“Yes of course, I wasn’t thinking. The last thing we want to do is to arouse the curiosity of the authorities in any of this.” Asquith said quickly, adding. “I suppose that we’ll just have to be patient, and see what your chap Dillon comes up with then. Let’s hope that he’s as good as you say he is?”
“Be patient, Oliver.” LJ said, as he got up out of the chair, adding. “I’ll keep you posted,” and went out; leaving Asquith alone with his gin and tonic.
At his château just outside of Paris, Malakoff was towelling dry after completing fifty lengths of the luxury indoor swimming pool. Something his personal fitness trainer had recommend he do. He was about to sit down to a late lunch when one of his staff appeared with a cordless telephone. It was Asquith, and Malakoff listened while he brought him up to date.
“The thing that concerns me, Hugo, is that they now know who you are. And it’s all because of those two east end thugs you employed to snoop around the Cunningham girl, and her father.”
“My dear, Oliver you fret about the smallest of problems, when there really is no need. Rest assured, those two incompetent fools have been taken care of once and for all.” “What are you saying, Hugo?”
“Don’t be naive Oliver, you know exactly what I’m saying.”
Asquith remained momentarily silent, and then said. “I really don’t want to get involved or even know about such things, Hugo. I’m far more concerned with what we’re going to do?”
“Do, Oliver I’m going to do nothing. Levenson-Jones may know who I am but he won’t take it any further, of that we can both be certain. Don’t forget that I’m a French citizen, and a very important one at that. He knows that he can’t come anywhere near me legally, certainly not without stirring up an international fuss anyway.”
“So what’s your next move?”
“I’ve already telephoned the Solitaire, and instructed the captain and crew to make her ready for sea, I’ll be sailing for Jersey early this evening. Once I’m there, I can keep an eye on, Dillon. I would guess, that as he’s staying in Bonne Nuit bay, that he’ll be making contact as soon as he can with this diver fellow, Chapman.”
“I’m sure you’re right, Hugo.”
“It’s a pity that Cunningham is still in a coma. It would have solved a lot of our immediate problems had he not been run over like that, Oliver. However, what is done is done. I gather that the daughter is still at his bedside, and how very commendable that is. But the risk of Dillon finding that U-boat is still extremely high.”
“Well, let’s hope that he doesn’t find it then.”
“Yes, Oliver, for your sake let’s hope he doesn’t.”
Annabelle Cunningham was sitting alone in the quiet private room of the hospital, reading articles from various daily newspapers to her unconscious father.
When she wasn’t talking to him, her thoughts, quite surprisingly strayed to Jake Dillon this curious man whom she’d only just met, and now found herself inexplicably thinking about. The door opened, and Edward LevensonJones entered.
“Hello my dear, thought I’d drop by on my way through. How’s our patient doing?”
“About the same as yesterday, and the day before that and the day before that…” Tears welled up in her eyes as she began to gently sob.
LJ said gently, “I know this must be difficult for you, but if it’s any help, I do believe that Nat will pull through this, especially as he’s such a strong man both physically and mentally.”
“But I feel so helpless, LJ. Sat here day after day, I’m so used to doing things. Perhaps I should go back to Jersey, and help Jake try to locate the U-boat.”
“You like him a lot don’t you?”
“What makes you think that?” She said wiping away the tears from her eyes.
“Because I’ve known, Jake Dillon for a great many years, and I know just how charming and attentive he can be around an attractive young woman.”
“Yes, he’s also kind and gentle around me. But I mustn’t forget that he also has a dark and violent side too, hasn’t he?”
“I’m afraid to say it my dear. But yes he does have another side to him, and like most men who have gone through what he’s gone through in the past, and have actually survived to tell the tale. Well, let’s just say that luck doesn’t even come into it.”
“So what should I do, LJ?”
“I think you know what my answer to that question is Annabelle, but only you can make your own mind up. But, if it helps, I’m almost certain that Jake would not want you in Jersey at this point in time.” She held Nathan’s limp hand, and gently stroked the back of it. “Sorry, I’m being very silly, and of course I’ll be staying on here in London until Pops is better.”
“The right decision, my dear for the right reason. You know that you have my full support, and the use of the firm’s apartment for as long as you need it.” LJ said, looking down at his watch. “Good grief, is that the time. I must be getting along, if you’re free this evening, I’d be honoured if you’d dine with me?”
“Thank you, I’d like that very much.”
“Excellent, I’ll have Roberts collect you around seven-thirty for dinner at eight then.” He said as he left.
Sir Lucius Stagg’s dark green Bentley pulled into the VIP parking space at the city heliport at 10.55am, five minutes before Dillon was due to fly out in one of the firm’s helicopters. The rear door was opened, and Dillon slid onto the back seat.
“Look here Dillon,” Sir Lucius said awkwardly. “I’ve never really understood you or your motives, or why you work for Ferran & Cardini at all. But I wanted to personally thank you for taking on this assignment. It means a lot to me to know that we have someone who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty from time to time.” Dillon nodded, but said nothing.
“This Malakoff fellow, sounds like a bad one if you ask me. So you take care, and watch your back now.”
“I’ll do my best, Sir Lucius.”
“Oh, and one other thing.” The former British Prime Minister leaned forward conspiratorially. “I’m going to give you the opportunity to earn yourself another one hundred thousand pounds, by way of a bonus. That is, should you find what you’re being sent to look for. There is however, one condition that you will have to agree to before stepping out of this car.”
“And what might that be, Sir Lucius?”
“You’re to report back to me, and only me when you’ve located that U-boat, and whatever it may contain in its cargo hold. No questions asked.”
“Is this to be a private arrangement, Sir Lucius?”
“Yes, the arrangement is between you and I Mr Dillon. And, that’s how I wish it to remain.”
“Good. But, I never make a snap decision, Sir Lucius. That is, not unless my life depends on it. So I’ll definitely think about your offer.” Dillon said, and before the former Prime Minister could answer, Dillon got out of the car, and had closed the rear door firmly shut. He stood on the pavement, and watched, as the Bentley silently drove away.
“So what’s your game you devious old bastard?” Dillon thought to himself.
Phil Allerton flew Dillon and Vince in the Bell 206 Jet Ranger, southwards out of London at an altitude of one thousand feet, when he reached Brighton his flight plan took him west down the coast towards Dorset and Portland Bill. He increased his altitude to fifteen hundred feet, and then headed southward across the English Channel towards the Island of Jersey, and the mystery of U-683.