The sound of people talking in whispers reached his ears, and he wondered at the secrecy. What were they doing? When he heard footsteps moving across the hall with measured tread, as though carrying something heavy, his curiosity got the better of him, and he glanced cautiously out. A muttered exclamation broke from him at what he saw. Four men, two of whom he recognised as Radoloff and Bruno, even in that dim light, were carrying the inert body of a fifth. They placed it down near the porter’s little glass-enclosed office, and stood talking in whispers. Then one of them went out, returning after several minutes, and nodding to the others. The body was lifted again, and carried through the front entrance. Inclination urged Shannon to follow, caution bade him remain where he was. It was well he did so. In rather less than five minutes the four returned, and walked slowly in his direction on their way towards the stairs.
‘It was well we knew in time,’ Bruno was saying as they approached. ‘I hope Kyprianos is right, and that he will be found to have died of heart failure, and nothing else.’
‘Kyprianos does not make mistakes,’ declared another softly. ‘For a long time I have suspected that secretary of mine of being a traitor. Now his treacherous days are ended. Are you quite sure yours is trustworthy, Bikelas?’
‘I would answer for him with my life,’ came the reply from the man addressed as Bikelas.
‘I hope, my friend, that you are not compelled to do so,’ commented General Radoloff.
‘He has been with me for seven years and I knew him before that for—’
The remainder was lost to Shannon as the four passed on. He had squirmed his way round the lounge seat, as they went by, in order that he would not be seen by any who chanced to look back. Waiting until they had ascended the stairs, and disappeared from view, he rose, and hurried out of the building. Quickly withdrawing from the circle of light cast by the lamp over the entrance, he effaced himself in the darkness, his eyes searching for the form of the man who had been killed, and who would be found to have died of heart failure. But although he knew it could not be far away, he realised that the task of searching for it would probably take a long time in that darkness. He went on his way, therefore, reflecting on the fate that had overtaken the poor fellow, every thought causing him to understand the more what deadly peril Thalia Ictinos was in. Plasiras, Bikelas, Bruno and the rest were desperate, as was only to be expected of men who were nursing and guarding such a terrible secret. If suspicions, even of the slightest, were raised in their breasts against the girl, her life would not be worth a moment’s purchase. Already she had spoken as though she thought Kyprianos had doubts of her. It was his devilish ingenuity which had brought about the secretary’s death, making it appear, if Shannon had heard correctly, that it was due to natural causes. If one such death could so easily be contrived, another could take place with the same appearance of innocence.
Shannon succeeded in entering the hotel, and reaching his room without being seen by any members of the night staff. He locked away the parcel containing the overalls and microphone, had a bath which he felt he needed badly; then, attired in pyjamas and dressing gown, filled and lit his pipe and, sinking into the armchair, gave himself up to meditation. In a sense he felt triumphant at having stumbled upon the details of the conspiracy, but the cold-blooded inhumanity of the scheme so revolted and appalled him that he had little time for personal congratulations. One thing was apparent; it was that the scoundrels who intended grasping dictatorial powers in their respective countries by means so horrible must be checkmated at the earliest possible moment. The question only remained concerning the best and safest manner to accomplish such a purpose. As the Greek government was most directly concerned, Shannon thought that representations could best be made to the authorities at Rome from Athens. However, Sir Leonard Wallace was the best judge of that, and a report must go through to him at once. On reflection, Shannon decided to telephone through from the British embassy early in the morning. He could then receive instructions without delay. He sat down, and wrote a complete account of his discoveries up to date, including the part Thalia Ictinos was taking in the affair, and the manner in which she had sought his help. This he put into code ready to dictate through the telephone. He knew it would be taken down at the other end, and decoded as he spoke. Having assured himself that the cipher was correct, he tore up the original into minute scraps, and burnt them in the fireplace.
Soon after nine o’clock the following morning, he entered the British embassy, and obtained an interview with the ambassador himself. A transcontinental official telephone call was put through to the Foreign Office in London from where, at the mention of a certain word, connection was obtained with Secret Service headquarters. Shannon was delighted to find that Major Brien was already in his office. He indicated that he had an urgent report to make and, after a short delay, during which he envisaged the deputy chief sending for Maddison, and the latter positioning himself at the desk with pad and pencil – a little flight of imagination that brought a smile to his face – he was told to proceed. Carefully, assuring himself that every word was correctly received, he dictated his report. Maddison was the most expert code man at headquarters. Shannon was not surprised, therefore, when his voice came through almost directly after the message had been received to announce that it was complete – and understood. He was told to hold on, and he smiled to himself again presently when he heard faintly a long-drawn whistle. Someone, probably Major Brien, he reflected, was registering astonishment. There was a distinct click which the listener took to indicate that the latter was communicating with Sir Leonard Wallace. Five or six minutes went by; then Shannon heard the chief’s well-known voice.
‘Great work, Hugh,’ he applauded without appearing to be in the slightest bit enthusiastic. ‘Before action, the contents of that case must be rendered innocuous or removed, otherwise anything might happen when K. is cornered. Do you think you and H. can manage without causing a stampede? You must not fail.’
Shannon thought rapidly.
‘Yes, sir,’ he replied. ‘Can do, I think – even if it means a hurried exit for K.’
‘Exactly; there must be no scruples. Ring through every morning at this time to let me know how things are going. Don’t undertake the job until everything seems auspicious, and use T. and one or two of his men if necessary, but don’t drag him in unless you must. Finally, beware of T. I. I hope she is all you think her. It seems that she must be, but don’t trust her too far. If she is doing the job she says she is, you must acquaint her with what you’ve heard, in order that she can send her report, but tell her to wait until you give her permission. Is that understood?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Right. Keep your eyes open for two men called Baltazzi and Padakis. They got away from London – due to them others left Nicosia of course. Any indication that your lot have heard what happened there?’
‘Not as far as I am able to tell. T. I. knows nothing.’
‘Excellent. Well, good luck!’
The telephone became silent. Shannon put down the receiver, contemplating it with a whimsical smile. The chief had given him a job after his own heart. To beard Kyprianos in his own den, if necessary, was the kind of thing which appealed to him, and he knew Hill would also appreciate the opportunity that had come their way. The burly Secret Service agent decided to walk to the Pincio. He always found that he could think better when walking, and there was a great deal of thinking to be done. Sir Leonard Wallace had paid him the compliment of leaving ways and means to him. The question was: how were the cultures to be removed or rendered innocuous without Kyprianos being aware of the fact? Such a feat appeared impossible. The only way appeared to be to remove Kyprianos with them. A grim smile flashed into Shannon’s face. If the Cypriot were removed, there would be no need to bother about the case. The others would not dare to do anything without him. Obviously Sir Leonard wished the affair to be managed, if possible, without the rest of the band taking alarm, in order that they could
all be apprehended together when the time came. It was a pretty problem.
Shannon had traversed the Via Bon Compagni, and was approaching the church of St Trinità dei Monti when he suddenly remembered the fact that Hill was a doctor – he had also specialised in bacteriology. Would it be possible for him to inject some drug into Kyprianos which would render him innocuous! The thought sent a glow of excitement through Shannon. If they could only kidnap the scientist for a short while! He must get in touch with Hill, and discuss the matter with him at the earliest possible moment. He swung away from the Via Sistina, and climbed to the Pincio at a pace that would have made most people gasp; it was as though he felt he had to keep up with the thoughts which were racing through his brain. He reached the terrace to find that Thalia had not yet arrived. That was rather a relief, as he wished to attune himself more to the mood in which he had been on the preceding night, after he had listened to the discussion which he had found so appalling. It would not do to give her an inkling of the plans which were being hatched in his mind. It was shortly after half past ten when she came to him, looking as wonderfully fascinating as ever in an ankle length spring creation in flowered silk, a large hat of soft delicate straw shading her face from the sun which, even at that hour, was very powerful. Shannon reflected that she showed common sense as well as exquisite taste. The morning was definitely very hot. He removed his hat, and bowed low over the hand extended to him in greeting.
‘My friend,’ she smiled, ‘you look very warm.’
‘I am,’ he admitted, ‘I have been walking fast.’
She raised her delicate eyebrows.
‘Walking!’ she echoed, ‘on such a morning? But I forget, it is one of the madnesses of the English to walk, is it not? Come! We will find a seat in the shade where we can talk. I have news also for you. Something has happened which puzzles me very greatly.’
He guessed what it was.
‘Tell me!’ he begged, as they came to an unoccupied seat, and sat down.
‘This morning early the secretary of Plasiras was found dead in the road a little way from the building. His hat and coat were lying near, and it seems that he was returning home from the theatre, where Plasiras said he had gone, when he was taken ill and died. Two doctors who came said at once that he had died of heart disease. His body has gone already for – what is it?’
‘An autopsy?’
‘Yes; that is it. But the doctors say there is no doubt. It must be done for the matter of form. Oh, Hugh,’ she added, looking at him as though uneasy, ‘I do not understand this at all. I am sure that he was up there – in the flat – when the conference was going on. I know, I am sure, that one secretary is on guard inside, and one outside – always that has happened.’
‘And no doubt it happened last night,’ he observed quietly.
‘What – what do you mean?’
‘I hope you have not said anything of your thoughts to anyone?’ he asked anxiously.
‘I am not a fool, my friend. Tell me why you said that?’
‘That man was murdered, Thalia. Apparently they have suspected him. Probably they caught him listening at the door last night. At all events, they overcame him, and Kyprianos injected, or forced him to swallow, a drug which killed him and left the appearance of heart disease. Come to think of it, they would be too wise to inject – a hypodermic syringe leaves a mark – no; whatever it was, they forced him to drink it.’
‘But how do you know this?’ she asked in profound surprise.
He told her. She listened quietly, even smiled a little, as he impressed upon her the necessity of being more careful than ever in her dealings with the people with whom she was connected. She begged a cigarette, inserted it in the inevitable holder, and raised it to her lips with a hand that was as steady as a rock.
‘I am always careful, mon ami,’ she assured him.
‘Remember, though, that they are desperate men,’ he urged, ‘and have proved that they will stick at nothing. They would remove you, Thalia, with as little compunction as they have removed that poor fellow.’
‘I know,’ she admitted soberly; ‘I realise that – oh, very well indeed. A little while ago I would not bother, I would have shrugged my shoulders and said, “What does it matter?” But everything has changed. I have no wish to die, Hugh. Something has happened to me, which is very nice, but very strange.’
‘What is it?’ he asked.
‘Presently I will tell you. First, can I hear what it was you heard when you were in the chimney?’
Without preamble or preface, he went straight to the point, repeating the conversation almost word for word, for it was as though it had been burnt into his brain. She was a good listener; did not make a sound, but her hand fell on his arm, as he spoke of the deadly disease which it was proposed to threaten to spread among innocent people.
‘Oh, Hugh,’ she cried, when the recital had ended, ‘how diabolical! It is inconceivable that men like General Radoloff and Signor Bruno could associate themselves with a scheme so wicked. I do not think even my father would have stooped to a thing so vile.’
‘You will realise now, more than ever, why you must be careful. May I give you some advice?’
‘But, of course. Have I not asked for it?’
‘Then do not do anything but that which an ordinary lady’s companion would do. Discontinue all your investigations completely!’
‘How can I do that. My country expects me to accomplish that for which I am with these people. I must do my duty.’
‘You have done it admirably. Now leave everything to me. Will you promise this?’
‘You mean you will also report to my government?’
‘No; you will do that, but not now. The time is not yet ripe. As soon as it is, I will tell you, and you will immediately communicate with Athens. At the same, I will inform my department in order that Italy can be warned of the manner of people she is nursing unconsciously in Rome. Please promise to leave everything to me henceforth. I will keep you informed of what I am doing and, if necessary, will ask your assistance.’
She smiled up at him.
‘You are very good to me, Hugh, and I was once so wicked. I do not deserve this wonderful kindness. Very well, since you ask, I promise.’
‘Splendid!’ he ejaculated. ‘You are sure you were not followed here?’
‘Oh, perfectly. They were all too busy pretending to be so sad about that poor man. But I looked and watched, and went three different ways in three taxis. Oh, I was very much careful.’
‘I am glad to hear it. Now, Thalia, tell me what has happened to you which is strange but very nice.’
Her eyes dropped until the long, curling lashes hid them completely from him. He was interested to observe the colour stealing slowly into her cheeks. For some moments she remained silent.
‘It is very difficult for me to speak of this,’ she murmured at length, ‘but it is good to have a friend in whom to confide. I have no mother or sister or even a brother. I think, Hugh – I am not sure, but I think love has come to me.’
‘By Jove!’ he exclaimed softly, as though he had not already guessed. ‘This is fine, Thalia. I hope he is worthy of your love.’
‘Worthy of my love!’ Her voice contained a harsh note, and she turned to look him full in the face, her eyes flashing fire. ‘I am sure of him – I know, I feel he is a very good, a very honourable and noble man. It is that I fear I am not worthy of his love. What will he say; what will he do, when I tell him I am the daughter of Stanislas Ictinos, and have myself been a woman so bad?’
‘You will tell him of the past?’
‘But, of course,’ she replied simply. ‘Otherwise I would live a lie, and I could not do that, Hugh.’
‘No,’ he agreed; ‘I don’t think you could. You are sure he loves you?’
She laughed.
‘Oh, you will think it very silly. You will be amused. Do you know, I met him for the first time on the stairs of the Splendide, when I was coming from you
r rooms. He was running up in a great hurry, and almost we bumped. He was very much apologetic, and we did not speak more than half a dozen words, but we looked at each other, and I think I knew then that for me he was different from other men. Yesterday, when I returned after speaking to you, I met him in the house where I live, and again on the stairs. We speak to each other for a little while, and he is very frank. He tells me he followed me, and takes a flat there to be near me.’
Shannon pretended alarm.
‘Do you not think he may be engaged to watch you?’ he asked.
‘No, no, no!’ she cried vehemently. ‘Of that I am most certain. It is because he – he loves me that he takes the flat.’
‘Did he tell you so?’
‘No,’ she laughed; ‘he is impulsive, but that would be too sudden, would it not? But he has eyes that are very honest. As he looked at me I knew, because his heart spoke to me from his eyes.’
Shannon pondered. It was extraordinary that love for each other should come to two people in such a flash, he reflected. He knew Hill was in love with Thalia; he felt there was no mistaking that she reciprocated that love. It must be confessed that the news delighted him, not only for the sake of his friend, but because it helped to remove all remaining shreds of doubt in his mind concerning Thalia. He would have liked to have taken her entirely into his confidence; to have told her the real truth concerning his presence in Rome; that he was not working so much to assist her as to carry out instructions given to him by his own department. A man who hated playing a deceitful role, Shannon felt more regretful now than before that circumstances compelled him to delude the girl.
Microbes of Power (Wallace of the Secret Service Series) Page 21