Exocet (v5) (15 page)

Donner followed him across to the reception desk and picked up the phone. 'Donner here.'

'Nikolai. Listen, Garcia's been in touch. Apparently Bernard left him a note earlier this afternoon giving details of convoys of St Martin for Ile de Roc during the next four days. Only one meets your requirements and it will be in the right vicinity very early on the morning of the twenty-ninth.'

'That's the day after tomorrow.'

'Correct. Can you handle it?'

'No problem. We'll fly down in the Chieftain in the morning. I'll take the colonel with me.'

'Excellent. How did you find the Legrand woman?'

'Very impressive indeed. I might suggest that she comes down with us.'

'Do you think she will?'

'Maybe. They're obviously crazy about each other.'

'Actually, it's not such a bad idea,' Belov said.

'Why?'

'I don't know. There's something about her that doesn't quite fit. One gets an instinct for these things.'

'You'd better check her out thoroughly then.'

'Oh, I will. I'll be in touch tomorrow. Ring you at Maison Blanche.'

Donner put down the phone and took his time over lighting a cigarette, looking across at Gabrielle, thinking about what Belov had said. God, but she was beautiful, but it was so much more than that. He had been content to use women carelessly all his life, had never experienced any great difficulties with them until now. He shook his head in a kind of reluctant admiration and realised, with some surprise, that he had never wanted a woman so much.

From the dance floor, Wanda glanced across at him, saw the expression on his face and said to Montera, 'She means a lot to you, that lady?'

'Everything,' he said simply.

'Then watch him,' she said. 'He's used to getting what he wants.'

As the music finished, he smiled and kissed her hand. 'You're too good for him.'

She smiled sadly. 'You're wrong. I'm no good for anything else.'

As they reached the table, Donner joined them. 'I've just had a phone call,' he said to Montera. 'That business transaction of ours takes place Saturday. It means we'll have to fly down to Lancy in the morning. I've taken an old house in the country, Maison Blanche. Very relaxing.'

Montera's heart sank. 'If you say so.'

Donner turned to Gabrielle. 'How would you feel about a couple of days in the country?'

'I don't think so,' she said, and then saw the look on Montera's face and realised how little time would be left to them now. For the moment it drove all considerations about her mission for Ferguson out of her mind.

'Sleep on it,' Donner said.

She stood up. 'And now, if you'll excuse me. I'm very tired.'

'Of course,' Donner said. 'A great pleasure.'

He watched them go, frowning slightly, paused to pay the bill, then walked out without a word to Wanda, who hurried after him desperately, unsure of her balance on the ultra-high heels she wore.

He was on the pavement waiting for a taxi, lighting a cigarette, the match flaring in his cupped hands, when she caught up with him.

He said, without looking at her, 'You made me look a fool in there, you know that?'

'I'm sorry, Felix.'

'I'll think of something good,' he said. 'Very special. The kind of thing you won't forget in a hurry.' He pushed her chin up with the tips of his fingers. 'Give
you
something to think about, won't it?'

* * *

Back at her apartment, Gabrielle mixed herself a whisky sour and paced up and down angrily.

'That man is the most disgusting object I have ever encountered. Everything I hate. Do you have to do business with him?'

'I'm afraid so, but forget him,' he said. 'I've got something for you.' He took a small package from his pocket. 'After you left me this afternoon I called a cab and went shopping.'

The elegant wrapper said
Carrier.
She opened it and took out a velvet covered box. Inside was a beautiful ring, or rather, three rings, intertwined in different shades of gold.

'It's what they call a Russian wedding ring,' he told her. 'Usually worn on the little finger of the left hand.'

'I know.'

'I had to make an informed guess about the size. If it is wrong, simply call at Carder's at any time and ask for a Monsieur Bresson. He'll see to it for you. May I put it on?'

She held out her hand and he slipped on the ring. 'I think it might be just a little slack.'

She shook her head, staring down at it. 'No,' she said in a low voice. 'It's perfect.'

'A token,' he said. 'Of ...' He hesitated and grinned crookedly. 'My big moment and I can't find the words. God help me, but I must do this thing properly. Do you think there's the remotest possibility that you might be interested in marrying a rather ageing fighter pilot who, finding himself too old for jet planes now, may prove rather difficult to handle?'

There were tears in her eyes and she put a hand on his arm. 'Raul, do something for me.'

'Anything.'

'Go for a walk. I'd like to be alone for a little while.'

He was full of concern. 'I'm sorry. I'll go back to my apartment. Perhaps I can see you in the morning before I leave.'

'No.' Her voice rose in a kind of panic. 'I want you to come back.'

'Of course, my love.' He kissed her gently. 'Half an hour,' and went and let himself out.

* * *

'Gabrielle,' she said, when Villiers picked up the phone.

'Anything for me?'

She took a deep breath and said, 'Donner joined us tonight. I heard him tell Raul that the transaction was to take place on Saturday morning and that it would be necessary to fly to Lancy in the morning. I don't know where that is.'

'Brittany,' he said. 'It fits in with facts we already know.'

'He suggested I flew down with them. The house they're staying at is called Maison Blanche.'

'And you said yes?'

'I want out, Tony. I can't take any more.'

'I know it's hard,' he said. 'But it has to be done. I know what you think of Montera. As a man, I admire him totally, but he is the enemy, Gabrielle, and we're not talking about personalities. We're talking about stopping Exocets.'

'It's no good,' she said.

'All right. I'm not going to twist your arm. I'll try and handle it without you. But you'll have to tell Ferguson. Check with me in the morning, in case you change your mind.'

He put down the receiver, picked it up again and dialled the number of the Cavendish Place flat in London. It was Harry Fox who answered the phone.

'Bad news from the front,' Villiers told him. 'Gabrielle's ust been in touch. Things are working well, but she feels she can't keep it up. She wants out.'

'All right,' Fox said. 'Leave it with me.'

* * *

Gabrielle poured herself another drink and sipped a little to steady her nerves, but it had to be done. She sat down and dialled Ferguson's number in London. He answered the phone himself almost instantly.

'Ferguson.'

'Gabrielle.'

His voice changed. 'My dear girl, have you been out? I tried to ring you several times earlier.'

'Yes, to dinner,' she said. 'Why?'

There was a pause and she was filled with a sudden foreboding.

'Look, this isn't easy,' he said. 'We tried to reach your mother and stepfather but it seems they're on a yacht cruising the Greek Islands.'

It could only be one thing, of course. 'Richard?' she whispered.

'Yes, my dear. I'm terribly sorry to have to pass you such news. He's reported missing believed killed in flying operations near Port Stanley.'

'Oh, God,' Gabrielle said, and for a brief moment saw him at his passing-out parade, proud in the naval uniform, a handsome, smiling boy.

'Naturally, I realise the effect this unfortunate business will have on you,' Ferguson said. 'In the circumstances it would probably be better to pull you out.'

'No,' she said wearily. 'No point in that. Not now. Thank you and goodnight Brigadier.'

She sat there staring at the phone, then picked it up and dialled Villiers' number again. He answered at once.

'I've changed my mind, Tony. I'll fly down with Raul and Donner tomorrow to this place Lancy. I can't give you the address of Donner's house there though.'

'No problem,' he said. 'Harvey and I will drive down overnight. We'll find it.' He hesitated. 'Is anything wrong? What made you change your mind?'

'Richard's dead,' she said. 'Killed in action. It's got to stop, Tony, for everyone's sake. Too many dead already.'

'Oh, my God,' Villiers said and she put down the phone.

* * *

Ferguson sighed. 'A remarkable girl.'

Harry Fox said, 'She won't pull out?'

'No.'

'How did she take it?'

'How the hell do I know, Harry. The important thing is how long she can hold herself together.'

* * *

When Montera reached the door, it was standing slightly ajar. He closed it and went into the sitting room.

'Gabrielle?'

'In here.'

She was lying in bed in the darkness. He reached for the switch and she said quickly, 'No, Raul, don't turn on the light.'

He sat on the edge of the bed and there was concern in his voice. 'Look, my love, if you're not well, I can go. No trouble.'

'No.' She reached for him. 'Don't leave me. I want you here in bed with me.'

He undressed, dropping his clothes on a chair, and slipped in beside her. She turned into him, arms sliding about his neck and suddenly, like a dam bursting, all the pain, all the anguish, flowed out of her and she started to cry, slow, bitter tears.

'What is it?' he asked.

'Nothing, Raul. Don't say anything. Just hold me.'

He soothed her then, his lips on her forehead, as one might soothe a child and after a while, she slept.

13

Villiers and Jackson had driven down from Paris overnight through Orleans and Tours to Nantes from where they had turned south. It was still early, only eight o'clock, when they finally found Lancy. Jackson slowed the Citroen as they came to the perimeter fence. He coasted along past the main gate which was padlocked and then picked up speed and drove on, turning into some trees round a bend in the road.

They walked back through the trees and looked down at the airfield. 'Old wartime station from the look of things,' Villiers said.

'And no sign of any life.' Jackson shivered. 'I hate places like that. Too many good men gone.'

Villiers nodded. 'I know what you mean.' He looked up at the grey sky which threatened rain. 'Let's hope the weather doesn't give our friends problems getting in.'

Jackson said, 'What do we do now?'

'We'll go into this place St Martin. See if we can find where Donner's house is.'

They turned and went back through the trees.

* * *

Gabrielle lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling. After a while, she turned her head and found Montera watching her.

'How are you this morning?' he asked gravely.

'Fine.' Amazing how calm she felt, how much in control. 'I'm sorry about last night.'

He reached for one of her hands and kissed it. 'Do you want to tell me about it?'

'Nothing to tell,' she said. 'Old ghosts, that's all.' She held his hand tightly. 'This business with Donner in Brittany. It's important?'

'Yes,' he said. 'Let's say he can supply certain equipment my government needs because the arms embargo has blocked more normal channels.'

'And when the transaction is completed, you'll return to the Argentine? How long, Raul? Two days? Three?'

'I don't have any choice,' he said simply.

'And neither do I. I must take what time there is, even if I have to share you with bloody Donner. I'm coming with you to Lancy.'

The delight in his face was plain. 'You're sure?'

'Very.'

She rolled over and he buried his face in her neck. She stroked his hair and stared up at the ceiling again. Amazing how easily they came, the lies, the deceit.

* * *

At Brie-Comte-Robert, Donner walked up and down impatiently, smoking a cigarette. Wanda leaned against the hangar wall, Rabier waiting beside the Chieftain.

'Where the hell is he?' Donner demanded and then a cab turned in through the main gate and crossed the apron towards them.

Raul Montera got out, wearing jeans and his old black flying jacket. He turned and held out a hand to Gabrielle. Donner was delighted, all anger leaving him, and went to meet them.

'So you decided to join us after all?'

'Yes,' she said simply. 'On reflection, I decided I'd nothing better to do.'

Behind her, Montera was getting the bags and paying off the driver. Amazing how marvellous she looked in jeans and the blue reefer coat. It occurred to Donner with a kind of wonder, that this was different. He wanted this woman to want him.

'Fine,' he told her. 'Let's get moving then.'

They turned and walked towards the Chieftain. Wanda came forward and glanced at Montera, that look on her face again.

He smiled. 'You worry too much.'

'Maybe you should worry more,' she said, and followed the others.

* * *

The small bar on the quay at St Martin was empty except for Villiers and Jackson who stood at one end eating the croissants the owner, a large, matronly blonde, had prepared for them.

'More coffee?' she asked.

Villiers nodded. 'Where are all the customers?'

'The regulars are working, Monsieur, and we don't get many tourists these days. Things aren't as they were.'

'I thought there was an airfield near here?'

'Ah, yes, at Lancy, but that closed down years ago.' She poured hot coffee. 'You gentlemen have business here?'

'No,' Villiers said. 'We've been touring Brittany by car for the past week. Someone told us the sea fishing was good here.'

'That's true. Best on the coast.'

'Where could we stay?'

'Well, there's the hotel up the street, the Pomme d'Or, but not if you take my advice. It's a dump. Hugo, the estate agent, has plenty of places to rent. Bungalows, cottages and that sort of thing. He'd be only too pleased to see you, believe me. As I say, we don't get the tourists these days like we used to. His office is fifty yards along the front.'

'I'm very grateful.' Villiers delivered his most charming smile. 'We'll call on him now.'

* * *

Monsieur Hugo, a kindly, white-haired old man who appeared to run his office single-handed, was most accommodating. He had a large map of the area on the wall, little red flags on pins stuck into place to indicate the location of his properties.

'I could find you something here in town with no difficulty,' he said. 'Of course the minimum letting period would be one week.'

'No problem,' Villiers replied. 'However, I would prefer something in the country. A friend in Paris who stayed here some years ago mentioned a house called Maison Blanche.'

The old man nodded, took off his glasses and pointed to one of the flags. 'Ah yes, a fine house, but much too large for your purposes and in any case, I only recently leased it to a gentleman from Paris.'

'I see.' Villiers examined the map and pointed to one of the flags situated between Maison Blanche and Lancy. 'What about that?'

'Yes. I'm sure that would meet your requirements perfectly. A small modern bungalow called Whispering Winds, built five years ago by a schoolmaster in Nantes for his retirement. He only uses it for vacations at the moment. Fully furnished, two bedrooms. I could let you have that for five hundred francs for the week, plus a one hundred franc deposit against breakages. In advance, of course.' He smiled apologetically. 'It is a sad fact of life, Monsieur, but I'm afraid it has been my experience that there are those who leave without paying.'

'I perfectly understand.' Villiers took out his wallet and counted the money out on the desk.

'Would you like me to take you out and show you the place?' the old man asked.

'Not necessary. I'm sure you have work to do. If you'll just give me the key.'

'Of course, Monsieur.' The old man took it from a board and handed it to him. 'There is an excellent general store down the street. Madame Dubois can meet all your requirements.'

Villiers went out to the Citroen and got in. Harvey Jackson said, 'Okay?'

'You could say that. I found out where Maison Blanche is and I've got us a holiday bungalow nearby.' He held up the key. 'Whispering Winds.'

'God Almighty,' Jackson said.

'Stop off at the store up the street. We'll need a few things.'

Villiers sat back and lit a cigarette. It was going rather well. Now, all that was needed was Donner, Raul Montera and Gabrielle and the game could begin.

* * *

When the Chieftain touched down at Lancy just before noon, Stavrou was waiting to meet it with a large Peugeot estate car. Villiers, watching from the trees on the hill through field-glasses, saw the passengers get out of the plane, which then taxied inside one of the hangars, the door of which Stavrou had opened earlier. He helped Rabier close them and the others got into the Peugeot.

'Gabrielle there?' Jackson asked.

Villiers nodded as Rabier got into the front seat beside Stavrou and the Peugeot drove away.

'Okay, let's get back to the bungalow and have something to eat, and I'll phone the Brigadier. Give our friends a chance to settle down. We can check out Maison Blanche later.'

They turned and went back to the car.

* * *

Harry Fox was having an early lunch when Villiers got through. He said, 'He's not here, Tony. Attending a meeting of the Joint Chiefs at the Ministry of Defence. I expect him back within the hour. Where are you?'

'The depths of the Breton countryside. A holiday cottage called, if you would believe it, Whispering Winds.'

'And Donner?'

'Just up the road.'

'Fine. Give me your number and I'll call the moment he gets back.'

* * *

At Maison Blanche, Donner opened the door of one of the bedrooms on the first floor and ushered in Montera and Gabrielle. It was an old-fashioned room with a high ceiling and tall narrow windows, sombre because of the wine-coloured wallpaper. There was an uncomfortable looking bed, very high off the floor.

'Bathroom through there,' Donner said. 'All the comforts. Stavrou tells me lunch in half an hour. I'll see you down there.'

He went out and Montera sat on the bed and bounced up and down. 'Mother of God, listen to those springs. The whole world will know of my mad passion for you.'

She sat on the bed beside him. 'I don't like this place, Raul, and I don't like him.'

'I know,' he said. 'But you like me, so that's all right.'

He turned her head and kissed her gently.

* * *

Villiers was having a drink in the sitting room, waiting for Ferguson's call, when Jackson came in from the kitchen.

'I was just listening to the radio from Paris. There was a newsflash. 2 Para hit Goose Green early this morning.'

'What's the score?'

'Apparently heavy fighting according to American sources.'

Villiers kicked a chair. 'And here we are, playing games for schoolboys.'

'Don't be stupid,' Jackson said flatly. 'They're damned important games. I've opened a can of soup and there's French bread and cheese. If you want some, come into the kitchen. If you want to stay in the officers' mess, that's up to you.'

He went out and at that moment the phone rang. Ferguson said, 'How are things, Tony?'

'Moving quite well.' Villiers explained in detail.

When he was finished, Ferguson said, 'Good, the moment you have details of Donner's actual intentions, phone me instantly. I think you'd better leave Sergeant Major Jackson by the phone at your end in case I need you in a hurry.'

'All right, sir,' Villiers said. 'We just heard a newsflash here about the battle at Goose Green.'

'Good God, ' Ferguson said. 'It's not even been announced here yet.'

'What's happening?'

'Very heavy going, Tony. The truth is our intelligence was faulty. A lot more Argentines there than we thought. I'm afraid the C.O. has been killed, but information is thin on the ground at the moment. Anyway, I'll be in touch.'

Villiers put the phone down, his face grim, then he went into the kitchen slowly.

* * *

Lunch consisted of vast helpings of smoked salmon and Beluga caviar with Krug Champagne to wash it down.

'I'm on a diet,' Donner explained. 'So if I suffer, my guests suffer. You're not drinking again, colonel?'

'As I told you, champagne doesn't agree with me.'

'What would you like then? A good host should always try to please even the most difficult of his guests.'

Montera looked across at Gabrielle who smiled, knowing what he would say. He smiled right back at her. 'How about a nice cup of tea?'

'Dear God,' Donner groaned and looked up at Stavrou standing by the door. 'See what you can do.'

Stavrou went out and Montera said, 'We really must have a talk, Donner. Settle our business. When you can find time, that is.'

'No time like the present,' Donner turned to Gabrielle and Wanda. 'Would you girls excuse us for a while?'

'No problem,' Gabrielle said. 'I'll go for a walk.' She glanced at Wanda. 'What about you, Miss Jones?'

Donner laughed. 'Wanda go for a walk? That'll be the day.'

The girl coloured and stood up. 'Thanks very much, but I think I'll unpack.'

She went out and Donner said to Gabrielle. 'Just one point. The stable-block is out of bounds for sound business reasons.' He smiled. 'Anywhere else, feel free.'

She opened the French windows and moved out.

* * *

Donner and Montera sat by a log fire in the sitting room. Montera said, 'You really can guarantee there will be no slip-ups?'

'Absolutely. My Italian agents assured me this morning that everything is set and ready to go. Those Exocets will be here tomorrow morning without fail. I hope your gold is just as available in Geneva.'

'No problem there, I can assure you.'

Donner lit a cigarette. 'So, you'll fly off in the Hercules. What about Mademoiselle Legrand? Does she go with you?'

'Very probably,' Montera said. 'If I can persuade her.' He stood up. 'I think I'll take a walk myself.'

'I'll come with you,' Donner told him. 'I could do with some fresh air.'

There was nothing Montera could say, so they went out together.

* * *

Tony Villiers, hidden in the undergrowth behind a wall high above the estate, had noticed several interesting things. Stavrou, for example, crossing from the rear of the house to the stables on occasion. There was someone in there, a face barely glimpsed when the door was opened.