The Doll’s House by Evelyn Anthony Page A

eyes.
    â€˜Now,’ Peter Jefford said, ‘what would you like to drink? Jim and I are ahead of you; we got here early.’
    â€˜White wine, please.’ She settled into a chair, crossed her legs.
    The man Parker was looking at her, and it wasn’t in admiration.
    The drink came, Jefford said something about the traffic.
    â€˜They’re digging up the road by Hyde Park Corner. It’s absolutely chaotic. Why on earth can’t they do the work at night or in the early hours instead of blocking up the whole of Knightsbridge?’
    Parker had produced a packet of cigarettes. Rosa took one. He lit it for her.
    â€˜Thank God someone else smokes,’ he said. ‘People look at me as if I’d got AIDS when I light up.’
    â€˜Jim works for the Service,’ Jefford explained. ‘The Senior Service, and I don’t mean the Navy.’ He smiled slightly. ‘His job is to keep an eye on all of us, in a way. Isn’t it?’
    â€˜You could almost call it personnel. Welfare.’ He glanced at Rosa. ‘Sir Peter tells me you’ve joined ‘C’ Section.’
    â€˜Yes,’ Rosa answered. ‘I thought it sounded very interesting.’
    â€˜But you’re a career diplomat, Mrs Bennet. This isn’t going to be permanent.’
    â€˜No, it’s an interim posting.’
    There was a pause. She sipped her wine.
    Peter Jefford said, ‘I’d like you to explain our problem to Mrs Bennet. But first I’d like to fill her in on your role, Jim, if that’s all right.’
    â€˜Absolutely.’
    â€˜Jim’s job is to clear Intelligence officers for security when they retire. Or leave for any other reason. He liaises with Special Branch if necessary. It’s a routine job nine times out of ten, but a very important one. Jim is quite a bloodhound.’ He acknowledged Parker with his slight smile. ‘He’s picked up several high-risk cases. And he thinks he’s got another one. Now, Jim, you carry on. But first, let’s order lunch.’
    She was very good-looking, Jim Parker thought. Classy, self-possessed. Not a type of woman who appealed to him. Too brainy, too competitive.
    Jefford felt she’d be suitable for this particular job, but he wanted to try her out for weak spots before he agreed. She’d be under his direct authority if she took it on.
    â€˜What do you feel about spies, Mrs Bennet?’
    â€˜I don’t know. I’ve never met one.’
    â€˜You’ve met lots of them but you wouldn’t have known it. You think it’s an honourable profession? Or a bit grubby? Seedy – like those Len Deighton characters? Or the tortured intellectual types – you know, Smiley, and all that lot?’
    â€˜I don’t read thrillers,’ Rosa said. She didn’t like his manner.
    â€˜Just as well. They’re a load of old rubbish. So you don’t have an opinion. So why did you join ‘C’? That’s spying.’
    â€˜I understood it was Intelligence.’
    â€˜Nice name for the same thing. Could you answer the question for me?’
    â€˜I told you, I thought it would be interesting. And helpful to my career.’
    â€˜So the idea of listening in and reporting back didn’t bother you?’
    â€˜Not if it was in the country’s interests, no. Why should it?’
    She had answered sharply. For the first time she saw a gleam of approval in the stony eyes. A very brief gleam.
    â€˜So you feel it’s all right if it’s done out of patriotism?’
    â€˜Yes, of course. I don’t understand what you’re getting at, Mr Parker.’
    â€˜What do you think about assassination?’
    She was caught off guard. She stared at him.
    â€˜What sort of man goes in for that, do you think?’
    â€˜Some sort of psychopath,’ she retorted.
    â€˜But suppose it had to be done. In the country’s interests, like you said. What about