D-Notice by Bill Walker (books to read for self improvement txt) 📕

“You’ll become a Major in the Royal Guards with a significant increase in your current pay. Is that agreeable?” Atwater smiled, his face taking on a paternal glow.

“Before I say anything one way or the other,” Thorley replied, leveling his gaze at the others, “I want to know what you’re holding back.”

The three older men glanced at one another, their expressions guarded, then Sir Basil nodded, his sober countenance softening with a smile. “I knew you were the right man,” he said, “even if old Pete here still has his doubts. You’ve always looked beyond the obvious. “Unfortunately, we can’t tell you anything more. We don’t know what it is they want to show us, and they won’t say. All they will say is that it’s a matter of the utmost importance. That the entire course of the war will be affected by it.”

Michael raised an eyebrow. “A surrender, perhaps.”

“We thought of that, and we aren’t ruling it out, but this doesn’t have the same ring to it as their entreaties in the past. It’s something else, something altogether bad, I’m afraid.” The older man approached Thorley and laid a fatherly hand on his shoulder. “Michael, I’ve known for some time that you’ve been dissatisfied with your job. I would have to be a doddering old fool not to have seen it. And while your work has always been impeccable, even a doddering old fool can see that sitting out this war’s killing you from the inside out.”

Thorley glanced up at Sir Basil, noting the older man’s impassioned gaze.

“I know it’s risky,” Sir Basil continued, “but we need to find out what’s behind all this. If what they’re saying is true, we might shorten this bloody war. I think we all want that.”

“Yes, sir,” Michael said.

“The Germans have assured us that you’ll be protected at all times. And you won’t be alone; the Swiss will be there, as well.” He paused again, his emotions welling. “I don’t want to see you consume yourself, Michael. You’re too bloody valuable to waste. That’s why we’re giving you this chance. And I hope you’ll take it, but if you don’t, I’ll certainly understand.”

Thorley found his mind a raging torrent of conflicting emotions. Here was the chance to take a stand, to really contribute to the war in a way that no one could ever dispute. On the other hand, it was very likely a contribution he would never be able to talk about, and worse, one from which he might never return. Still, there were thousands of men taking the same risks every day, and dying. What right did he have to refuse?

And then there was Sir Basil. That the old man had thought highly enough of him to trust him with this mission touched him deeply. He only hoped he could live up to the other man’s image of him.

Thorley let out a breath, feeling the tensions of the day leave him in a rush. “All right then,” he said finally, “I’ll do it, if you’ll have me.”

Sir Basil nodded, his proud expression turning serious. “There’s just one other thing,” he added, returning to his place beside the hearth. “You must leave tonight, now in fact.”

Thorley’s eyes widened. “Now? But my wife, I’ll need to tell her.”

MacIlvey was shaking his head vigorously. “Not possible. You accept the assignment—it must be on our terms.”

They had him. They’d played him like a prized fiddle, as the Americans were so fond of saying—knew exactly what it would take to win him over. The odd thing was, he didn’t even mind so much.

Thorley went to the window and gazed onto the London skyline. In years past, the lights would have made the city glow like a magical place, a place of myriad possibilities. Now, the grand old town was dark, a place of shadows and furtive machinations. Now, he was being asked to be a part of those machinations.

Looking southeast past the houses of Parliament, he imagined he could see all the way to Brixton, to his house on Benedict Road with its fenced-in yard and the cast iron bird bath adjacent to the narrow flagstone walk.

I’m sorry, sweetheart, but it’s something that I need to do. I hope you’ll understand.

He turned from the window and faced the three older men. “All right, then, let’s have it.”

Then they told him.

As he listened to them quietly and calmly outlining the mission, he wondered if perhaps he wasn’t making the biggest mistake of his life.

Chapter Five

While Paul lay sleeping, his bearlike form curled into a fetal ball, Lillian slipped out from under the cool silk sheets, and began putting on her clothes. She dressed quickly, not wanting him to awaken and find her still there.

God forgive her for it, but she’d let Paul continue to believe that he was the baby’s father. And now, there was no turning back. She would always have a link with him, and a power over him, where before the power had all been his. Now, he would not be able to force her into any more compromising situations. She was retired, Paul had insisted on it. She found it strange that he would allow the child to be raised by another man, but his position was too important to be jeopardized by any hints of scandal. He would keep tabs on her and the child, he’d said, and make sure they had everything they needed. But Lillian had refused, and their evening of love had almost turned into a row.

After their passions had been spent, all she wanted was to flee, run home to her husband and hope that she could put it all behind her.

Slipping on her shoes,