AllFreeNovel
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Arms folded over his chest, Brian barks, “Why are you here then?”
With a slightly apologetic downturn to his mouth, Allan pulls a sheet of paper out of his inner jacket pocket, unfolds it, smooths out the creases. His eyes flick over the words. He holds it out to Max.
With two fingers, Max draws the paper closer. I turn my head, trying to read it, but Max is holding it away from prying eyes. I watch his eyes flick over and over. Then he sighs and goes to put it in his pocket. Allan holds out his hand. “Sorry, Max. I need that back.”
Without a word, Max slides it back, face down, so the message remains hidden.
“What…” I start.
“Official secrets.” Allan’s retort is sharp as flint.
I’m sure it’s someone taking credit for the bombing on Max’s street, or another threat. Max and Allan’s faces turn to stone. No more information will be forthcoming.
Fretful, Ian pushes. “What about the house?”
“No firm reports on the damage, but the investigators think it’s all superficial. Fortunate the rain started before the fires could spread. Once they can access the row, they’ll know more. Smoke and water damage at the very least.” Allan scratches behind his ear. “I’ll make sure police keep you informed.”
“I bet you will,” Ian mutters, not quite sotto voce.
Allan leans toward Max and starts telling him something. Ian’s icy fingers grip my bicep.
“His brother was just the same,” he whispers. “We called him Stick-Up-the-Arse Mason.”
I look over at Max, who is staring at us. “You were best mates,” he says.
“True.” Ian agrees with a grin. “I could put up with his prissy behavior. He was a wizard oarsman.”
Tapping his fingers against an empty water glass, Allan reclaims everyone’s attention. “I’m really here to discuss next steps. We are certain Max’s house was one target of the bombings.”
“Is that what was on the paper?” I ask.
Max, his face etched in stern lines, gives no sign of hearing me.
Allan turns toward Brian. But then, our waiter reappears with our drinks and food menus in hand. We all sit frozen, waiting for him to finish. The chill at the table is apparent, and he hurries in, handing everything around. “Be back in half a ‘mo to take any food orders.” He practically runs away.
I add milk in one cup, then pour tea for Max first, then for me, leaving him to put in his own sugar. He spoons it in, not paying proper attention.
After four spoonfuls, I touch his hand and the spoon clatters to the table. He takes a sip and winces. I push his cup aside and give him mine, adding a little milk and one spoonful of sugar. He smiles weakly. “Lifesaver,” he murmurs.
Brian sips his dram of whisky. “So, Allan, you were saying?”
Allan looks up from the menu card in front of him. “Good place to choose. The music will definitely keep other ears out of our business.”
The waiter is back, and we order a plethora of small plates.
“I know. You’re not hungry, la mia stellina, but maybe I can tempt you with something. The bread, if nothing else.”
I give Max a weak smile, then focus on Allan, who is straightening up as if to make a pronouncement. His next words are a bit of a letdown. “I understand you were planning to go to Scotland tomorrow.”
Brian leans forward to make sure Allan can hear him. He sounds angry. “Max and Ian may have to stay in London.”
Allan shakes his head no. “Our office will take care of things at this end.” Ian tries to interrupt, but Allan goes on. “We want Max to continue his trip.”
“Mousetrap!” Meggy exclaims. “And Max is the cheese.” She sounds a little too excited.
“You think something will happen up there?” The tonelessness in Max’s voice is unsettling.
“No idea. But your itinerary is no secret. And we want Faez to activate his endgame. The only way to smoke him out.”
