by a thin, haggard caricature of a human being, who seemed to wear a perpetual look of surprise,’ was the calm reply.
‘The deuce you were. What have you done with him?’
‘I took him to the Grand, and lost him there by the simple expedient of dismissing my taxi, going up in an elevator as though I owned the hotel, descending by a service staircase, leaving by a back entrance, and driving here. I even drove round half of Rome to make assurance doubly sure. Frightfully untidy place, Rome.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘The Romans leave their ruins about so, don’t you agree?’
Shannon laughed.
‘S’sh!’ he hissed. ‘A remark like that is sacrilege in the Eternal City. I deliberately went to the Colosseum
once, and smoked a pipe there. I’m not the only one who has done that of course. There must be nearly enough cigarette ends in the place to rebuild it. I merely wanted to do my little bit towards the anachronism that is Rome.’
‘I like the notion of rebuilding the Colosseum with cigarette ends,’ chuckled Hill. ‘’Tis a quaint conceit, my Hugh. Ah!’ The exclamation was in greeting to the cocktail at that moment placed before him. ‘Cheer ho!’
He drained the glass, and recalled the waiter.
‘Mine’s a dry Martini,’ Shannon told him in response to his question.
Hill gave the order.
‘Dry Martinis,’ he shuddered, ‘are suggestive of the catacombs and gloomy people.’
‘Why?’
‘I don’t know, unless it is because I do not like them.’
‘As a doctor,’ remarked Shannon severely, ‘you should realise that a dry Martini is a good deal better for you than a Bronx. But we mustn’t waste time on airy persiflage. It is not safe to sit here together too long. You may have shaken off Kyprianos – obviously it was he – but if some of them came here for dinner they might just as likely come for luncheon, and it would be as well if you were not seen. You are not registered as Herr Kirche remember.’
‘I am not forgetting,’ returned Hill complacently. He seemed to be bubbling over with an emotion he was endeavouring to suppress. Shannon did not question him, feeling sure he would be told before long. ‘I have obtained what the ladies would call a perfectly ducky flat,’ went on the other. ‘What is more, my son, it is on the second floor at the end of a hall. And – listen! – It is flanked by the flat occupied by Doreff and Plasiras on one side, and by that occupied by Radoloff, Michalis and Kyprianos on the other. Furthermore, on the other side of the wall of my sitting room is the sitting room of Radoloff and company, while the sitting room of Doreff and Plasiras is beyond one of the walls of my bedroom.’
‘By Jove! That is great,’ exulted Shannon. ‘How did you find that out?’
‘By my well-known and infallible methods of question and deduction,’ grinned Hill. ‘I also discovered that Bikelas and his wife occupy a flat opposite Bruno’s on the floor below. I rather wondered why they didn’t take mine but dare not be too nosey about them. There’s a ladies drawing room on that floor, and I presume that’s the reason.’
Microbes of Power (Wallace of the Secret Service Series) Page 16