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The Spy Who Loved Me

By: soroborn



I finished wiping the last table, and straightened, feeling the tension in my back and the tiredness in my feet.

"All done, boss," I called in the direction of the kitchen, getting a grunted acknowledgement. I grabbed my coat from the peg near the door and went out into the street, pulling the thin fabric around me in response to the late autumn chill.

My heels clicked on the pavement as I hurried towards the subway station. I reached the steps, and relaxed slightly in the warmer air blowing from the platform.

I glanced at the display. My train was only a couple of minutes away, and I stood looking at the advertising hoardings, trying to remember what I had in the fridge.

As the train pulled in, its doors sliding open, I felt someone bump into me from behind.

I turned to see a man in his late thirties. "I'm sorry," he said, "I should look where I'm going."

"No problem," I smiled.

I glanced at his tailored suit and polished shoes. "On your way home from work?"

He nodded. "We'd better get on the train, hadn't we?"

I felt an inner thrill at his casual assumption of 'we', feeling his hand touch my elbow lightly as I stepped onto the train. I smiled my thanks, gripping the handrail.



"Do you work near here too?" he asked.

I nodded. "There's a diner on Fifty-Fourth Street, maybe you know it?"

He nodded. "I walk past on the way to the office. Never been in, though."

"You should try us," I said. "The pecan pie's great." I flashed him a smile. "I'll stand you a coffee with your first slice."

He grinned. "You're on."

I took a deep breath. "I'm Jenny, by the way."

He extended his hand. "Tim – Tim Smith."

I took his hand, and felt his firm grip. Just then, the train slowed as it pulled into the next station.

"Here's my stop," Tim said. I thought I saw a hint of regret on his face as he released my hand, then as the doors opened he was gone, glancing back over his shoulder as he walked away.

The train pulled out of the station, and I took a seat for the rest of my journey out to the suburbs. I caught myself wondering what sort of place Tim had in town – an apartment? Somewhere he lived just in the week? Or was there a wife waiting for him, maybe a son or daughter eager to give Daddy a hug when he got home from work?

I shook my head. Maybe he'd come into the diner for a slice of pie, maybe not. I pushed my thoughts aside and counted the train's stops as I usually did.

The train finally emerged from underground, and after a few more minutes' travel, stopped at my station. I got out onto the platform, feeling the cold biting at me. I again pulled my coat closely around me, and glanced across at the city lights before quickly descending the steps to street level to get out of the wind.

I walked rapidly, my head hunched into my collar, and reached the front door of my rundown apartment block. My chilled fingers fumbled the key into the lock, and I checked my mailbox before climbing the stairs to my apartment. I closed the door behind me, and leaned into the tiny bathroom to flip the switch on the antiquated water heater before kicking off my shoes.

I went into the kitchen and opened the fridge. "Scrambled eggs again..."

While the eggs were cooking, I lit the grill to make toast, then put the kettle on. 

Finally I sat down at the table with my plate in front of me and a mug of tea. After a day on my feet, I didn't have much appetite, but the toast and eggs were soon gone and I leaned back in my chair, sipping the hot tea.

After a few minutes I went through to the bathroom to start the water running, then undressed, throwing my clothes in the hamper.

I lay back in the bath with a sigh, closing my eyes. Still two days to go before the weekend, and the treat I'd promised myself of a walk to the park and a hot dog from the stand that always set up on the corner.

As the water started to cool, I got to my feet – my muscles protesting at being used again just when they'd begun to relax – and stepped out of the bath, grabbing a towel from the rail.

I dried, then pulled on the faded t-shirt, reaching to my knees, that I always wore to bed. I cleaned my teeth, then went through to the bedroom, glad I'd taken the extra minute that morning to make the bed. As my head touched the pillow, an image came into my mind of the stranger I'd met on the subway, and I imagined him coming through the door of the diner in his suit, his briefcase in one hand, an bunch of flowers in the other.

I closed my eyes, and Tim's face still in my imagination, I slept.

***

The next day went pretty much as usual, and I was thinking about starting to wipe the tables, when the door of the diner opened again. I glanced up, and blinked in surprise. There was Tim, almost exactly as I'd imagined, including the flowers in his hand. 

"For you," he said, holding them out.

"Wow," I said, putting the flowers down on the counter. "Thank you so much."

He grinned. "No problem. Now, I hope I'm not too late for that pie."

He sat down at the counter, and I tried to resume my businesslike pose, flipping open my order pad. "Sure, I think we still have some. And coffee, right - I haven't forgotten I promised."

Tim nodded, smiling. "Great – thanks, Jenny."

I went over to the kitchen hatch and passed the order slip across. I poured coffee from the jug on the hotplate, and put the mug in front of Tim.

"Ah, that's better," he said, sipping. "I haven't had time for a break today."

The kitchen bell sounded, and I turned to take the plate from the hatch. "Looks like the boss is in a good mood," I said, "you've got a pretty big slice."

Tim grinned. "Just what I need."

I hesitantly sat down opposite him, the counter between us, and ventured, "Where do you work, anyway?"

I was almost certain I saw a guarded look flash across Tim's face, but he replied casually, "Oh, I'm just a mid-level manager at a cellphone company – our head office is a few blocks away."

He took his fork and started to eat. "You're right – this pie is great."

In between bites he sipped his coffee, and when the pie was finished he leaned back on his chair. "That feels better."

I glanced at the clock on the wall. "I don't want to rush you, but we'll be closing in a minute. I can get you another coffee if you like, then I'm afraid I'll have to start wiping tables – I can leave the counter till last."

Tim smiled. "I'd love another coffee." He paused. "I'll walk you to the subway, if you like – I don't mind waiting while you finish up."

"I'd like that," I said. I picked up the flowers. "I'll put these in some water, they'll brighten the place up tomorrow."

I found a vase for the flowers, then poured Tim another coffee. I walked round the counter to start clearing up, and Tim watched me move from table to table straightening the menu holders, lining up the salt and pepper shakers.

"Looks as though you like things neat and tidy," he remarked.

I laughed. "You should see my apartment – you might change your mind on that."

I ran the cloth over the surface of the last table, then dropped my cloth in the sink behind the counter. "All done."

"Shall we go?" smiled Tim, getting up from his seat.

"I'm off," I called to the boss, getting the usual muffled acknowledgement, then Tim held the door for me as we went out onto the street.

As we reached the subway entrance, I turned to Tim and said hesitantly, "If you don't already have plans, you could come back to my place, we could have something to eat."

He looked surprised, but nodded enthusiastically. "I'd like that. We could get takeaway, save you cooking."

I grinned. "There's a great Chinese place just around the corner."

"You're on."

The train had just pulled when we reached the platform, and I touched Tim's arm and pointed. "Look, there are two seats free."

We sat down, and the train pulled smoothly away. We reached the next stop after a couple of minutes, and Tim glanced at me as the doors opened, then closed.

"Unknown territory for me from here on," he grinned.

"Don't you get out of town much?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I moved here about six months ago, and things have been really busy. I haven't had a chance to explore yet."

"About an hour further out on the train from my stop you're in the countryside," I said. "There are some nice walks..."

We chatted for a few more minutes – I learned that Tim had been married, but that his wife had left him a couple of years earlier.

I glanced out of the window, and started to get up from my seat. "Here's our stop."

The train pulled up, and Tim let me go first. We stepped out onto the platform, and Tim glanced round.

"You can see the skyscrapers from here," he said.

I nodded. "It's not the best area to live in, but the rent's cheap and it's only a short commute to work."

We made our way down the steps to the street. "The Chinese place is just over there," I pointed.

We went into the takeaway, and Tim looked at the menu. "I like the sound of the beef in black bean sauce," he said. "Is there something you usually have?"

I pursed my lips. "'Fraid I don't get to come in here very often on what I make."

Tim nodded. "Well, I'm treating you, so have whatever you like."

We ordered, and sat down to wait. I flipped through the newspapers on the low table in front of us.

"I don't like this Pakistan situation much," I said. Again I thought I saw a flicker in Tim's face as though he wanted to say something but couldn't.

The girl behind the counter called our number, holding out a cardboard box with our order. "Free spring rolls," she said, smiling at Tim.

We thanked her, and went out. "Just around the corner now," I said.

I opened the front door, checking the mailbox as usual, then led Tim up the stairs to my apartment.

"Make yourself at home," I said. "Tea or coffee?"

"Tea, thanks," he replied. While the kettle was boiling, I brought out plates and cutlery, and Tim unpacked our food.

I made the tea, and came to join Tim on the sofa. "Thanks," I said.

"No problem," he smiled. "Dig in."

We'd nearly finished eating when I heard a quiet beep. "Oh, sorry," said Tim, producing a pager from his pocket. "That'll be the office."

He glanced at the display, and a grim look came across his face. He glanced at me, and for a moment I thought I caught a fiercely protective expression.

"Jenny," he said, "you might want to put the TV on."

I fumbled for the remote, and clicked for a news channel. As the screen sprang into life, at first my eyes couldn't make sense of what I was seeing, then I gasped in horror.

"The authorities confirm that the bombs in Washington and New York were both definitely nuclear devices," the announcer said, her voice not entirely steady. "They say that further explosions can't be ruled out. All emergency services and medical personnel have been mobilised; everyone else is urged to stay at home and wait for information. Public transport systems will be suspended, and checkpoints will be established on major roads."

When I took my eyes from the screen, Tim was looking at me, his face betraying some internal struggle.

Finally he spoke. "Jenny, I haven't been entirely honest with you. It wouldn't have mattered so much, but given what we're seeing..."

He paused. "My job at the cellphone company is just a front. My real work is for a federal agency – you won't have heard of it – gathering intelligence on potential threats to the country."

He gestured at the screen. "It's obvious that someone has managed to avoid all of our precautions, and we urgently need to find out what else they may be intending to do."

I nodded, at a loss for words. Then, "Do you need to leave?"

Tim hesitated. "Yes." He pulled a phone from his pocket and dialled.

"Beth? Tim. I need transport." He gave my address, then, "And I'll have someone with me. Yes, on my authority."

As he ended the call, I said, "Did you just say...?"

He nodded grimly. "I don't want to leave you here."

I reached for his hand. "Thanks..."

The cellphone rang, and Tim answered it. "OK."

He put the phone in his pocket and said, "We have fifteen minutes. Don't worry about packing clothes, we can take care of that, but your passport, driver's licence, any other important papers."

I nodded, still trying to sort out my thoughts. I went through to my bedroom and pulled a shoulder bag from the wardrobe, then started to sift through the drawers of the small desk under the window, stuffing papers into my bag. As an afterthought I dropped a few items of makeup in on top.

"Ready?" called Tim from the hall.

I glanced round the apartment, making sure I'd switched everything off, then we went out onto the landing and I locked the door, wondering when – if? – I'd be back.

As we reached the street, a large black car with dark-tinted windows drew up at the kerb, and Tim held the door for me to get in, then slid into the back seat beside me.

As he closed the door, the car pulled away, though the driver was hidden by the partition.

Tim pressed a button. "Where are we headed first?"

"The Farm." Somehow I heard the capital letter.

Tim released the button and turned to me. "That's about an hour away. Why don't you tell me more about yourself while we travel?"

I hesitated. "I'm guessing your interest isn't just personal – you need to know some of my background."

Tim nodded, smiling. "I knew you were smart. But I really am interested too."

I returned his smile. "Well, you needn't worry. Dad was a firefighter, my mother was a nurse. Neither of them had any kind of political connections, they just kept themselves to themselves. And I've never even signed a petition, let alone got involved with any cause."

Tim nodded. "That makes it easier."

I rummaged in my bag. "I don't even know why I bothered getting a passport, but look – no stamps."

Tim grinned. "Well, if you stick with me, that won't change – we never use our own identities for travelling."

I looked at him with a mischievous expression. "Would I get to pick a name?"

Tim shook his head. "We have a department that creates identities – records, photos, newspaper clippings, that sort of thing."

I shrugged. "Still, I can pretend."

Tim settled back in the deep leather seat. "Go on then, tell me who you'd want to be."

I paused, thinking back to all the stories I'd made up when I was a girl watching Bond films. "I suppose I'd want to be armed – one of those guns that fit into a handbag. I'd be an expert in unarmed combat, be able to take on a man twice my size. And gadgets, things that aren't what they seem – poison in my perfume spray, a laser in my watch."

Tim shook his head, grinning. "Albert Broccoli did us a huge favour – most of those things are pretty unlike my world."

He paused. "The only thing that's completely true is that we're still armed."

I felt a chill go over my body. "You mean, now?"

He nodded, and I held my breath as he reached inside his jacket. He drew out a matt black shape, smaller than I'd expected.

"OK," I breathed at last. "Can I look?"

Tim seemed surprised, but checked the gun carefully before handing it over. "The safety's on and the hammer's down, so it's completely safe."

I took the weapon, feeling its weight in my hand, then wrapped my fingers round the grip, pointing the muzzle at the partition. "Bang," I said, squeezing the trigger.

Tim reached out to take the gun from me and restored it to its holster. "First time you've held one?"

I nodded. "Feels kind of exciting." I didn't admit just how much of a thrill I'd got from holding the gun, but I resolved that if this adventure I seemed to have fallen into offered any more opportunities to handle weapons, I'd take them without hesitation.

I felt the car slow, and turn. I looked across at Tim, and he nodded. "We're here."

The car drew to a halt and Tim got out, again holding the door for me. It was dark now, but I could dimly see buildings surrounding an open space, and light spilling from a doorway.

"This way," said Tim. As we walked towards the light, I heard the car pull away, and its tail lights dwindled as it drove down an unlit track away from us.

As we reached the doorway, the figure of a young woman appeared. "Hi, Tim," she said. "And you must be Jenny."

I nodded, then realised that Tim hadn't used my name in any of his phone conversations. "How...?"

Beth smiled reassuringly. "While you two were on the way, we did some checks. It wasn't hard to find out where Tim had been yesterday and this afternoon."

I returned her smile hesitantly. "It's a good job I don't have any guilty secrets."

"Anyway," said Beth, "come in, make yourself at home."

She turned to Tim. "You've eaten, right?"

Tim nodded. "So we can go straight to the briefing if you want."

He looked at me. "If you come into the briefing, you realise there's no going back? Knowing I'm not who I tell people is one thing, and coming here is not a problem – I'm sure you have no idea where we are. But if we let you in on detailed information, that's different."

"Where do I sign?" I said simply.

Tim nodded. "There will be things you'll have to sign, but for now that'll do for me."

We followed Beth into a large room with a conference table and chairs, and a screen at one end. She pressed a control, and the screen lit up with maps, numbers, photographs.

I listened fascinated as Beth went through what was already known about the explosions, and the possible origin of the components of the weapons. I could see Tim nodding, and when Beth finished he spoke decisively.

"I'm beginning to get the picture – and I think we have a trail to follow. Beth, I'll need some travel documents. First thing tomorrow Jenny and I are off to Geneva."

He looked across at me. "That's OK, isn't it? It'll really help build a convincing cover."

I took a deep breath. "Tim, I'll do anything you need. I haven't heard from my family, but it's more than possible that people I know are already dead in... that." I gestured up at the screen, still showing a photograph of the destruction.

Tim nodded. "Well, if we're travelling tomorrow, we'd better get some sleep."

I glanced across at Beth. "Where do I sleep? And Tim brought me in such a hurry there was no time to pack."

She smiled. "Don't worry. Plenty of bedrooms in this place, and we'll organise clothes for you – we have your sizes, and an idea of the brands you prefer."

I decided I'd have to get used to the casual way in which the agency – I realised I didn't even know its name – knew all about me. At least I'd get some privacy tonight. Then it occurred to me that for all I knew, the rooms might be bugged. I dismissed the thought – how would it possibly help them to know if I snored or not?

"Well, I'll say goodnight then," smiled Tim. "Beth will look after you, and I'll see you at breakfast."

He went out of the conference room, and I was left with Beth.

"This must all be very strange for you," she said. "At least when I got into the agency, I had an idea I'd be working for the government, though the job description turned out to be just a screen – they'd already selected me on my ability to do this kind of work."

"So are you an – agent?" I hesitated.

Beth grinned. "Mostly I help out here with logistics, communications, equipment, that sort of thing. But I do have all the training – we never know when we might be needed for more, ah, direct operations."

She got up from her seat. "Come on, we'll find you somewhere to sleep and a toothbrush."

I followed her down a corridor, and she opened one of the doors. "Here – I like this one, I've stayed in it a couple of times."

I followed her in, glancing around. What I saw reminded me of a not-too-expensive suite in one of the hotels I'd stayed in with my parents – bedroom, lounge, an en-suite bathroom.


The Spy Who Loved Me Ch. 02



The plane taxied to a halt at the gate, and I released my lap strap and got up.

"First class passengers get off first," grinned Tim.

We made our way out of the plane, thanking the cabin crew, and along a corridor with signs to the baggage reclaim area.

"How's your German?" asked Tim.

I snorted. "Guten morgen, danke schön."

He smiled. "No problem, leave it to me."

We reached the carousel and Tim quickly retrieved our cases, piling them on a trolley. We made our way to the immigration desks and Tim presented our passports.

"Mr and Mrs Scott, ja, welcome to Switzerland."

I realised I'd been holding my breath, and flashed a smile at the immigration official as we passed. We walked out of the airport into the late evening, and I looked around.

"It feels like it ought to be mid-afternoon," I said.

Tim grinned. "Wait till we're flying the other way – that feels even stranger." He hailed a taxi, giving the name of our hotel.

"Beth really is good at arranging things," he said.

The taxi pulled up outside the hotel and a uniformed porter took our luggage. I followed Tim to the reception desk, and tried to pick out a few words from his rapid conversation with the receptionist. It didn't sound like the German I'd tried to learn at school, and I remembered reading somewhere that the Swiss dialect was quite different. I decided that Tim must have a talent for languages.

He turned to me. "All sorted. Do you want to change, or go straight in for dinner?"

I thought for a moment. "I think I'd like to eat straight away – then we have to try and sleep, right?"

He nodded. "You'll be fine."

We went through to the restaurant and were seated straight away. The waiter brought what was obviously a wine list, and Tim looked carefully before ordering.

I looked at the menu, but as I'd expected I couldn't make any sense of it. "Help me out here, Tim," I said.

He glanced up, smiling. "Don't forget our cover," he said in a low voice.

"Oops," I said quietly, then louder, "So, Tom, what do you recommend?"

He pointed about half way down the page. "This is a veal dish – a real speciality."

"OK," I said.

The waiter approached, and Tim ordered for us, then turned back to me. "I have meetings tomorrow, but I'll contact the local office – I'm sure someone will be available to show you round."

I hesitated, then nodded, realising that the 'local office' would be the Geneva branch of Tim's agency. This was turning out to be harder than I thought.

Our food arrived, and I ate with relish. "How do you not put on weight in this job?" I asked.

Tim smiled. "All that time at the gym, darling."

I felt a thrill go through me at his words, even though I knew they were part of our charade. I concentrated on eating, and took a sip of the wine.

"This is lovely," I said. "Not like we had in France at all."

Tim raised his eyebrows at my improvisation, but played along. "Are you thinking of Paris, or Lille?"

"Oh, Paris, definitely. Lille was dull."

We finished our main course, and Tim said, "Dessert, darling?"

I shook my head, draining my wineglass. "I'm starting to feel like I could sleep – shall we go upstairs?"

We took the lift to our floor, and Tim opened the door with the keycard. Our cases were already on the double bed, and Tim took off his jacket, hanging it on the door. I watched, fascinated, as he removed his holster, putting in the drawer of one of the bedside tables.

Tim turned to me hesitantly. "I guess you'll want some privacy to change? I'll go in the bathroom..."

I shook my head, smiling. "I grew up with two sisters and a brother – privacy didn't get much of a look in. You change first." Tim undressed with seeming reluctance, watching my face, then broke eye contact and turned his back to me as he removed his y-fronts. He pulled on shorts and a t-shirt, and with his back still turned, said, "OK, your turn. Tell me when I can look again."

I quickly undressed down to my panties, then pulled on the long t-shirt Beth had found for me. "You're safe."

Tim turned hesitantly. "OK," he said. "Which side of the bed do you want?"

"That one," I said, pointing to the opposite side from where he'd concealed his gun.

Tim got in, lying with his back to me, and I laid beside him, being careful not to let our bodies touch. He reached over to the light switch and plunged the room into darkness.

We were silent for a while, then I said, "Tim?"

"Hmm?"

"When was the last time you spent the night with someone?"

He paused. "Once or twice Beth and I have spelled each other watching on a stakeout – but before that, a couple of years."

I waited before asking my next question. "Tim, did your wife really leave you?"

He was silent for a long time, then: "No, that's part of the cover."

"What happened?"

Again there was a long pause. "She was killed. She was an agent too."

I reached out to touch his shoulder. "Tell me."

"We were in a hostage situation – an armed robbery at a bank. We had the situation under control, then one of the gang let off a shot – it hit Sarah in the chest. I dropped him where he stood."

"You killed him?"

"That's the rules," Tim said, with no hint of defensiveness. "He fired first, he'd put an agent down, he was still holding a live weapon."

I took a chance, and moved closer to him, wrapping my arms around him. He turned to face me, and I felt him bury his head in my shoulder. After a moment I felt his tears on my skin, and I held him more tightly.

He lifted his head. "Thanks," he said. "I don't often talk about it."

"You can talk to me anytime," I said.

I placed a hesitant kiss on his hair. "Do you want to sleep like this?"

He nodded, and I settled myself more comfortably into the pillow. Soon I heard his breathing slow, and I drifted off to sleep myself...

I woke in the early morning light. "I have to go to the bathroom," I said, gently pulling away.

When I returned, Tim was lying in the bed propped up on one elbow. He looked up at me.

"That's the best night's sleep I've had in months," he said. "I'm glad," I said. "You want to shower before breakfast?"

He nodded, and I returned to the bed while he went through to the bathroom. I heard water splashing for a while, then he returned in a hotel bathrobe. "Your turn."

I took my time showering, and by the time I returned Tim was already dressed, the telltale bulge of his gun just showing beneath his jacket.

"You don't need to close your eyes while I dress," I said, and I unwrapped my bathrobe, laying it over the back of a chair. I sensed Tim's eyes on me as I walked over to my suitcase and found clothes for the day, then dressed.

"Beth got these jeans just right," I said, looking at myself in the mirror.

Tim nodded. "They do make the most of your legs... and other things."

I turned to him, grinning. "You really are starting to relax, aren't you."

He nodded, then his face turned serious. "But I still have to get the information I came for. Let's have some breakfast, then I'll take you over to the office."

We went down the stairs to the dining room, and I looked at what was on offer.

"This must be what they mean by a continental breakfast," I said, indicating cold meat, cheeses, pickles. "Not sure if it's my cup of tea."

"There's fruit spread, and honey," pointed Tim. "Try the different rolls, they're great, especially the ones with the seeds on."

In the end I managed a good breakfast, and the coffee was excellent. I drained my cup, and said, "OK, let's go."

We left the hotel, walking down cobbled streets until we reached a narrow door between two shops. I looked at the brass plate, making out one word I thought I recognised.

"Handel, that's 'trade', isn't it?"

Tim nodded. "Not quite Universal Exports, but the idea is the same – the office does some legitimate business, enough to divert attention."

We went through the door and up a flight of uneven stairs. When we reached the first floor, we turned in to a small office, occupied by a slim, blonde-haired girl in what looked like a variant of local costume.

"Tim," she said warmly, letting me know that our cover was not needed here.

"Hi, Johanna. This is Jenny – alias for this trip Jane Scott," explained Tim. "It would be really helpful if you could show her around, keep up our cover, while I dig around to see what I can find."

Johanna smiled. "Of course. I'm always glad to show off the treasures of our city."

A door at the other end of the office opened and a heavy-set man emerged. "Tim," he said, obviously pleased. "Good to see you. And this is your new partner?"

Tim hesitated. "Jenny and I are still working that out."

"Well, good luck." And with that he disappeared back into his office.

Tim turned back to me. "I'll call Johanna later to let her know what's happening – meanwhile, enjoy the city, get some lunch when you feel like it."

I listened to his footsteps recede down the stairs, then heard the outer door open and close.

"Come on," said Johanna enthusiastically. "Let's go."

I followed her down the stairs to the street, glancing up and down but seeing no sign of Tim. We turned left, and as we walked toward an open square, Johanna asked me about myself.

"What did you do before you met Tim?"

I smiled wryly. "I was a waitress in a diner – pouring coffee, taking orders, wiping tables."

I thought for a moment. "I seem to have walked away from that job pretty thoroughly."

"Don't worry," said Johanna reassuringly. "The agency is pretty good at looking after people who get involved by accident."

"I sure hope so," I said. "But from what I've seen of Tim, he'd make it his job to make sure I was OK even if the agency didn't."

Johanna grinned. "Yes, I can tell Tim thinks you're special."

"He told me about his wife," I said.

Johanna nodded. "It was terrible."

We reached the square, and Johanna said with a smile, "This is where I get to play tour guide. This is the Place Neuve – one of the most famous places in the city. In the centre is a statue of a famous general, Henri Dufour, and there's the Music Conservatory. On that side is the Grand Opera Theatre."

She grinned. "The guidebooks also say that the cafés here are fantastic, and they're not wrong. Is it too early for lunch, would you prefer coffee and cake?"

"Cake sounds nice," I said.

I realised I had no money, or any cards I could use here. I turned to Johanna, embarrassed. "I don't expect you to pay for everything – please, tell Tim when we get back what my share is."

She smiled. "Don't worry. This all comes under the heading of expenses – Tim's on assignment, at the very least you're part of his cover."

I wondered what she meant by 'at the very least', but dismissed the thought as we reached an attractive café with tables outside.

We sat down, and almost immediately a waiter approached us. He glanced at me, then at Johanna, clearly trying to decide what language to pick to address us.

He settled on something that sounded much more like the German I'd studied in school, and Johanna responded in kind. I heard 'Kaffee', and then something with 'Torte' – I remembered that was cake.

The waiter nodded, closing his order pad, and for a moment my mind flashed back to the diner on Fifty-Fourth Street.

"Johanna," I said, "everything was such a blur when I left – what will happen if my boss gets curious as to why I haven't let him know I'm not at work?" She gave a wry smile. "I'm sure Beth will have come up with something – given what's just happened over there, there'll be a lot of people whose lives have been disrupted. Wait till you get back and you know what you want to do, the agency will help you come up with a cover that will work."

She glanced up. "Anyway, here comes our cake. Try not to worry about it – enjoy the time off."

I picked up my fork to try the cake. "Wow, this is amazing."

Johanna grinned. "It's actually a Viennese speciality, but it seems to have become popular everywhere."

When we'd finished, Johanna paid, and we walked around the square as she pointed out various features of the ornate buildings.

"There's a museum just around the corner," she said. "Would you like to take a look?"

We walked to the museum, and Johanna proved to have an immense store of knowledge about all the exhibits. We moved from room to room, and I lost track of time.

When we emerged back onto the street, I glanced up at the clock on one of the towers. "Gosh, it's nearly two – have we missed lunch?"

Johanna was about to reply when her mobile phone rang. Pulling it from her pocket, she held it to her ear. "Tim, hi."

I felt myself relax, though I hadn't realised I'd tensed up at the sound of the phone.

"OK, we'll meet you there," said Johanna, ending the call.

She turned to me. "Tim seems to have found what he needed – we'll meet him for lunch."

We walked back to the square, and I saw Tim's familiar figure coming towards us.

This time I remembered to drop into my persona. "Hello, darling," I said, hoping I wasn't overacting. "How was your meeting? Johanna here has shown me some lovely places, and you really must try the – what was it, Johanna?"

She grinned, and I saw her roll her eyes slightly. "Sachertorte."

Tim wrapped his arms around me in a warm hug, and for a moment I buried my face in his shoulder. "I was worried," I whispered.

He squeezed me, then let me go. "So, where shall I take you two for lunch?"

Johanna pointed. "How about there? We can get a table where we can talk privately."

We went into the restaurant, and Johanna spoke briefly with the waiter.

"If you don't mind me ordering for all of us, we can try a couple of the local specialties."

Tim nodded, and the waiter left, returning briefly to bring drinks.

"So how did it go?" I asked Tim.

He nodded. "It was surprisingly easy. The regulations around banking privacy have changed recently – the Swiss are smart enough to realise that their old policy of keeping secrets no matter what, will not win them friends in the current global situation." 

He flashed me a grin. "I didn't even have to pull a gun on anyone."

Our food came, and we started to eat. "So what's the next move?" asked Johanna.

Tim glanced across at me. "We travel to Dubai – the next flight. The time difference is less, so we'll arrive about midnight."

Johanna nodded. "Do you need me to do anything?"

Tim shook his head. "Beth will take care of it – she'd just got into the office when I called."

"OK – I'll get you a car," replied Johanna. She pulled out her phone and dialled, speaking in the local dialect.

"The car will pick you up outside the hotel in twenty minutes," she said, putting her phone away.

I grinned at Tim. "Good job I didn't really unpack."

We walked back to the hotel, and we arrived back down in the lobby just as the car pulled up outside. The porters loaded our cases into the trunk while Tim paid our bill, then he returned to where Johanna and I were waiting.

"Thanks for all your help, Johanna," he said. "Hopefully next time we'll be able to stay a little longer."

I thought for a moment about what was implied by his use of 'we', then turned to hug Johanna. "Thanks for looking after me." She nodded. "Good luck in Dubai."

We got into the car, and I watched in the mirror as she stood waving.

We arrived at the airport, and Tim took our luggage to the check-in desk. He presented our papers, and the girl behind the desk raised her eyebrows, beckoning a colleague over.

We were escorted discreetly to an unmarked door and down a short corridor, emerging at the other side of the security area.

Tim glanced at the departure board. "Our flight is already boarding," he said. "I think you'll be impressed with the service – we're flying Emirates."

We walked to the gate, following the signs for first class, and without delay we found ourselves at the door of the plane.

"If you'd like to come with me," smiled a stewardess, leading us up a short flight of stairs. "This is your cabin."

I glanced at Tim as the stewardess left. "I'm impressed – I didn't even know it was possible to fly this way."

We went into the cabin, and I stretched out on one of the seats.

"They convert into a bed if you want another nap," said Tim.

I shook my head. "Didn't you say we get in quite late? Do you have to get up early for meetings or anything?"

Tim shook his head. "No, we can take our time tomorrow."

"So let's enjoy the flight," I said. "I guess we get refreshments?"

Tim glanced at the card the stewardess had handed him as she left. "Looks like we can choose when we have meals, drinks."

"Great," I said. "Well, lunch was fantastic, I don't think I need anything else to eat just yet. But a drink would be nice."

"Bottle of wine?" suggested Tim.

I nodded. Just then the plane started to move, and Tim said, "I guess we still have to strap in."

He leaned over to make sure my belt was fastened, then settled into his own seat. The plane accelerated quickly, and I wondered again how such a heavy object could pull itself and us into the sky.

When we levelled out, Tim pressed the discreet call button, and within seconds there was a knock at the door. Tim opened it, and the stewardess smiled. "How can I help?"

"Could we have a bottle of wine, please? German if you have it."

The stewardess nodded. "We have a good Riesling chilled."

"Perfect," said Tim. The stewardess walked back down the corridor, returning with a bottle wrapped in a cloth, the moisture beading on the cold glass. Tim thanked her, and closed the door.

Tim poured wine for us, and raised his glass in a toast. "Here's to success."

"Success," I echoed. I sipped my wine, then asked, "So what did you find in Geneva?" "A money trail," said Tim. "We were able to get some credit card numbers related to the components of the bombs, and they led to a Swiss bank. They gave me the details of the account in Dubai from where the credit cards were set up."

"So what's your next move?"

"It won't be as easy to follow the trail onwards," Tim said. "In Dubai, each sheikh operates what's virtually his own fiefdom, and if a sheikh owns the bank, he makes the rules. Our only leverage is that they want us to buy their oil."

I nodded. "So we find the sheikh, and hope he's cooperative."

Tim nodded. "Or we resort to more direct tactics."

He looked as though he was going to say something else, then obviously decided against it. "Anyway, let's enjoy ourselves while we can."

He refilled my glass, then his own. "Want to watch a film?" he asked. "The in-flight entertainment system is superb."

"Sure," I said. I glanced at my seat. "These things don't move, do they. I was hoping we could get them a little closer together."

Tim smiled. "If you don't mind being cosy, I think there's room for both of us in mine."

He shifted position, and I joined him, sliding one arm round his shoulders. "Mm, just right."

Tim pressed the controls for the display screen, and it began to show the selection of films.

"What do you fancy?" he said. "Comedy, drama, romance, thriller?"

"Comedy, I think," I said. Tim grinned, and scrolled through the list, finding a John Candy film. "That OK?"

I nodded, and nestled closer into him to watch...

***

The credits rolled, and Tim pressed the control on the remote to switch off the screen. He held me in silence for a while, then said, "Thanks, Jenny, I enjoyed that."

He glanced at the clock. "Ready for dinner yet?"

I nodded. "I'd better shift back over." Reluctantly I pulled out of his arms and went back to my seat.

Tim pressed the call button, and again the stewardess appeared almost instantly. "What can I get for you?"

"I think we'd like dinner, please," Tim replied.

"Certainly, sir."

She took our orders and left, returning a few minutes later with our food. We'd just finished eating when a discreet chime sounded, and the captain's voice came over the address system.




The Spy Who Loved Me Ch. 02



"Ladies and gentlemen, we will shortly be beginning our descent to Dubai. We'll be approaching from the west, so those of you with windows on the left hand side of the plane will get the best view of the city."

Tim grinned. "We can do better than that – the plane has cameras, and we can put the views on the screen."

We strapped ourselves in, and as the plane descended, we watched the city on the screen. "Look, there's the Burj," Tim pointed. "And the islands in the shape of the world."

"Wow," I said. "It must have cost a fortune."

Tim nodded. We felt the wheels touch the runway, and the plane came to a smooth halt.

There was a tap at the door. "If you're ready to disembark, sir, madam."

We walked back down the stairs to the exit, again thanking the cabin crew. A wide corridor with glass sides led to the baggage area, and I looked curiously from side to side. "I don't see any camels."

"Well," said Tim. "If I get the chance, I'll arrange for you to see some."

We reached the carousels, and Tim quickly retrieved our cases, finding a trolley. We walked out to the street, and I felt the residual heat rising from the tarmac.

"It must really be hot in the day," I said.

Tim nodded. He flagged a taxi, and we settled back for the short drive to the hotel.

The taxi pulled up outside a stunning glass-fronted building on the waterfront. "The Hyatt," I read. "Wow, you're really spoiling us, Tom."

He smiled and raised his eyebrows at my use of his cover name. "The travel agent seems to have a sixth sense for these things. She said she'd managed to get us a suite at a very reasonable price."

I grinned, thinking of Beth back at the Farm on her laptop with an agency credit card.

Even at this late hour, a porter was on hand to take our luggage, and Tim took my hand as we walked into the reception area. Again I wasn't entirely surprised when he addressed the receptionist in what was obviously fluent Arabic, and she smiled, replying in kind.

We walked over to the lifts, and Tim pointed. "Express lift – penthouse floor only."

The lift accelerated smoothly, and as the doors opened again seconds later I gasped. In front of us was a large area paved in marble, with fountains, seating areas, and exotic plants. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave a view out to sea, and the lights outlining the offshore islands twinkled.

Tim grinned at my reaction. "Pretty impressive, huh."

We walked down a short corridor, and Tim used the keycard to open the door at the end. After the lounge area, I was prepared to be impressed, but I looked round our suite with my mouth open. To the right was a small pool, with a hot tub beside it. In front of the windows was a lounge area barely smaller than the one we'd just passed through, and to the left through an arch I saw a bedroom, with a dressing room beyond.

"It seems a pity just to sleep," I said, "but all this travelling is starting to catch up with me."

Tim nodded. "Like I said, no rush in the morning."

Our cases were already on the bed, and I found the t-shirt I'd worn the previous night, already a continent away. I changed quickly, then watched as Tim again pulled on his shorts and t-shirt.

"Tim?" I said hesitantly.

"Mm?"

"I know it's a huge bed, but I want you close to me... Please?"

He smiled. "Of course."

I got in, lying on my side, and I felt Tim slide up behind me, wrapping his arms around me.

"Mm," I said softly. "Just what I had in mind."

***

When I woke, Tim was still with me, and I wrapped my arms over his for a moment, then stretched, rolling away from him and propping myself up on my elbow. The sun streaming in through the windows was already bright, and I glanced around to see if I could find a clock.

Tim opened his eyes, seemingly instantly awake. "It's just after ten."

"How do you do that?" I asked.

"All part of the training," he shrugged.

He sat up. "I think we'd enjoy breakfast up here." He picked up the telephone handset, and spoke briefly.

"All sorted," he said. "I told them to bring everything – we'll see what that turns out to be."

A few minutes later there was a knock on the door, and a waiter wheeled in a trolley, unloading it onto a table at one side of the lounge area. He left, and Tim held a chair for me to sit down, then started to lift the lids on the various dishes.

"OK," he said. "We really have got everything – bacon, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, kidneys, two kinds of sausages..."

I grinned. "Let me at it." I had to pinch myself as I ate, looking out over the sparkling blue sea, the islands now fully visible.

Tim watched my face. "You seem really happy."

I nodded. "I know we can't be certain what comes next, so I'm determined to make the most of this... of our time together."

He got up from his seat and stood behind me, wrapping his arms round me. "We'll get through this."

When we'd finished breakfast, Tim said, "I need to make a few calls. Why don't you try the pool?"

Again I silently thanked Beth for remembering a bikini in the clothes she'd brought for me. The Farm seemed a million miles away as I changed, and slid into the pleasantly warm water.

Tim put on trunks, and sat by the pool with his phone. Most of his calls were in Arabic, but I caught the end of one conversation as I swam back towards him.

"At the oasis at Liwa," he said. "Thank you very much."

He put the phone down, and stood, executing a flawless dive into the pool and surfacing next to me.

I rested my arms on his shoulders. "What did you discover?"

He raised his eyebrows. "You're going to get your wish."

I looked at him blankly for a moment, and he said, "Camels!"

"Oh!" I said, grinning. "Tell me."

"The sheikh we need to speak to is out of town, but his office said we should drive down to the oasis where he's staying. It's a beautiful place – lakes, birds, other wildlife – and we'll get to see how they really live."

"Wow," I said. "I suppose I'd better get ready."

I hesitated. "What should I wear? I know they're sensitive about the way women dress."

Tim thought for a moment. "If you have a blouse with long sleeves, not low at the neck, and a long skirt, you'll be fine. And if you have a scarf to cover your hair, that's a good idea."

I went through to the bedroom and sifted through the clothes in my suitcase, then dressed as closely as I could to what Tim had suggested.

When I returned to the pool, he looked up. "Wow. That's perfect."

He went to dress, returning in a light-coloured suit. "Think we're ready."

"Are we coming back here?" I asked.

"I honestly don't know," replied Tim. "We might be invited to stay, it depends on how we get on with the sheikh. I'll keep the suite anyway."

We went down to the lobby, and Tim spoke to one of the reception team, obviously arranging our transport. A few minutes later, a large four-by-four drew up outside the hotel.

"That's ours," said Tim. We walked out into the blazing sun, already hotter than any summer day I could remember, and I was glad when Tim helped me up in to the vehicle and closed the door, the air conditioning quickly bringing the temperature back down.

The driver pulled away from the kerb, joining the southbound traffic smoothly, and Tim pointed out various landmarks. Soon we were in the real desert, the road a sand-blown strip.

I moved to settle against Tim's shoulder, then hesitated. "Is this OK?"

He put his arm round my shoulder. "We're fine here, but yes, when we meet the sheikh, there are a few things you should be aware of that they'll really appreciate."

I shifted closer to him and closed my eyes. "Tell me."

"Well, it's best if we don't touch in public, and don't try to shake anyone's hand unless they extend theirs first."

He chuckled, and I opened my eyes to look at his face. "What?"

"If one of the men takes hold of my hand, don't worry – it's a gesture of friendship here."

I nodded. "OK. What else?"

"If we're invited to stay for a meal, be careful how you sit – imagine you're getting out of a limousine at the Oscars with the paparazzi all around."

"I hear what you're saying."

"Eat with your right hand only. Keep your feet tucked in – it's considered very rude to let anyone see the soles of your feet. And try not to touch your nose, even if it itches."

I listened carefully, trying to digest all this information. "OK."

"Apart from that, just keep your eyes open, be sensitive, and I'll do my best to let you know what's going on."

We drove on, and after a couple of hours Tim spoke briefly to the driver.

"I asked him if we can stop for something to eat," he explained. "There's a town up ahead, sort of a gateway to the dunes and the oases."

I saw buildings up ahead, and the driver drew the car to a stop. "You wait here," he said.

A few minutes later he returned with a bag, and handed us parcels wrapped in paper, obviously from a local stall.

I unwrapped mine, finding a selection of small kebabs, what looked like samosas, some dips.

"This is amazing," I said with my mouth full.

Tim grinned. "If you think this is good, wait till you see the food if we get invited to stay."

We finished our scratch meal, and drove on. Suddenly I tapped Tim's shoulder and pointed. A small flock of birds was flying overhead, almost exactly in the direction we were travelling.

"They're heading for the oasis," confirmed Tim. I looked ahead, and through the shimmering heat I thought I could begin to make out something green.

After a few more miles the palm trees on the horizon were unmistakeable, and the road descended between dunes to the water. We skirted the lake, and Tim pointed. "There."

I looked, and gasped. "It looks like a medieval painting."

Ahead of us rose a group of tents, the largest with its open entrance facing towards us. As we drew closer, I could see that it was hung with elaborate tapestries, and richly-woven rugs covered the floor and extended out from the entrance onto the sand.

The driver stopped the car, and Tim got out, holding the door for me. I followed him, my eyes fixed on him for cues, and making sure I didn't get ahead of him. I realised I was holding my breath, and forced myself to breathe, the hot air almost scorching my throat.

From within the tent emerged a white-clad figure, his eyes a piercing blue, his beard streaked with grey. Flanking him were two younger men.

Tim approached, bowing his head to his chest in respect, then spoke a phrase, clearly of greeting. The greeting was returned, and Tim spoke again, gesturing toward me. I bowed my head as I'd seen him do, and the older man nodded, beckoning.

The two younger men brought low stools for us, and we sat in the shade of the tent's awning. A bowl of water was offered to us, and I watched Tim dip his fingers in it, following suit.

He turned to me. "So far the sheikh is following protocol exactly – water to wash our hands, then they'll bring coffee."

As he spoke, one of the young men brought out a tray, pouring tiny cups of thick coffee. Tim took one and sipped, and again I did as he did.

The sheikh spoke, and Tim answered at length, then listened to the reply. There was a pause, and I said, "Will he help you?"

"It's customary here not to bring up business straight away," Tim explained. "We're talking about his family – though it's not polite for me to mention the women – you'll notice they're nowhere in sight."

He spoke to the sheikh again, and this time the reply was briefer, with an expansive gesture taking in the surrounding tents.

"We're in luck," said Tim, relief in his voice. "He's invited us for the evening meal, and to stay the night. We'll talk business tomorrow."

He gestured to our driver, and spoke to him aside in a low voice. The man nodded, and I watched the vehicle disappear back to the north.

One of the younger men beckoned us, and Tim again bowed his head to the sheikh before turning away to follow. We were led to a tent not far away, and the young man spoke briefly to Tim before leaving us.

I looked round the tent. It was smaller than the sheikh's, but still elaborately decorated, with a low bed in the centre draped with woven and embroidered covers.

I sat down on the bed, while Tim walked around looking at the various furnishings.

"Water," he said, indicating a tall brass jug. "Don't forget to drink enough – it seems cooler in here but we still need to be careful." He sat down beside me. "How are you enjoying your first real cross-cultural experience?"

"It's amazing," I said. "I could really get hooked."

"Well," Tim said thoughtfully, "let's hope we achieve what we came here to do."

We talked for a while, and I felt the air starting to cool slightly. "Is it dusk?"

Tim opened the tent flap, and I joined him, standing and looking out across the dunes. The sun was just setting, and I forgot myself for a moment, putting my arm round his shoulders as we watched the dunes turn red in the fading light.

From across the camp there was a flicker of flame, and Tim said, "They're getting ready to cook. We'd better go."

We made our way back to the main tent, and the sheikh greeted us, gesturing to a space on the rugs in front of the tent. We sat on the low stools, and again I made sure my skirt was carefully draped and my feet weren't visible.

Gradually people started to drift in, and I tried not to stare as a group of black-clad women took their place on one side of the fire.

The young men we'd seen earlier came in carrying something between them, and I blinked as the firelight revealed it to be a lamb, already spitted. They hung it over the fire, and one of the women moved closer, reaching out every so often to turn the animal.

This time tea was passed round, and I sipped carefully, holding the cup in my right hand. The sheikh signed for silence, and spoke at length, his voice rising and falling in a rhythmic pattern. When he fell silent, Tim leaned over and whispered, "That was the genealogy of the tribe – they take it very seriously."

"But when he goes back to the city?" I asked.

"Then he deals with the modern world," Tim said.

"I'm beginning to understand," I said.

Tim turned to talk to his neighbour, and I watched the scene silently. After a while, the woman turning the spit nodded, and the sheikh spoke. One of the young men took a long knife from his belt, and carefully cut a piece from the top of the leg, bringing it to Tim. Tim took it, and nodded his thanks to the sheikh before taking a bite.

At the sheikh's next gesture, a black-clad woman stood up from the group and approached the fire. The young man cut another piece of meat, and she took it and offered it to me. As she knelt and looked up at me, her hood slid a little way back, revealing the face of an attractive young woman with piercing blue eyes. I decided she must be one of the chief's daughters, and I took the meat she offered, bowing my head and closing my eyes briefly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Her eyes twinkled at my obvious surprise, and again I readjusted my expectations – of course the sheikh's daughter would have learned English, the better to take her place in her country.

She returned to her place with a backward glance and a smile, and I took a bite of the meat, still hot from the flames.

Flat bread was passed round, then more tea, and I started to relax. As the fire burned low, someone started to tap out an elaborate rhythm on a drum, and I held my breath as quietly at first, then more strongly, voices picked up what was obviously a traditional song.

When the song faded into silence, the sheikh stood, holding out one hand with his palm facing us, and spoke. Even without knowing the language, I understood that he was offering a blessing, and I whispered my own thanks for this amazing day.

I felt Tim's hand touch my shoulder in the darkness. "Come on – time for bed."

We returned to our tent, and Tim closed the flap firmly. "Now we can relax. Even more so in this culture, what goes on between a man and his wife in their own tent is their own business."

I wrapped my arms around him. "Tim, I've having a fantastic time. It was a little strange at first, but all those customs you explained – they make sense, I'm beginning to see a little of why things are the way they are here."

He grinned. "I'm glad. I spent some time here when I was learning the language, and I always love to come back."

"Now," he said, "are you ready for bed?"

I nodded, and released my hair from its scarf, then started to unbutton my blouse. "I didn't bring anything to wear."

Tim smiled. "Well, you won't be cold."

I finished undressing, and stood before him. "Now you."

Tim removed his clothes, putting them in a neat pile close to the bed with his holster on top. He pulled back the covers and turned down the wick in the lamp that hung from one of the tent poles, then lay down. "Join me?"

I lay beside him, putting my arms around him and pulling him close. "It seems as though we're in another world, here." He nodded. "I know what you mean."

I hesitated. "Tim –"

He put one finger on my lips. "Don't worry. Let's just hold one another tonight."

I settled more comfortably into the pillow, enjoying the feel of his arms around me, and started to drift off to sleep. Suddenly I felt Tim's body tense.

"Don't move," he whispered in my ear. Then I gasped as he twisted, cat-like, his gun appearing in his hand. Flame spat from the muzzle, then again, and Tim rolled from the bed, landing in a crouch.

He straightened, the starlight from the gap in the tent curtains reflecting from his eyes as they searched every corner.

"OK," he said. He reached up to the lamp, turning up the wick, and I gasped. Just inside the entrance to the tent sprawled two black-clad figures, with long knives beside them.

I had no time to ask questions. Lights sprang up outside and I heard footsteps approaching. I grabbed for the first thing I could find, one of the bed covers, and wrapped it around me, hoping that our hosts' idea of appropriate clothing would be flexible in the circumstances. Tim quickly pulled on his trousers, then stood, his gun in his hand but lowered.

The tent flap was drawn aside, and the sheikh ducked inside. He glanced at the bodies, then spoke to Tim. Tim replied, and holstered his gun.

The sheikh spoke again, then turned and left. The two young men came in, making an obvious effort to keep their eyes averted from me, and dragged the bodies out. Tim closed the tent flap again, and as he turned, I was in his arms, not caring that my improvised covering slid to the floor. My lips met Tim's, my whole body trembling. "Tim –"

He held me close, returning my kisses, then lifted me from my feet and took me back to the bed, placing me tenderly down. He lowered himself, wrapping his arms round me again, his body half-covering mine. "It's OK, Jenny, everything's fine."



The Spy Who Loved Me Ch. 03



"Those men –" I began.

"It's OK," he repeated. I clung to him, my trembling gradually subsiding.

"Try to sleep," he said softly. "I'll stay awake, although I'm sure the sheikh's put his own people outside the tent now."

I nodded, and twined my fingers in his hair, my other hand resting on the muscles of his shoulder. I forced myself to relax, and felt my tiredness start to win out over the adrenaline.

***

When I opened my eyes again, Tim's arms were still around me, his face calm and alert.

I took a deep breath. "You didn't sleep, did you."

He shook his head. "But nothing happened."

He started to release me, but I tightened my arms again. "Tim?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks."

He nodded, and I caught the flicker of an expression cross his face.

"Tell me," I said. "I'm starting to know when there's something you're not saying."

He looked away for a moment. "I was thinking about Sarah."

I was silent for a moment. "I understand."

He looked into my eyes again. "Jenny, I'll do everything in my power to keep you from harm. I should really put you on a plane straight back home."

"No," I managed. "I want to be where you are." And my lips were on his again, if anything more desperately than the previous night.

He returned my kiss, and I felt his body press against mine, then after long moments he pulled away reluctantly.

"Let's find out what's going on. This is a new situation even to me, and I genuinely don't know how the customs here deal with what's happened."

I nodded, and got up, pulling on my clothes. Tim dressed quickly, and we opened the tent flap. The two young men – I concluded they must be the sheikh's sons – were standing either side of the entrance, and the older of the two spoke to Tim, gesturing that we should follow.

He led us to a smaller tent, and the sheikh emerged. To my immense surprise, he awkwardly bent one knee, lowering his head, then straightened again. He spoke to Tim, his tone different to the previous day, and held out his hand.

Tim took the offered hand and they stood for long moments. Then the sheikh withdrew his hand and turned to go back into the tent.

I looked at Tim expectantly. He took a deep breath, and said, "Well, I learned something. The sheikh feels deeply dishonoured that we were attacked while we were under his protection. He doesn't know who the men are, but he's promised to give us any information we need about the bank accounts we came here to follow up."

"That's great."

"That's not all," continued Tim. "He's sending his daughter back to the city with us to represent him personally while we conduct our investigations."

I thought back to the young woman who'd served me the previous evening. "I'll enjoy that. It'll give me a chance to understand even more about these people."

We walked back to the main tent. At first I thought it was deserted, then from inside emerged a figure. I recognised the sheikh's daughter, though she was now dressed in similar clothing to me. Her long dark hair was caught back in a heavy gold clasp, and long earrings dangled from her ears, a pendant at her throat. Her blue eyes met mine, and she smiled. "Good morning. I'm Suleika, my father will have explained that I'm coming with you."

I nodded. "I'm sorry about what happened last night." Without thinking, I held my hand out to her, but she took it without hesitation.

"My father wants you to know that those men were not acting in accordance with our ways," she said. "He wants you to find out who sent them, and if any of our own people are involved, he will see that they are brought to justice."

I tried not to imagine what that justice would involve, and smiled. She released my hand, and looked up the road. "I've ordered us a car."

A moving dust cloud announced the arrival of the vehicle, and this time Tim got into the front seat, Suleika and I in the back.

I turned to her as the vehicle drove away. "We really are sorry that we've brought trouble on your family, and we're very grateful for the help you and your father have offered."

She nodded. "The world is a complicated place, and things that happen far away can touch us even here."

She gestured at the oasis, the surface covered with migrating birds. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Tim turned round and spoke to her briefly in Arabic. Her face lit up, and she nodded, smiling.

"I'm allowed to tell you that her name means 'beautiful' in Arabic," Tim grinned.

"Very appropriate," I said. Suleika smiled shyly, and this time it was she who reached for my hand.

Again the driver stopped at the small town, and this time Suleika disappeared for a few minutes, returning with pastries still warm from the oven, filled with raisins and almonds and fragrant with spices.

I bit into one. "Wow, these are amazing. I'll never look at a Danish pastry in quite the same way again."

Suleika smiled. "I'm afraid there's only water to drink, but when we get back to Dubai I'll take you for a proper meal."

The car continued north, and finally Suleika pointed. "There – you can see the Burj on the horizon."

We arrived back at the hotel, and Suleika spoke to the receptionist, who nodded.

"I've told them you'll be checking out later," Suleika said. "I hope you don't mind – father insisted we continue our hospitality to you, so I'll take you to our town house."

I nodded. "I would like a shower, though, and it'd be nice to use the pool one last time."

Suleika grinned. "No problem. I hope you have a spare bikini – I love to swim."

We took the express elevator up to the suite, and Tim changed in the bathroom while Suleika and I undressed in the bedroom. We walked over to the pool, and Suleika dived in, her long dark hair streaming behind her as she swam gracefully to the other end of the pool.

I tried to emulate her, and swam over to her, holding on to the side of the pool and kicking my legs. I heard a splash, and Tim surfaced behind us.

"Race you to the other end," he said. I rolled my eyes. "You must be joking, I know how fit you are."

"I'll race," grinned Suleika, her eyes flashing.

"Ready, set, go!" I chanted, and both of them launched from the side. I saw fierce determination on Suleika's face as she swam with powerful strokes. Amazingly, she pulled ahead of Tim and touched the end of the pool at least a second before him, turning to give him a triumphant look.

He raised his eyebrows. "You could try out for the Olympics with a time like that."

She grinned. "Maybe I will. Anyway, are you ready to get going yet? We have work to do."

We got out, and I cast a wistful glance back at the pool. We dressed, and Tim and I packed, then called for the porters to take our luggage. Suleika took out her phone and dialled, speaking briefly.

"A car will pick us up and take your luggage to the house, while we make a start at the office," she explained.

When we reached the lobby, a dark limousine was already waiting, and Suleika nodded to the driver as he loaded our cases into the boot. All three of us got into the back seat, and Suleika pointed out various landmarks as we passed.

After a few minutes we arrived at a tall office building. We got out of the car, and Suleika spoke to the driver, who nodded, then drove off.

We walked in to the lobby and the receptionist looked up. When she saw Suleika, she stood and came round to the front of the desk.

"Welcome, sayida. We were not expecting you for a few days."

Suleika nodded. She indicated Tim and myself. "These are honoured guests of my father – please extend them every courtesy. We will be working together. I will need Ibrahim, please ask him to join us in the conference room."

The receptionist nodded and went back to her desk, picking up the phone. We took the lift to the top floor of the building, and when we arrived at the conference room a man with a neatly trimmed beard in a dark suit was already waiting for us.

"Ibrahim, please meet Tim and his companion, Jenny."

I threw Tim a shocked look, but he smiled back. "In this culture, once trust is given, it is respected absolutely. No-one will learn anything from the sheikh's family."

I glanced at Ibrahim, and Suleika smiled. "Ibrahim is an older cousin. That's how business works here."

We were interrupted by a young woman bringing coffee. "I could certainly use a cup," Tim smiled.

We sat down at the conference table, and Suleika switched back to Arabic to explain to Ibrahim our purpose in being there. He nodded, and when she had finished he said, "Of course we will do everything we can to help. Tim, if you will provide me all the details you gained in Geneva?"

Tim reached into his pocket and took out a memory stick, handing it over. "Great," smiled Suleika. "Now we can go and get some lunch. Ibrahim, call us if you need anything."

We took the lift down to the lobby, and Suleika said, "It's only a few minutes to the house – can you cope with a short walk?"

We set off, and I noticed that we left the skyscrapers behind. Suleika saw me looking around curiously, and said, "This part of the city has been left for more traditional buildings."

We reached a pair of iron gates, and Suleika led us into a paved courtyard. At its centre was a pool with a fountain, and by it a tree. A shaded colonnade ran round the courtyard, and beyond I could see stone-floored rooms.

"Welcome to our home," said Suleika. She called a greeting, and a little girl came running out, followed by an old woman in the traditional black garments.

"Amma!" laughed the child as Suleika lifted her into the air. "Have you brought me a present?"

Suleika put her down. "Something better – visitors. Now, let me greet your jaddah properly."

She bowed her head in respect, and spoke briefly in Arabic. The older woman nodded to us, then turned to walk back into the house.

We sat down on low benches a little way from the fountain. "Can I stay with you, 'Leika?" begged the child.

"All right, Aki, but you must be good."

The child squirmed. "Don't call me that, 'Leika, I'm nearly six."

Suleika shook her head indulgently. "OK, Akilah, but if you're nearly six, that means you can definitely be good when we have guests."

She turned back to us. "I do apologise for my niece."

"No need," grinned Tim. "She seems a delightful child."

This prompted more squirming from Akilah, ended only by Suleika producing a sweet from her pocket.

"Lunch won't be long," she said. "Grandmother usually stays here when the rest of the family goes to the oasis, and there are a couple of servants."

"The breeze is lovely and cool," I said, tilting my head back.

Suleika smiled. "Another benefit of living here. We have a wind tower, and it draws the air through a qanat – a waterway – below the house. Air conditioning, without the high technology."

I heard footsteps approaching, and glanced across the courtyard to see two young men bringing a table. They set it down in front of us, then went back into the house, returning with trays. Suleika's grandmother brought a tall brass teapot and cups on a stand, then went to sit under the tree, closing her eyes.

"Please, eat," invited Suleika. "These are all traditional dishes."

We started to eat, and I said, "I'm falling in love with this place – the culture, the food, the people."

"Will you come and live here?" asked Akilah. "I could teach you to play siga." She indicated a board and scattered stones on a rug a little way away.

I smiled. "Who knows..."

Just as we were finishing lunch, Suleika's phone rang. She answered, and listened for a moment, then spoke briefly.

She put the phone back in her pocket. "That was Ibrahim. He's making progress, but it'll be tomorrow before he has all the details you need."

Tim nodded. "Thank you – we really appreciate your help."

He smiled at Akilah. "Now, young lady, what might we find to keep you amused this afternoon?"

Suleika rolled her eyes. "Now you really have let the jinn out of the bottle."

"Can we go to Children's City, amma? Please? Pleeease?"

"Only if Tim and Jenny say it's OK."

Akilah turned her imploring eyes on us, and I smiled softly. "How could anyone resist?"

Suleika grinned. "I'll organise a car."

She walked over to her grandmother, obviously explaining our plans, then took out her phone and made a call.

She returned to us. "All sorted. We'll have to walk back to the main road, it's not far."

I stood, and hesitantly walked over to where Suleika's grandmother was sitting. "Thank you for your hospitality," I said.

She nodded, obviously grasping my meaning, and reached out to take my hand briefly.

I smiled at her, then walked back to where Tim and Suleika were waiting with Akilah. We walked out onto the narrow street, and Akilah took my hand and then Tim's, swinging between us as we went.

We reached the main road, and the limousine pulled out of the stream of traffic to stop at the kerb beside us. Suleika got into the front seat, leaving Tim and I to sit with Akilah between us in the back.

The journey was a short one, and when we got out Akilah could barely contain her excitement as she saw the entrance to Children's City.

We walked in, and Tim took out his wallet. "No arguments," he said to Suleika. "You're looking after us, so this is our treat for the little one."

He bought tickets for us all, and we went through into the main plaza.

"Where first?" Tim asked Akilah.

She thought for a moment. "The Nature Centre!"

She skipped off with us following, and soon we were looking at various desert creatures in simulations of their habitat. Akilah squealed, her face a mixture of fear and delight, when a big furry spider moved toward her, and half-hid behind me.

I tousled her hair. "Silly, it can't get you."

She looked serious for a moment. "I know, Amma Jenny, but it's fun to pretend, isn't it."

I looked across at Tim with a smile, not surprised to see on his face the fiercely protective look I'd first seen in my apartment and then again the night we were attacked.

"OK," said Akilah decisively, "enough animals. Let's go to the Planetarium."

"We only have time to do three things," said Suleika gently.

Akilah nodded. "Then space exploration after that," she said.

We walked through to the Planetarium. A show was just about to start, and we found four seats together near the centre of the auditorium. Akilah wavered over where to sit, but finally Tim and I sat next to one another, with Akilah between me and Suleika.

The lights dimmed, and I felt Tim's hand on mine in the darkness. Akilah took my other hand, and squeaked as the seats tilted back automatically. I squeezed her hand, and felt her fingers tighten on mine in return.

The show started, and though the commentary was in Arabic, I easily followed our journey through the Solar System, flashing past the Moon, flying low over the Martian landscape to Olympus Mons, flinching as the camera turned just in time to avoid colliding with an asteroid.

The journey reached the gas giants, and in Jupiter's light I glanced aside to see Akilah's rapt face, her mouth an 'O' of wonder.

As we left the Solar System the camera turned to briefly follow a small craft with a large dish-shaped antenna and an extended aerial. I caught the word 'Voyager', then the camera zoomed out, and out again, showing the scale of the whole galaxy turning on its axis. The viewpoint shifted, and I recognised some of the iconic Hubble images – the Horsehead Nebula, the Eagle, the Pillars of Creation.

As the music faded into silence, the last image on the screen was an unfamiliar one, blackness filled with tiny glowing shapes. The lights came up, and I released Tim's hand reluctantly.

I turned to him. "What was that last one? I didn't recognise it."

He started to reply, and I was surprised to hear a catch in his voice, the glint of moisture in the corner of his eyes. "The Hubble Deep Field – the furthest out into space and back in time we've yet seen."

He looked suddenly tired, and I remembered that he'd hardly slept the previous night. "It makes what happens on this planet seem almost insignificant."

Then he looked across at Akilah, now drowsily insisting to Suleika that she wasn't asleep and could we go see the astronauts now?

"Then again," said Tim, "some things make it all worth while." I ached to reach out to him, but forced myself to hold back.

We made our way through to the Space Exploration section, and watched Akilah as she tried the gyroscope chair under the watchful eye of one of the staff. Then she reached out to touch the side of the Apollo capsule.

"Did people really go to the Moon in this?" she asked.

I glanced at the nearby attendant. "Actually, yes," he said. "This capsule is on loan from Washington."

I looked at the scorched surface of the capsule with new respect, then turned as I caught the sound of a yawn from Akilah.

"Come on, little one," Tim said, scooping her up in his arms. "Sounds like it's time you had a nap."

She nodded sleepily, her thumb in her mouth. Suleika looked embarrassed. "I thought she'd grown out of that."

We walked back to the entrance, Tim still carrying Akilah, and Suleika used her phone to call the car to pick us up. I got in first, and Tim handed the sleeping child to me. She settled in my lap without opening her eyes, and Tim slid in beside me.

We drove the short distance back to the house, and Suleika took Akilah upstairs, returning to us.

"She'll sleep for a while now," she said. "Thanks so much."

Her grandmother appeared, and Suleika spoke to her, obviously giving a brief account of our afternoon. She smiled, and nodded to Tim and me, then returned to the house.

"We'll eat again soon," Suleika explained. We sat down by the fountain, and the two servants brought water and fruit.

When we'd refreshed ourselves, Tim excused himself to go to the toilet, and Suleika said to me, "I'll show you where you'll be sleeping – perhaps you want some time to yourselves before dinner."

I hesitated, then put my hand on her arm. "It's not a problem for you that Tim and I aren't married?"

She shook her head, smiling. "You two are obviously meant for each other – qisma, we call it. You'd say 'kismet'."

"You really think so?" I said.

She nodded. "Anyway, Tim told me that you weren't... that you hadn't..." I could tell that she was blushing. "Come on – your room is through here."

She showed me into a large room with a bed similar to the one we'd slept in at the oasis. "I'll call you when dinner's ready."

She left, and after a few moments Tim joined me. "Was Suleika OK? She looked a little flustered."

I grinned. "She told me that it would be OK for us to share a room because it was our destiny to be with one another, and anyway she knew we weren't sleeping together."

Tim smiled wryly. "After last night I find myself wondering how long that'll last."

Now it was my turn to blush. I glanced to see that the curtain was firmly across the door, and moved into his arms, closing my eyes and tilting my face upwards. I felt his lips on mine, and couldn't help making a quiet sound, of pleasure and desire.

After long moments he broke the kiss. "My love," he whispered.

I buried my head in his chest and held him even more tightly. "Mm."

He indicated the bed. "We could lie down for a while..."

I took his hand, drawing him toward the bed, and we lay down, Tim wrapping his arms around me again. I stroked his hair, and he closed his eyes. I kissed him again, and he murmured something I couldn't make out.

"Hmm?" I said.

There was no reply, and I realised from Tim's slow steady breathing that he'd finally succumbed to his fatigue.

"Ah well," I murmured under my breath. "There's always later."

I watched Tim sleep, while I reviewed the events of the last few days again in my mind's eye.




The Spy Who Loved Me Ch. 03



I must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew was Suleika's voice calling softly from the doorway. "Tim? Jenny? Time to eat."

I called an acknowledgement and kissed Tim gently on the cheek. He opened his eyes, and again I marvelled at his ability to wake instantly.

"Dinner's ready," I said quietly.

Tim got to his feet and stretched out his hands to help me up. I looked at him.

"You're a bit rumpled, but you'll do."

He grinned. "OK."

We went out into the dusk, feeling again the welcome breeze generated by the wind tower. The scene that met us was magical; lamps were hung around the courtyard, and a rug had been spread out by the fountain. Cushions were scattered at the edges of the rugs, and a brazier flickered under a large dish at the centre.

Suleika patted the rug. "Come, sit. Grandmother's gone to bed, so it's just us."

Tim and I shared a large cushion, and I leaned against him. He glanced at Suleika, and she nodded. Tim raised his hand as I'd seen the sheikh do the previous day, and spoke briefly in Arabic, then lowered his hand.

"Was that some kind of blessing?" I asked in a low voice.

Tim nodded. "It's traditional for the eldest man present to give it before a family meal."

"They must really feel comfortable with us," I whispered back.

"Come, eat," urged Suleika. Tim took a large flatbread and tore it in half, handing it to me. "Dip a piece in the dish."

I did as he instructed, taking a bite of the bread. "Mm, delicious."

We took our time eating, and as I leaned back against Tim I glanced across the courtyard, seeing something white moving at the top of the stairs.

Suleika followed my glance, and gave an indulgent smile. "Aki, you can come down for a minute," she called softly.

The child came down the stairs in her cotton nightshirt, her feet bare. She rubbed her eyes. "Can I have some bread?"

Suleika nodded. "Jenny will help you."

I took another piece of bread, and dipped morsels in the dish for Akilah. "Mm," she said, "that's tasty."

She settled against my stomach as I fed her, and Tim reached down to tousle her hair gently. "Saghir malak," he said softly. "Little angel."

She murmured, and turned, resting her head on me. Suleika threw me a glance.

"Don't worry," I said. "She can doze there for a bit if she likes."

Suleika nodded. "I'm afraid I can't offer the kind of entertainment my father gave last night," she said.

"Why don't you tell us a story?" I said. "Tim's probably heard them all, but I'd like to hear something you'd consider traditional."

Suleika thought for a moment. "Well," she said uncertainly, "there's a very famous story of two lovers, Layla and Majnun."

She went on to relate the doomed love of the two young people – Layla married off to another suitor, Majnun driven insane by his love for her.

When she'd finished her tale, Tim spoke up. "Thanks, Suleika. I think we should have something a little more upbeat next, though – that one reminds me too much of Romeo and Juliet."

He paused. "How about the story of Bayad and Riyad?"

Suleika grinned. "That's cheating – wasn't that really a courtly love story, more European than anything?"

Tim chuckled, causing the sleeping Akilah to stir for a moment. "OK, you got me there. I'll try again, though it'll be an old tale to you, Suleika."

"This is the story of Prince Camaralzaman and Princess Badoura," he began. I saw Suleika smile, and Akilah opened her eyes wide to listen.

Tim's tale ranged from Arabia to China, encompassing the prince and princess placed in a charmed sleep by contending spirits, their eventual marriage, the theft of a precious stone by a bird, the prince's pursuit of the bird while the princess disguised herself as him, and finally the prince's marriage to a second beautiful princess.

"The two queens lived in true sisterly harmony together, and after a time each presented King Camaralzaman with a son, whose births were celebrated throughout the kingdom with the utmost rejoicing," Tim concluded.

He glanced at Suleika, embarrassed. "I'd forgotten how that one ends."

She smiled. "Don't worry. Anyway, I'd better get the little one back to bed – I think she dropped off again about halfway through."

She stood, and lifted the sleeping girl into her arms. I felt momentarily cold at the loss of Akilah's warmth against me, then Tim wrapped his arms around me. We watched as Suleika climbed the stairs with Akilah, turning back to give us a final goodnight wave.

"Time for bed," said Tim, lifting me to my feet, and we walked back to our room.

I undressed, and Tim followed suit. "Brr," he said, "the cooling system is maybe a little too efficient."

"We'll just have to snuggle together to stay warm," I teased, getting into bed. He joined me, holding me close, and I wrapped my arms around him. "Still tired?" I asked, shifting my body against his.

He shook his head. "And what Suleika doesn't know, won't hurt her..."

***



The Spy Who Loved Me Ch. 04



I woke the next morning with a feeling of utter bliss. I knew in the back of my mind that Ibrahim was due to report his findings back today, but somehow, in Tim's arms, in this home where we'd been made so welcome, it didn't seem to matter quite so much.

Tim stirred, and opened his eyes. "Good morning, lover."

I smiled. "Good morning yourself."

He stretched. "I could use a shower. Did you see what the arrangements are?"

I nodded. "Through that arch – there's a tank on the roof that heats up during the day."

He grinned. "Come with me?"

I raised my eyebrows. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

We took our time showering, then helped each other dry with the large towels we found. When we emerged into the courtyard, Suleika was sitting at the table with Akilah, helping her to peel an orange.

"Ammu, amma!" the little girl said, jumping up to hug us. Suleika rolled her eyes. "I hope she didn't get juice on you."

I grinned. "Don't worry."

Suleika looked at me carefully. "You must have slept well," she said. "You seem really relaxed."

I smiled. "We had a lovely time yesterday. I can't begin to thank you enough for your hospitality."

Suleika nodded. "I hope you'll go home with a good impression of our country."

Akilah looked up. "You're going home?"

"We'll have to go soon, little one," Tim said. "Maybe today, maybe tomorrow."

She reached out her arms and clung to him. "Take me too?"

Tim chuckled. "Sorry, can't do that." He kissed her hair, then put her down.

"Akilah, darling, come and sit by me," said Suleika. The little girl obeyed, looking subdued.

We breakfasted on fruit, sweetened rolls and coffee, then Suleika said, "We should go back into the office."

Akilah looked up. "You'll come back and say goodbye?"

I nodded. "Of course."

Suleika called for the car, and once again I remembered to thank her grandmother, sitting in her accustomed place under the tree.

We met the car at the main road, and quickly reached the office. Suleika nodded to the receptionist, and we made our way straight to the conference room.

Ibrahim was waiting for us, and he stood as we entered. "Sayid, sayida, welcome," he said.

"Do you have something for us?" asked Suleika.

Ibrahim nodded. He picked up the projector control and dimmed the lights.

"Tim gave us credit card details and the bank accounts from which they were set up," he began. "As your father –" he nodded at Suleika – "instructed us to override any internal security controls in our search, we were able to trace these back to their origin."

He pressed the control again, and a map appeared on the screen.

I gasped, and even Tim looked surprised. The map showed the original money trail from the USA to Geneva, then the links we'd followed to Dubai. But the onward trail stretched far to the east, the lines converging on Beijing.

Tim spoke first. "Two possibilities. Either this is a deniable attack by the People's Republic, or a powerful faction is seeking to achieve some purpose of their own."

He turned to me. "I have to follow this through. But China will be different – on this evidence, I can't guarantee any diplomatic protection, and the risks may be even greater. I can't ask you to come with me."

I glanced at Suleika and Ibrahim. "This doesn't change anything. I told you after the attack on us, I want to be where you are."

I leaned closer to him. "And more so after last night."

Tim nodded. "Thanks, Jenny."

He turned to Ibrahim. "The memory stick I gave you contains an encryption key you can use to send this information back to the agency. When that's done, I'll make arrangements for us to leave."

He paused. "Please, thank your father for his help. If we find out who sent those men to his camp, rest assured we'll get that information to him."

Ibrahim nodded, and brought the lights back up, then left the room to send the encrypted message.

"When will you travel?" asked Suleika.

"As soon as possible," Tim replied. His phone rang, and he pulled it from his pocket. "Beth. You got the message."

He listened for a moment. "I know. But there's no mistake – the bank have given us every facility." He raised his eyebrows at Suleika, and she smiled.

"Yes," he continued. "Both of us, to Beijing."

Beth seemed to be reminding him of the risks. "I know," he replied. "But things are different now."

He listened again. "OK – twelve noon, local time here. Thanks, Beth."

He put the phone away. "We have time to go back to the house to pack – and to say our farewells to a certain young lady, of course. Beth will make sure new papers are waiting for us at the airport."

We went down to the lobby, and Suleika called the car for us. When we reached the house, Akilah and her grandmother were absorbed in a game using the board and the smooth stones we'd seen the previous day.

Akilah jumped up when she saw us, running to Tim to be picked up. She somehow sensed our mood, and said, "You're going now, aren't you."

Tim nodded. "But I promise - wallaahi – we'll come back."

Akilah nodded solemnly. Tim kissed her on the cheek, then lifted her into my arms.

"Goodbye, little one," I said. I thought for a moment, then unclasped the pendant I wore – a tiny enamel bird – and refastened it round her neck. "You can look after this for me until we come back."

She touched the little bird, and finally I saw a tear roll down her cheek. I gave her one last hug, then put her down. We walked with her over to where her grandmother sat, and she climbed into the old lady's lap.

Tim expressed our thanks again for the family's hospitality, then we walked back to where Suleika was waiting.

"I called for the car," she said. We walked towards the main road, and I glanced back at the house, holder of so many happy memories in such a short time.

The car took us to the airport, and Tim was approached by a dark-suited man wearing sunglasses, who handed him an envelope.

"Thanks," said Tim. I noticed the tiny flag pin at the man's lapel, and decided he was from the agency. The man nodded without speaking, and left us.

Tim took a deep breath, looking at Suleika. He spoke a long phrase in Arabic, and I could see from her face that she was deeply touched. She replied, a short phrase. Then she glanced around, and put her arms round Tim for a brief hug, then stepped back, smiling.

I moved forward to hug her in turn. "Go with God, Jenny," she whispered. I nodded.

As Tim and I walked to the security desk, I glanced back to see Suleika still watching us. Then she gave one last wave, and turned, soon lost to sight among the crowd.

Once more we went through the process of bypassing the normal security checks, and as we walked to the plane, I said, "What was the last blessing you gave Suleika? She was obviously very moved."

Tim thought for a moment, then translated. "You are my friend. And a friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away."

"Wow," I breathed, blinking back tears.

"It's actually a wedding blessing, but she knew how I meant it."

We reached the plane, an Air China 747, and climbed the stairs. The stewardess greeted us, and I had to force myself not to see her as complicit in what her country – or someone in it – had done to mine.

We were seated in First Class again, and I tried to relax as the plane took off, but I felt like a big piece of my heart was left behind, in the quiet courtyard of a house in the city below.

I glanced across at Tim. He reached out to take my hand, and I glanced round automatically.

"Don't worry," he said. "We can relax a little now – though there are some things I'll need to tell you for when we arrive in China."

I squeezed his fingers gratefully, leaning towards him. "How long's the flight?"

"About eight hours, but with the time difference we'll get in at midnight."

I thought for a moment. "So we'll literally be on the other side of the world from where we started."

Tim nodded. "You seem to be coping OK with the time zones."

I flashed him a smile. "I certainly slept well last night."

He put his arms round me and squeezed. "I love you, Jenny."

I felt tears pricking at my eyes. "Same here."

We heard footsteps approaching, and moved apart. Our stewardess arrived, and said, "Are you ready for lunch, sir, madam?"

I nodded. "Thank you."

Wine came with the meal, and I realised we hadn't had any alcohol during the time we were in Dubai. I took a sip, and raised my eyebrows. "The wine's good."

Tim sipped. "Hmm."

He looked at me and winked. "Think it's French, actually."

I laughed, then coughed as my wine went down the wrong way. Tim patted me on the back, looking concerned.

"I'm OK," I managed. "You've cheered me up, anyway."

We finished our meal, and Tim said, "Do you want to try and sleep? We'll probably have to start fairly early in Beijing."

I nodded, and reclined my seat. Tim did the same, and we faced one another.

"Sleep tight, my love," he said.

I woke feeling chilled, and sat up to look around me. The cabin was dark, and Tim was still sleeping. I decided not to disturb him, and unfastened my lap belt, making my way down the cabin to go to the toilet.

When I returned Tim was sitting up, looking through the papers he'd received as we left Dubai.

"OK," he said. "A new cover. Same names, but this time we're just tourists."

He grinned. "I think Beth has cast us as 'hicks from the sticks' – this brief shows us having no language skills, our first time outside the US."

"Well," I said with a smile, "I won't have any trouble with that. By rights I should have died of culture shock by now."

Tim nodded. "It means that we can easily pick up useful information – no-one will have any idea I can understand what they're saying."

I rolled my eyes. "Why am I not surprised that you speak Chinese too? Anyway, you'd better give me the briefing before we touch down."

Tim thought for a moment. "This culture is all about 'saving face' – a little like the sheikh's concept of honour, but much more to do with public perception than reputation."

"In fact," he continued, "it's mostly about appearances. You have to make sure you visibly show people the respect they think their position deserves."

"Sounds a bit like a gathering of Washington socialites," I mused.

"Actually that's not far off," Tim nodded. "But there are some specifics. Remember to take off your shoes if you go into someone's home. If we are invited to visit, we'll need to take small gifts – fruit, flowers. When we're out with someone for a meal, if they invited us they'll pay, but we're expected to offer, more than once."

"Strange," I said.

"Last couple of things," said Tim. "If someone offers you something, always take it with both hands. And the number four is unlucky – don't use it."

"OK, got it," I said.

The captain announced that we were beginning our descent into Beijing, and we strapped ourselves in for landing. When the wheels touched the tarmac, Tim leaned over to me. "OK, into character."

I grinned. As we disembarked from the plane, I thanked the stewardess, then looked out across the lights of the airport, trying to imagine this was my first sight of a country other than my own.

"Tom," I said in what I hoped was my best touristy voice, "where's the car?"

"I don't know," said Tim with a hint of a drawl. "Let's find our bags and look for the travel company representative, darling."

We made our way to the baggage reclaim, and as usual Tim found our cases. Suleika had made sure our clothes were washed and pressed so I had the full choice of dresses, more casual outfits, and swimwear for our trip.

We found our way through immigration, and out onto the concourse. I spotted a placard with "Scott" on it, and touched Tim's arm. "Over there, darling."

We were greeted by a young Chinese woman with a warm, genuine smile, and I decided I'd find it difficult to dislike her. I toned down the brash persona I'd been working on, and returned her smile as she put our cases in the boot of the car.

She opened the door of the car for us, and I slid in next to Tim. The car pulled away, and I looked around, genuinely fascinated by the mixture of modern and more traditional buildings.

We arrived at the hotel, and our guide spoke to the receptionist. He held out a key to me, and I saw him perceptibly stiffen as I took it with one hand. At least I was in character, I thought.

A porter took our cases, while Tim filled in the various forms the receptionist had given him.

"I meet you in the morning at breakfast," our guide smiled, and left us to make our way up to our room.

As the door closed behind us, I exhaled heavily. "How are we doing?" I asked.

Tim smiled. "OK," he said. "Now we can be ourselves."

I glanced round the room. "This is nice, actually." The room had a view out over the Old City, and everything in it seemed modern and functional, though nothing like our suite in Dubai.

"Now," said Tim, "let's get some sleep – we'll need to be alert tomorrow."

I smiled, starting to undress. "I'm sure we have just a little time..."

***

I woke in Tim's arms, and glanced at the clock beside the bed. It showed eight a.m., though my body seemed to be trying to tell me it was earlier.

I stretched, and Tim opened his eyes. "Morning, darling."

I leaned over to kiss him. "Shower?"

He nodded, and we helped one another wash, then dry. When we were dressed, we went downstairs and found our guide waiting for us.

"You sleep well?" she asked.

"Yes, thank you," said Tim.

"Breakfast this way," she indicated. "Is it OK, I eat with you?"

"Of course," I said. "You can tell us what you've organised for us today."

"Here is map," she said, producing a folder. "Today you see the city. Cultural attractions, places to eat."

"Do you come with us?" asked Tim, his voice casual.

"Oh no," came the reply. "You have cellphone, you can call if you need me. Otherwise, be free, take your time, I see you at the hotel after dinner to make sure everything is OK."

I could see Tim carefully concealing his relief. "Thank you," he said.

Breakfast was fruit, rolls, coffee, and when we'd finished we went back upstairs to fetch our things.

"Did you bring a camera?" I asked.

Tim nodded. "I'm afraid it's not a big conspicuous one on a strap round my neck, though."

I grinned. "At least we can make fun of ourselves, anyway."

We went out into the street, and I watched the steady stream of bicycles go by. Tim glanced at the map.

"First stop the Imperial Palace Museum, its collection based on the Ming and Ching dynasties," he said.

I nodded. I looked around, then said, "How do you plan to start finding out what's going on?"

Tim smiled. "We have our methods, Watson."

We set off towards the museum, and I did my best to keep up the tourist persona, pointing at various things and urging Tim to take photographs.

The museum was huge, and we spent the whole morning there looking round the collections of porcelain, calligraphy, weapons. At lunchtime we made our way to the restaurant that was marked on our map, and as we ate Tim said, "I have a plan, but you're going to find it a bit unpleasant."

I looked up from my bird's-nest soup and said, "Oh?"

"We have to make out that we've had an argument, and I don't want to spend the evening with you. I'll insist that the guide directs me to a place where I can drink by myself – I already know that some of the secretaries to the senior Party members go out after work, and Beth has emailed me some photographs. I'll try and pick one of them up, get her to drink a little more than she should, and see if I can talk her into letting something slip."

"OK," I said, doubt in my voice. "What happens if she's just a little too amenable?"

"Don't worry," said Tim determinedly. "I know how to get myself out of most things."

We spent the afternoon at the nearby Natural History Museum, looking at the Gallery of Ancient Reptiles – actually an astonishing collection of dinosaur fossils.

Tim glanced at his watch. "OK," he said, "time to put our plan into action."

We went back to the hotel, and made our way to the dining room. As we finished our meal, Tim nudged me under the table with his foot, then said in a loud voice, "Well, be like that then. If you don't want to come out with me, I'll damn well go out on my own."

His timing was perfect – as the other diners glanced across, then returned to eating, I saw our guide walking toward our table. "Darling –" I began, starting to point.

"Oh, you're here," Tim said brusquely. "My wife has decided she has a headache and wants to stay in, but I want to see the night life around here. Where can I go to see the sights, get a decent drink?"

I admired the coolness of our guide. "Very pleasant club just round the corner. Here, I show you on the map."

Tim looked at the proffered map, then at me. "I'll see you later. On second thoughts, don't wait up," he spat.

He stamped out, and I glanced up at the guide, genuinely embarrassed.

"He is not happy," she said, looking at me with concern in her face.

I pretended indifference. "He gets like that sometimes. He'll be fine tomorrow."

"OK. I see you in the morning with program again."

"Thanks," I said. "Goodnight."

I went up to our room, and tried to read, but I couldn't concentrate. I looked out across the city, and imagined Tim talking to some girl, perhaps getting picked up by Chinese counterintelligence agents.

The hours seemed to drag, and I began to wish Tim had left me his phone, so I could call Beth and at least hear a familiar voice.

Finally I heard Tim's key in the lock, and I rushed to the door. "Are you all right?"

He nodded, smiling, his eyes twinkling, and I sagged in relief.

"You found something, didn't you," I said, beginning to grin.

He returned my grin. "Better than I could possibly have hoped."

He sat down on one of the heavily-upholstered couches, and I joined him, leaning into his shoulder and closing my eyes. "So tell me."

"I got to the club and found a seat with a good view of the door, bought a drink. After a while a group of young women arrived, and I recognised two of them from Beth's photos. They got drinks and sat down, and I watched them for a while.

"When they'd nearly finished their drinks, I got up and walked over to their table, doing my 'new in town' act, and asked if I could buy them all another drink, and they could tell me what's really worth seeing.

"There was a certain amount of giggling, and they agreed. So I bought a round of drinks, then another, and made conversation – asking them about themselves, telling them how great I thought the museums were."

I grinned. "I'll have to be careful with you – you obviously have all the moves."

Tim hugged me. "Strictly business from now on. Anyway, after a while a couple of the girls seemed inclined to go on somewhere else, but I said I wanted to stay – didn't want to get too far from the hotel. One girl – one from the pictures – said she'd like to stay and talk some more, and her friends left, making what I have to say were some very suggestive remarks in Mandarin."

"So I talked to her some more, and happened to mention the bombings. She'd obviously been waiting for some opening, because she started to say how terrible it was, how she'd disagreed with it –"

I interrupted. "Are you saying she knew something?"

Tim nodded. "Wait till you hear the next bit. She was taking a huge chance, because she told me her minister was involved with the planning."

I took a deep breath. "What did you do?"

"That was where I gambled. If the whole thing had been set up by their counterintelligence people, right now I would be in some unpleasant cell and 'no, Mr American Consul, we have no idea what happened to Mr Scott, we're afraid even in our well-ordered society there are still criminals, he must have come to some harm, of course we'll investigate.'




The Spy Who Loved Me Ch. 04



I nodded. "Go on."

"So I told her that if she was prepared to get me more information, I could arrange for her to get out."

I gasped. "A defector?"

"She leaped at the chance. She said she could get all the documents – I gave her a memory stick – but I had to get her to the US."

"How on earth can we make that happen?" I asked.

Tim nodded. "It's a tough one. It's not like Eastern Europe, where a border to a more open country is just a short drive away and the guards can be bribed. And the other usual trick – a submarine at some deserted beach – is hard to pull off. The Chinese have a major naval presence – it's not called the East China Sea for nothing."

"So what do we do?"

Tim grinned. "We've ruled out land and sea, that just leaves air. South Korea is in range for a stealth helicopter, so we just have to arrange for Mei-Li to be in the right place at the right time."

"OK," I said. "What's the plan?"

Tim shifted position, holding me closer. "She asks for a couple of days off to visit one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism. Completely coincidentally, you and I book a trip there through our cooperative guide. On the way there, Mei-Li has a very unfortunate accident – the roads up the mountain are particularly dangerous, and her car plunges down a ravine into a lake – too deep to look for a body."

"Of course, she's not in the car, and we give her supplies, help her get to the pickup point, then go on and enjoy our trip while SpecOps get her out."

I nodded slowly. "Sounds simple when you put it that way."

"So, shall we get some sleep?" Tim said. "We have to put on a convincing act tomorrow of having kissed and made up."

"Kissing sounds like a good idea," I said, pulling him down to me...

***

We went down for breakfast in the morning to find our guide already there. The doubtful expression on her face cleared as we walked into the dining room hand in hand, smiling and – for their culture – overly affectionate.

"Good morning," she said. "Ready for another day?"

Tim smiled. "Actually we've decided that we'd like a change from the city. We really enjoyed the museums, but we want to see some countryside. Is it true that the Taoists worship mountains? Jane and I love the Rockies, we'd really like to see the mountains here."

She thought for a moment. "Trip to Tai Shan is possible. You enjoy your breakfast, I find out."

She left us to our coffee and rolls. Tim grinned. "I rather led her by the nose into that one – Tai Shan is the nearest Taoist sacred mountain, and perfect for our plan."

Our guide returned. "All arranged. Car at the entrance in half an hour, you have two night stay, see the mountain, come back here."

Tim thanked her, and we went upstairs to pack for the trip. We came down with our bags to find the car waiting.

"I see you back here," said our guide. "Enjoy your trip."

The car pulled away, and soon we were on a wide expressway heading south. We stopped for lunch along the way, and our driver was eager to tell us that the city where we'd halted was the centre of China's solar energy industry.

"Very interesting," nodded Tim.

The road started to climb into the mountains, and I saw what Tim meant as we negotiated tortuous switchbacks. Eventually we reached our hotel, not far from the summit of the mountain, and Tim thanked our driver.

"We should get an early night," Tim said. "One of the main attractions here is the sunrise, it would be a shame to miss it."

We checked in, and went up to our room. Tim opened the curtains, and I gasped. "Wow. If the view is like this now, the sunrise must be spectacular."

We went for a walk around, then had dinner in the hotel restaurant. When we got back up to our room, we showered, then got ready for bed. As we lay in the darkness, I said, "Tim? I hope this comes out OK."

He wrapped his arms around me. "Me too. I've never done anything quite this ambitious. But we have some good backup on this – the special forces guys are second to none. If we can get Mei-Li to the right place at the right time, they'll get her out."

I buried my head in his chest. "It's still a big responsibility – I feel like we're playing with someone's life."

"She wanted out," reminded Tim. "And if her information is as good as she says, we can complete the mission."

"Mm," I said sleepily. "And then...?"

"We'll see," said Tim, kissing the top of my head.

***

The sunrise the next morning was every bit as spectacular as we'd anticipated, and we spent the rest of the day exploring the top of the mountain, enjoying the breathtaking views. Tim bought a thick coat – Chinese army style – from a vendor on one of the paths, and when I gave him a quizzical look, he said, "For later."

After dinner, we went back to our room, and I watched as Tim assembled the items he'd need for his meeting with Mei-Li. Finally, he pulled on the thick coat and turned to me.

"Here goes," he said. "Wish me luck?"

I wrapped my arms around him. "Take care, my love."

He nodded, then pulled reluctantly out of my arms and was gone.

Again I tried to read, but without success. I decided to go to bed, and undressed, climbing between the sheets. I imagined what could go wrong – Tim apprehended on his way to meet Mei-Li, or the two of them caught faking the accident with the car.

I drifted into a fitful sleep, punctuated by fragmentary dreams of Tim in some cell, harsh lights shining into his eyes.

I heard a key turn in the lock, and sat up, holding the sheets to me. "Tim?"

He came into the room, now minus his coat, breathing heavily.

"Are you all right?" I asked anxiously.

He nodded. "I just had to scramble the last part – I ran into a procession of monks, would you believe, making their way up to the top of the mountain for a vigil."

He unzipped a pocket and took out a small object. "Here's what all the effort has been for."

I took the memory stick from him. "And Mei-Li?"

"At the pickup site with a low-intensity coded beacon – and that coat. Don't want her to freeze to death if the chopper's a little late."

I got out of bed and pressed myself to him, feeling the cold of his clothing against my bare skin. "Come to bed?"

"One last thing to do," he said, taking the memory stick. "I have to encrypt this and send it to Beth – fortunately the hotel has a business suite with an internet connection."

"Hurry back, my love," I said. He nodded, and was gone again.

A few minutes later he returned. "It'll take the specialists at the agency a while to work through the material, but we should know tomorrow what we've got. And we'll get a message from the special ops team when they're back in South Korea."

He smiled. "Meanwhile..."

***

I woke in the morning with an immense feeling of relief. Whatever the outcome, we'd played our cards.

Tim was already up, sitting at the writing desk by the window. "Mei-Li is safely in Seoul," he said. "They're arranging a flight for her, she'll go to the Farm first to fill in background on the material she gave us."

He grinned. "So back to Beijing for us, then I have a surprise for you."

I pretended to look uncertain. "Not more cloak and dagger stuff."

He shook his head. "Somewhere I always promised myself I'd go if I was ever in China. Totally different to anything we've seen so far, and I know you'll be amazed."

After breakfast, we showered and packed, then waited for the car which would take us back to the capital.

Again we broke our journey for lunch, and Tim pointed out a giant ferris wheel, looking just like the London Eye. "The only one in the world built over a bridge."

I shivered. "I'll give it a miss."

We arrived back in Beijing and were met by our guide. "Good trip?" she asked.

We nodded. "The mountain is very beautiful, and the sunrise was spectacular."

"You know what you want to do next?"

Tim smiled. "We only have a couple of days left. For the last part of our trip, we'd really like to go to Guilin."

Her eyes lit up. "Ah, Lijiang. Of course – quite a few visitors want to go there, those who know."

I rolled my eyes. "OK, I get it, it's a surprise."

"I make all the arrangements. Flight very early tomorrow, about three hours."



The Spy Who Loved Me Ch. 05



I was woken by the harsh sound of the alarm. "Mmmf."

Tim was instantly awake as usual. We showered and dressed, then finished packing and went down to reception. Our guide was waiting for us, looking no different despite the early hour.

Tim approached her. "Just wanted to thank you for all your help during our trip."

He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and glanced at it. "Ah, xièxiè, zàijiàn?"

Her face lit up. "Gracious thanks for visiting our country."

Tim nodded. "I hope our country can continue to have good relations with yours."

She nodded, giving a short bow. "Car is ready now."

As the car took us to the airport, I said, "You really are sneaky, aren't you. What did you say?"

Tim grinned. "Just goodbye, and thank you. I hope I managed to make my accent bad enough."

I punched his arm playfully. "As if I could tell you."

We reached the airport, and I was surprised as the car pulled through a set of gates and drove straight onto an airside roadway. We drove past the larger planes, towards the area where the smaller jets were parked.

"Special flight," Tim grinned.

We were met at the bottom of our aircraft's stairs by a young woman in a dark uniform, four gold stripes on each of her sleeves.

"Welcome, Mr Scott, Mrs Scott," she said. "Please, come aboard."

We climbed the steps, and turned right into a small cabin. "Just us?" I whispered to Tim.

He nodded. The captain made sure we were strapped in, then went forward. The engines started, and soon we were hurtling down the runway. The plane lifted into the air, and I grinned. "Feels very different from the bigger planes."

The captain's voice came over the address system. "We've now reached cruising altitude. Please, enjoy the refreshments that have been prepared for you."

I glanced round, noticing a tray covered with a cloth. "Mm, breakfast."

Our meal consisted of rolls, and a kind of sweetened rice porridge, then jasmine tea. "This is good," said Tim, his voice muffled by a bite of roll.

When we'd finished eating, Tim said, "Now, look out of the window. As we go further south, the scenery gets more spectacular. You remember the rock pillars in that Bond film?"

"The Man with the Golden Gun," I said.

Tim raised his eyebrows. "Well remembered. So the scenery in this part of China is like that."

I looked down, seeing tree-covered mountains, then rock formations of the kind he'd described, all lit by the sunrise. "Wow."

After a couple of hours, the captain announced, "We'll be landing shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts."

The plane came in for a smooth landing, and drew to a halt. The captain emerged from the cockpit.

"Your luggage will be taken straight to your hotel," she said, "and a car has been arranged to take you to the river."

"At last, a clue," I smiled at Tim.

The car took us from the small airport along narrow roads between the pillars of rock. Tim glanced at his watch. "We'll get there just before the boats set off."

Finally we pulled up at the side of a broad river, and Tim said, "Now, look carefully."

We got out of the car, and I looked across at the fishing boats being prepared at the wooden jetty. At the front of each boat was a large woven basket, and perched on the edge of the baskets were several large, dark birds with long necks.

I looked again. "Are they stealing the fish?"

"No," replied Tim softly. "This is what we came to see, the fishing cormorants of the Lijiang."

He approached the nearest boat, and spoke to the elderly fisherman. Clearly he'd decided to set aside at least that part of our cover in the interest of our experience that day.

Tim returned. "He says that we can go with them, but only one of us on each boat."

We walked over to the jetty, and Tim stepped gingerly in beside the old man. In the next boat stood a young woman, and she smiled shyly as I carefully boarded the small craft. I looked across at the birds, who were taking a keen interest in the proceedings.

We cast off, the boat carrying Tim going first, and soon we were out in the middle of the water, the surface absolutely flat.

"Tim," I called softly, "this is utterly magical. Thank you..."

He nodded, and called back, "Watch."

The two boats moved closer together, and the old man gestured at the birds and spoke briefly. One by one they slipped off the boat and under the surface, and I watched fascinated as they twisted and turned like seals in the water.

One broke the surface, a large fish in its mouth, and the girl stretched out a long pole for the bird to perch on, lifting it back into the boat. The bird bent its neck, and the fish was deposited in the basket.

"Why don't they swallow them?" I asked Tim.

"They have a metal ring round their neck," he explained. "It doesn't hurt them, but they've learned that they can't swallow with it on. They'll be fed later."

We watched as the birds brought fish, then slipped back into the water again. After each had brought several fish, the old man spoke again, and the birds hopped onto the boat, spreading their wings in the warm late-morning sun.

The girl spoke to me, and Tim translated. "Time for lunch, but first the birds get something. Do you want to feed them?"

I nodded, and the girl picked out a smaller fish from the basket and handed it to me. A cormorant hopped over, looking hopeful, and the girl lifted the ring from its neck and indicated that I should let it have the fish.

The small fish disappeared in one gulp, and I glanced at the girl, wondering if the bird would get more. She shook her head, and spoke to Tim.

"If they feed them too much at lunchtime, they won't want to fish again afterwards," Tim explained. "It's quite a lot like falconry back home, except that here it's these people's livelihood."

The birds took turns to come and get their limited reward, then spread out their wings again.

Our lunch, not surprisingly, consisted of what looked like grilled fish with some kind of pungent vegetable. Afterwards, the fishing continued, more boats joining us until the surface of the river seemed covered with a small flotilla, the birds finding their way unerringly back to their own boat.

As the light started to go, the fishermen lit lamps, casting a soft glow over the surface of the water, and my heart was pulled back to our last meal with Suleika and Akilah. I felt tears prick at my eyes, and wished Tim was in the boat with me so I could share my feelings with him.

Finally the old man called out to the other boats, and they started to make their way back to the shore. As we approached the jetty, he took the pole he'd been using to guide the boat and put it across his shoulders. Two of the birds – apparently special favourites – flapped up to the pole and perched one at each end.

When we reached the jetty, the birds' neck rings were removed again, and Tim and I fed them under the watchful eye of the old man.

We stepped back onto the shore, and the old man spoke to Tim.

"He invites us to his home. The young woman – his granddaughter – will cook for us," explained Tim.

I remembered what Tim had said on the plane to Beijing, though it seemed an age away. "We don't have any gifts to give them? Flowers, fruit?"

"I bought a couple of things at the hotel," said Tim. "Handkerchiefs, a couple of small items of jewellery."

We followed the old man and his young companion back to their home, as the other fishermen took care of the catch. We went in – I was careful to take my shoes off – and sat on the mat floor, while the young woman served us.

"Something else I'll never look at the same way again," I said, trying the various dishes.

When we'd eaten, Tim presented our gifts to our hosts, receiving broad smiles. I looked across at them, and did my best to remember the words Tim had used earlier in the day.

"Xièxiè," I ventured.

Tim looked across at me grinning, and I saw the young woman nodding, a delighted expression on her face.

She took my hand. "Zàijiàn, xièxiè."

I nodded in response, and Tim repeated our thanks to the old man.

We walked up from the house to the small hotel where we were booked in for the night, and as we settled into bed, I said, "Tim?"

"Hmm?"

"This was the most amazing surprise – thank you."

He held me close. "I wanted the end of our trip to be special."

***

We woke late, and I looked out of the window to see the boats already out on the river, the cormorants following their routine. I did my best to imprint the scene on my memory, then turned back into the room.

"So what are our plans?" I asked Tim.

"First, fly from here to Tokyo," he began.

"But that's further east," I said.

He grinned. "I thought we'd take the long way round. Believe it or not, there's an airline that offers a suite with a double bed in First Class."

I rubbed my eyes, then pretended to pinch myself. "Now I know I'm dreaming – it's always at the end of the film where Bond and his latest girl float, sail or fly off into the sunset..."

"No dream this time," smiled Tim.

As the car drove us to the airport, I said, "Any news from the Farm?"

Tim nodded. "All the more reason to make our way out of China quickly. The documents that Mei-Li provided clearly implicate two of the ministers, though without the knowledge of the Central Committee. Diplomatic conversations have taken place at the highest level, and we've been assured by the Chinese government that immediate action will be taken."

He looked grim for a moment. "Given that they'll want to avoid publicity, that means that those involved will have unfortunate 'accidents'."

I nodded. "But they were responsible for the terrible things that happened."

"True," said Tim.

"What about Mei-Li?" I asked.

"She's still being debriefed, but Beth tells me she's adjusting better than expected."

"Good," I said. "I'm looking forward to meeting her."

We reached the airport, and boarded our plane. The flight to Tokyo was comfortable enough, but I was starting to anticipate our journey over the Pacific.

When we reached Tokyo we had a brief stopover, and Tim introduced me to sashimi.

"Hmm," I said. "I think I'll leave the raw fish to the cormorants, thank you very much."

Our flight was called, and I grinned at Tim as we were shown to our suite. "Officially they frown on, ah, in-flight activities," he said, "but as long as we're discreet..."

I smiled. "I think I can manage that. You'll just have to watch my face..."

***

As we stepped off the plane at New York, I twined my fingers through Tim's. "No more making sure we're not offending any cultural sensitivities," I said softly, glancing across at him.

He grinned. "Don't forget Mei-Li," he said. "We don't want to introduce her too abruptly to our Western customs."

We reached the car that Beth had sent for us, and settled back for the journey to the Farm. It was dark when we got there, and I thought back to the first time I'd arrived there, just a few short days ago. Beth was waiting at the main door just as before, and she hugged me first, then Tim.

"What a trip you two have had," she said. "I've been following you on the map, but it's not quite the same as being there."

She took us through to the dining room, where a young Chinese woman was sitting at a table. She stood as she saw us come in, and without hesitating stepped forward to embrace Tim. I saw tears in her eyes, and I waited a few moments before introducing myself.

"Jenny, of course," she said, hesitating.

I took the initiative, hugging her. "I'm sure someone's already said this, but welcome."

We sat down to eat – Beth had organised a celebratory meal for our return – and when the meal was over, we talked late into the night. Beth seemed particularly moved by my account of our stay with Suleika.

"I'll make sure all the information we have on the Dubai end of the operation gets back to her," she said.

She glanced at her watch. "Time to get some sleep. You'll both be debriefed separately in the morning."

I glanced at Tim. "Just a formality," he said. "There's always paperwork to do."

We woke late in the morning, and had breakfast with Beth and Mei-Li. Then Tim took my hand. "Remember, don't worry. Just go through exactly what happened – no need to hold anything back."

I nodded, forcing a smile, and followed Beth to the interview room where two men, one older, the other about Tim's age, were waiting.

"So, Miss March," the older man began. "Tell us in your own words what happened from when you left here, to when you returned."

The younger man spoke. "We may ask questions – we're not trying to catch you out, we genuinely just want to have all the facts."

I nodded, and took a deep breath. I described the flight to Geneva, and my day with Johanna, then our journey on to Dubai.

The older man seemed particularly interested in the attack at the oasis. "The two men were armed, you say."

I nodded. "They both had long knives – the blades looked like they'd been coated with something to darken them, but it seemed pretty obvious what they were intending to do."

The younger man made a note. "And Tim shot both of them?"

"Yes. It was amazing; one minute he was in my arms, the next his gun was in his hand. As far as I could see he only fired twice."

"What happened to the bodies?"

"The sheikh's men took them away. I assume they disposed of them."

We moved on to the day we'd spent back in Dubai. I detected a hint of a smile on their faces as I described our outing with Akilah, and the older man nodded as I mentioned the stories we'd shared that night.

"That proves that teaching Lawrence, and the Thousand and One Nights, isn't a waste of time," he said.

As I started my account of our time in China, the older man stopped me. "Go over again exactly how Tim described his first meeting with Mei-Li," he requested.

I repeated what Tim had told me, trying to recall his exact words.

"And Mei-Li definitely volunteered the information about her minister's involvement in the bombings unprompted?"

"That's how Tim described it, yes. He mentioned what had happened, and she said how terrible it was, how she'd disagreed with what was done, and that the minister she worked for had been somehow involved."

"And that was when he suggested she defect?"

"Yes."

I carried on to describe the events of the following day at Tai Shan. "Obviously I didn't see any of what happened – the car, the special operation."

The younger man nodded. "And then you travelled to Guilin?"

"That was amazing," I said. "I even managed to learn a couple of words of Chinese."

I hesitated. "I hope it wasn't a problem, Tim taking me to Guilin. He said he'd always wanted to see the birds, and it was a remarkable experience."

"And after that you flew back."

I nodded. "So here we are."

The younger man stood. "Thank you, Jenny. That all seems very clear, and I'm sure you'll have no trouble fitting into the role."

I gave him a blank look, and the older man interjected. "I'm sorry, we should have explained. Obviously this mission was a success, and we want to make sure we're using the experience gained to good advantage. It's clear that you and Tim are, how shall I put it..."

"An item, I think is the phrase you're looking for," the younger man spoke up.

The older man nodded. "So, we'd like to offer you both the opportunity to represent the agency in our Middle and Far East operation – you could choose where you based yourselves, and travel as needed. We'd provide training – language skills for you particularly – but we wouldn't anticipate you'd need the same sort of field skills as Tim already has."

I took a deep breath. "That's quite an offer. Can I talk to Tim about it?"

"Of course. Just one thing more."

"Yes?"

He hesitated. "It would make things easier, ah, administratively, if you two really were husband and wife."

I grinned. "Don't think it hasn't occurred to me, but I was waiting for Tim to make that particular move."

"I'm sure now you're back it won't take him long to get around to it," the younger man smiled.

"That's the interview concluded," the older man said. "And Jenny – thanks again for the service you've done us."

I opened the door, finding Beth waiting for me. "Everything OK?" she asked.

I nodded. "I'm still a bit off-balance, though."

"Come on – let's get some lunch."

We walked back to the dining room, finding Tim in conversation with Mei-Li.

"Her debriefing is finished," Tim said. "We were just discussing where she'd like to live now she's here."

I nodded. "Need to talk to you," I said.

Beth sat down with Mei-Li and the two started up a conversation, Beth continuing to describe some of the places on the map Tim had been using.

Tim and I walked out into the cold air, our breath condensing in front of us.

"Have they told you about this job offer?" I asked.

He nodded. "Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it."

I grinned. "Perhaps the last week or so has spoiled me, it sounded perfectly natural to me."

Tim's face became serious. "Jenny –"

"Hmm?"

"I don't want you to think I was ordered to do this."

"Do what?" I asked, my voice puzzled.

Tim reached in his pocket, producing a small box, then sank to one knee before opening the box to reveal a blaze of diamonds.

"Jenny," he said softly. "Will you marry me?"

I felt my face start to beam. "You know what they say?"

"What do they say?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.

"Diamonds are forever..."

***



Epilogue

Once again we sat in the courtyard of the house in the Old Town, the lamps lit, their soft glow illuminating Suleika's face as she watched us. I leaned back against Tim, and Akilah rested her head carefully on my stomach.

"Amma?" she said quietly.

"Yes, my darling?"

"I think I felt the baby move."

"I'm sure you're right," I said, feeling Tim's fingers tighten gently on mine.



The Spy Who Loved Me



"Practically home from home," I smiled.

"Well, I'll leave you to it," said Beth. "If you need anything, there's a phone by the bed, just dial 134 – that's me. Otherwise I'll come by about seven to take you to breakfast."

I thanked her, then as the door closed behind her I sat down on the bed, trying to make sense of everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours.

After a while I decided to take a shower before bed, finding soap and shampoo in the generously-sized cubicle. I dried myself with one of the large fluffy towels, then cleaned my teeth.

I realised I didn't have any nightwear, but I shrugged, deciding it didn't matter. I got into bed, and switched out the light, and despite the thoughts still whirling in my head, I was asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow.

***

When I woke in the morning, I was temporarily disoriented, then the events of the previous day flooded back. I lay for a while, wondering what today would hold. A flight to Geneva, I reminded myself.

I decided to shower again, grateful for the apparently limitless supply of hot water, and I was just coming back into the bedroom in a towelling robe when I heard a knock on the door.

I opened it to see Beth standing there, a large bag in each hand. "I brought clothes for you," she said.

She came into the room and began to lay items out on the bed. "Underwear, of course. Skirts, blouses, a couple of dresses for the evenings. And I found you a pair of jeans, I hope they're a good fit."

She glanced at her watch. "Do you think you can dress and pack in half an hour?"

I nodded. "No problem."

When Beth had gone, I sat down for a moment looking at the clothes she'd brought. Despite what she'd said about knowing my favourite brands, most of the garments were much more expensive than I'd have been able to select for myself.

"Your taxes at work," I said under my breath, smiling.

I dressed, feeling the unaccustomed luxury of the underthings, and choosing a low-key skirt and blouse combination for the long day's travelling ahead.

Just as I finished fastening the catch on the suitcase I'd found in the bottom of one of the wardrobes, I heard Beth's distinctive knock again.

"Come in," I called.

She walked in, and nodded approvingly at my outfit and the closed suitcase.

"Leave the case here, the driver will pick it up. Come and have some breakfast."

She led me back past the conference room and into a spacious, well-lit dining room. Tim was already sitting at a table with a cup of coffee in front of him.

"Morning, Jenny. You OK?" he asked.

I nodded. "What's the situation outside?"

Tim glanced at Beth. "There haven't been any more explosions," she said. "Things are getting back to normal – you'll be able to take a scheduled flight to Switzerland. And we have some more leads."

"That's good," I said. I took a roll and started to butter it, while Tim poured coffee for me.

When we'd finished breakfast, we went outside, and I looked around the Farm for the first time in daylight. We'd been in the main building, but other facilities – some with communication dishes – were dotted around the central space.

A car – I thought it looked the same as the one we'd travelled in the previous day – was already waiting, and Tim and I got in the back, Beth in the front. Again the partition closed off my view forwards, and I heard Beth's voice over the intercom.

"Sorry to keep you in the dark still, but the Farm is one of our key facilities, and the fewer people who know its exact location the better."

After a journey of about the same length as the previous evening, the car stopped and Tim held the door for me as I got out. I recognised the airport, though we seemed to be nowhere near the usual departure area.

"This way," indicated Tim. We went through a door into what was obviously a security area, and Tim motioned to me to pass through the scanner. I was relieved when the alarm didn't sound, and turned to wait for Tim.

As he passed through the arch, there was a loud beep, and Tim stopped. He reached inside his jacket and showed his gun, his hand spread flat, his fingers away from the trigger. The uniformed guard glanced at Beth, and nodded.

Tim holstered his weapon, and Beth said, "OK, this is where I leave you. Good luck."

To my surprise she leaned over to kiss first Tim, then me, on the cheek. I watched her walking back to the door, then turned back to Tim.

"She seems to really care," I said.

Tim nodded. "The training manual tells us to avoid getting too close to people, but Beth and I have worked together for years – it's just not possible."

"Are you two....?" I said, letting the end of my sentence hang in the air.

Tim shook his head, smiling. "Come on, we have a plane to catch."

We walked across the tarmac to where a stream of passengers were already boarding the aircraft. Tim showed his identification to the stewardess, and she smiled.

"Mr Scott, sir, welcome aboard. And your wife, too, of course."

I was momentarily confused, then smiled as we walked past her and up the stairs to the plane.

Another stewardess greeted us. "First class to the left, sir, madam."

Tim found our seats and we strapped in. He reached inside his jacket and produced a bundle of papers.

"Sorry," he said, "there wasn't time at breakfast to go through these with you. I'm Tom Scott, and you're my wife Jane. I'm over in Geneva on business, and you've come with me to do some sightseeing. We won't need much in the way of background for this trip, but read over these notes and remember as much as you can."

I took the papers and started to read, realising that my cover incorporated as much as possible of my real life – birthplace, education, jobs.

The plane's engines started to spool up, and I put the papers in my lap as we taxied down the runway. The sound of the engines built to a scream, and I closed my eyes as the plane lifted into the air.

"You OK?" asked Tim.

"Sure," I said. "My first time flying, though."

"I'm sorry," he said. "I never thought."

"It's OK. Actually I like it – the acceleration pushing me back into the seat, it's what I imagine it must be like being an astronaut."

"You do have some imagination," chuckled Tim. "Fortunately the food in first class is rather better than that 'food in a tube' the NASA guys used to have to put up with."

As if on cue, I saw a steward approaching with a tray. No trolley here, I thought.

"Drinks, sir, madam?"

Tim grinned. "Why not. It's a long flight, and we'll be arriving in the evening local time so we'll have to sleep when we arrive. Jane, what'll you have?"

I blinked at his use of my cover name, but managed to reply. "A Bloody Mary."

"And I'll have a vodka martini," grinned Tim. "Shaken, not stirred."

The steward departed, and I said in my best Sean Connery accent, "Sho, Mr Bond."

Tim smiled. "I really do like martini."

Our drinks arrived, and the steward offered us menus. I sipped my Bloody Mary – just the right amount of Worcestershire sauce – and looked at the choice of food.

"Can I really have a steak?" I grinned.

"Sure, why not."

The steward returned, and we ordered lunch. "I know it's not that long since breakfast," Tim said, "but we only get a snack towards the end of the flight. We can have dinner in Geneva."

When our lunch arrived I tried the steak. "Mm, delicious."

As we ate, I looked out at the clouds, still hardly believing where I was and what had happened in the last two days.

When we'd finished eating, Tim closed his eyes and settled back in his seat. "I always find the best way to deal with jetlag is to sleep whenever you can," he said.

"OK," I said, following his lead. The warmth of the cabin and the steady hum of the engines seemed to help lull me to sleep, and the next thing I knew was Tim softly touching my shoulder.

"We're only an hour or so out now," he said. "They'll be bringing refreshments again soon."

I saw the steward approaching with a tray of pastries. "Mm, Danish. Can I have the swirly one?"

I realised I must sound like a little girl, but Tim just smiled. "Sure."

We nibbled on our pastries and sipped coffee, and after a few minutes, the captain's voice came over the address system, announcing that we were beginning our descent into Geneva.

I fastened my lap belt, and glanced across at Tim. To my surprise, he looked a little nervous.

"Landing is my least favourite part," he said.

I reached over and rested my hand on his. "Maybe this'll help."

He nodded, and closed his eyes. The note of the engines changed, and the plane wobbled slightly as it hit some minor turbulence. I watched out of the window, fascinated, as the ground appeared to rush towards us, then there was the unmistakeable bump of the wheels hitting tarmac, and the engines went into full reverse, pushing me forwards against the strap across my stomach.

The plane slowed, and Tim opened his eyes, looking across at me. "Thanks."

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Geneva," announced the captain.

***