They were an odd foursome as they gathered round the table in the big cabin of the yacht and listened to Solo making his report. His face was striped with soot and his suit was singed in several places. So was Susan's wrap. She was pale, but her eyes were alert. Katherine, her shawl clutched tightly about her, had eyes only for Illya Kuryakin, who lounged back against the cushions as calmly as if he had just returned from a moonlight swim. All around them was the subdued growl of power as the yacht sped through the sea.
"—and so the Argyr Palace, the four Thrushes, and the Countess, are all a total write-off. Also all her techniques and—er—creations."
"On the whole, Mr. Solo, I incline to think that it is just as well."
"I'll agree with that, sir. Just a point. None of this would have been possible, and we wouldn't be sitting here talking about it, if it had not been for the courageous, ingenious and very timely intervention of Miss Katherine Winter. That's the cook-housekeeper I told you about" Solo gave her a grin, and added, "She saved all our lives!"
"Indeed! May I speak to her?"
Solo passed the microphone over. Katherine gulped, stared at it.
"Mr. Waverly? That's not true, about me being courageous. I was never so frightened in all my life before!"
"That's quite all right, my dear. We all feel like that, afterwards. I hope you will allow us to think of some way of showing our gratitude."
Kuryakin leaned forward suddenly and took the microphone.
"I'd like to make a suggestion, sir."
"By all means, Mr. Kuryakin. What is it?"
"Well, sir, Miss Winter confided in me that she was indirectly working for the C.I.A. I think she wanted just a taste of adventure. I think she has had that taste, and more."
"I've had all I want!" she declared feelingly, but Kuryakin shook his head at her warningly.
"On the other hand, she has certain talents that would make her a valuable member of any organization. Even ours. I imagine, if we asked her properly, she would agree to some kind of transfer."
"I don't follow you, Mr. Kuryakin!"
"What I'm getting at, sir, is that she really is an excellent cook. And you have frequently said that we lack that particular line of expertise!" The air-waves were pregnantly silent for a long while. Solo grinned.
"You really are a smart Russian!" he whispered.
"Let me speak to Miss Winter again, please." Waverly sounded thoughtful. Katherine took the microphone.
"Hello!"
"Miss Winter, are you really a very good cook?"
"I think so." She hesitated then went on with stirring confidence. "Good enough for the Countess Anne-Marie Louise de St. Denis and all her many guests, with never any complaints. Good enough?"
"Hmm! Yes, I would think so. Miss Winter, I offer you a proposition. I will deal on your behalf with the C.I.A. I am on fair terms with them. I will obtain you an honorable discharge. In return, will you accept a post with us, on the understanding that you will not in any way be involved in any hazard, that you will work only in our Headquarters, and that you will be responsible for the menu, with adequate staff and facilities? And a salary." He named a figure that made her gasp.
"Oh yes!" she said. "I'd love that, thank you!"
Susan Harvey watched as the two men beamed and congratulated the new recruit on her appointment. When the chat had died down a little she said,
"May I apply as the first pupil?"
"Pupil?" Katherine stared at her in wonder.
"Yes indeed. I can see that I have been using all the wrong techniques. I'm going to have to learn how to cook!"
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
20 - The Corfu Affair Page 13