‘We’d love to,’ said Nina.
‘I’m always up for some good nosh,’ Eddie added.
‘Superb. In that case, I’d better go and check in. If there’s anywhere you particularly recommend, give me a call. After all,’ a smile, ‘I know you have my number. Since that’s how you saved the world!’
‘Again,’ said Nina. ‘We really should start billing for services rendered.’
Mac laughed, then his smile became even warmer as he shook Eddie’s hand. ‘You know, I thought when I first met you - God, what is it, almost sixteen years ago now? - that you had far more potential than met the eye. People like Stikes thought you were just a troublemaker, but sometimes we need somebody who’ll stir things up. I’m proud, I’m honoured, that you proved me right. Well done, Eddie. Damn good work.’
Eddie stood straighter, beaming. ‘Thanks, Mac. That means a lot.’
Mac released him, then kissed Nina’s cheek. ‘And you’ve done a fantastic job of civilising him. I wouldn’t have thought it possible—’
‘Oi!’ Eddie protested.
‘—but achieving the impossible seems to be one of your talents. Keep it up.’ He went to the door. ‘I’ll see you both later.’
Nina waved as he departed, then turned to her husband, smirking. ‘Aw, look at you. You’re so happy and proud. It’s sweet. It’s like you just got praise from your dad.’
She had meant it in a humorous way, the tactlessness only striking her after the words left her mouth. But rather than responding with irritation as he had before, Eddie appeared contemplative. ‘What is it?’ she asked.
‘You just made me think about Shankarpa and Girilal - about them getting to talk to each other one last time. And about Zec, wanting his son to know he’d done the right thing.’ He picked up the phone. Nina saw that the first two digits he dialled were 44 - the international code for the United Kingdom. ‘Hi, Elizabeth,’ he said when he got an answer. ‘It’s me. Yeah, yeah, I’m fine; I’ll tell you all about it later. Just a quick call - can you give me Dad’s phone number?’
The surprised response from the other end of the line was loud enough even for Nina to hear. Eddie listened with rising annoyance to his sister’s gloating at his change of heart. ‘No - no, I’m not saying I’m gonna call him,’ he interrupted. ‘Just that I wanted his number. In case I need it. Which I don’t right now, okay? So, you got the number?’ He took a pen from Nina’s desk and wrote it down. ‘Okay, thanks. Talk to you again soon. Give my love to Holly and Nan, will you? Bye.’
‘So are you going to call him?’ Nina asked with a sly smile.
‘Don’t you bloody start.’ He pocketed the paper.
‘What about dinner, then? Italian? French? Thai?’
He grinned. ‘I could murder an Indian.’
Kit walked through the gates of United Nations Plaza on to First Avenue’s busy sidewalk. He took out his phone, glanced round to make sure nobody was paying him any particular attention, then entered a number and made a call.
A brusque, impatient response. ‘Yes.’
‘Sir, it’s Jindal,’ he said. ‘I’ve just left the United Nations. Pushing to be assigned to the case paid off - the IHA now has the two statues. As the new liaison between Interpol and the IHA, I will be in a position to monitor their investigation.’
He had hoped to receive some praise, but was unsurprised when none was forthcoming. ‘You think Dr Wilde will be able to find the third?’
‘If anyone can, she can. I’m sure of it.’
‘I hope so, Jindal.’ The implication of threat was understated, but clear. ‘Is your cover still secure?’
‘Yes, sir. Nobody at Interpol or the IHA suspects that I’m working for the Group. If anything, the events in Delhi have given me more freedom to operate.’
‘Good. Keep us informed of Dr Wilde’s progress. As soon as she locates the third statue . . . the plan can begin.’
The call ended. Kit double-checked that he had not been overheard, then disappeared into the crowd.