The Iron Storm by CW Browning (classic literature books TXT) 📕

Evelyn smiled. “Yes. I have to eventually, and it’s best to get back to work as soon as possible. To be very honest, I’m glad that I don’t have to wait very long. The sooner I can get my mind out of Norway, the better.”

“Lars is a good man, but don’t trust anyone else. Get the package from him and go to meet Shustov in Brussels on the 8th. As soon as you’re finished, I want you to leave immediately. Catch the train to Calais and alert us when you’ve arrived. I’ll arrange transport home across the channel.” Bill stood. “I want you in and out as quickly as possible. We don’t know when Hitler will make his move towards France.”

Evelyn nodded and handed him the message from Shustov before beginning to pull on her gloves.

“I’ll be as quick as possible,” she assured him. “I have no desire to flee ahead of another invasion. There is just one thing I want to mention before I leave.”

“What’s that?”

“When I’ve finished this trip, I need to go to Switzerland.” Evelyn finished adjusting her gloves and picked up her purse, standing. “Can you arrange for a flight in?”

Bill raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Switzerland? Why?”

“I opened the box this weekend,” she told him, unable to stop the wide smile that spread across her face. “Inside was a clue. An address in Switzerland.”

He stared at her, his attention caught. “An address? Are you sure that’s all that was in there?”

“Positive.”

He turned to pace around the desk, absently opening the top drawer and dropping the decoded message back in before pushing it closed.

“Was there any indication what the item is that you’re looking for?”

“No. Just the address.”

“Then he must have left the information, or whatever it is, there. What a nuisance!” Bill was quiet for a moment, then he shook his head. “Whatever it is, Robert obviously thought it was important enough for him to go through these lengths to keep it safe. Perhaps I should accompany you to Switzerland.”

“I’d rather you didn’t. Please don’t take offense, but this is something I need to do myself. He entrusted the address to me.” Not MI6, she finished silently.

After studying her intently for a minute, he nodded, and Evelyn silently exhaled. He wasn’t going to fight her on it.

“I’ll arrange it,” he said, coming around the desk again. “When you get back from Belgium, we’ll discuss it further. Where is the address now?”

“I burned it.”

“Good. And the box?”

“Back where it’s been this whole time.” She smiled at him. “Don’t worry. Everything is under control. I suppose you can pull Rex Hanes from surveillance duty now.”

“I think I’ll leave him there for a bit, yet,” Bill said slowly. “We know the message is gone, but whoever broke in doesn’t. Let’s keep him in place for the time being.”

“All right. Mum likes him, at any rate, and Auntie Agatha doesn’t terrify him, so he’s already got that in his favor.” She turned for the door. “When do I leave for Brussels?”

“I’ll send the travel details to Northolt. Plan on leaving on Saturday or Sunday.” He walked with her to the door, but paused with his hand on the handle, his eyes meeting hers. “Be very careful, Evie. I don’t know why Shustov is insisting on this in person meeting, but I don’t entirely trust him. First and foremost, he’s still a Soviet agent. Tread very carefully.”

“I will.”

Chapter Four

Evelyn glanced at her watch as she went through the door to the hotel. After her meeting with Bill, she had met her friend Maryanne for lunch before going shopping. The hours spent in her favorite boutiques had done much to restore her good-humor and, but the time she went to the London house to drop off the purchases and change for dinner, she was feeling very close to her old self again. Dressed in an evening gown of shimmering silver, Evelyn felt as if she could face anything with composure, even a German SS soldier. Thankfully, there was no possibility of having to do so this evening.

She was halfway across the lobby when someone called her name in surprise. Turning, Evelyn saw a tall man with dark hair striding towards her, an easy grin on his handsome face.

“Stephen!” she exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Stephen Mansbridge replied, grasping her outstretched hands and bending to place a chaste kiss on her offered cheek. “I thought you were off on a sooty old air base somewhere up north.”

“I’m at Northolt now,” she said with a smile. “I had to come into town for some shopping.”

“How’s your mother? And Robbie? Is he still flying those Spitfires of his?”

“Oh yes. He loves it, of course. Everyone’s well. I haven’t seen you in ages!”

“I’ve been swamped with work since the war took off,” he said. “You wouldn’t believe the things they have me doing. I’ve just returned from Zurich, as a matter of fact.”

“How exciting!”

“Why don’t we go into the bar and have a drink? We can catch up and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“Oh, I’d love to, but I’m meeting someone for dinner in the Grill.” Evelyn glanced at her watch. “I’m already running a little behind, I’m afraid.”

“Why does that not surprise me?” he laughed. “You never could be on time, could you? Very well. We’ll do it another time. Give Robbie my regards, will you? We really must arrange an evening for all of us.”

“Yes, we must!” Evelyn smiled and reached down to gather her skirt in one hand, preparing to continue towards the restaurant. “I’m terribly sorry. It was lovely to run into you!”

“I’m so glad to see you looking well. Now off you go! Enjoy your supper!” He waved her away cheerfully and Evelyn turned to walk the rest of the way across the lobby.

Her lips curved faintly. She’d grown up with Stephen. His father was posted in Hong Kong at the same time as hers, and they had been childhood playmates.