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1099 Words
Herbert looked at Anthony. “You keep saying he was scheduled to walk across the park? Who told you that?”
“Got it from the PM’s office.”
Herbert looked toward the northern edge of the park and tried to recreate in his mind exactly what he’d seen the previous night. But for some reason the most vivid details just wouldn’t come. Maybe it was his concussion. Or maybe, he admitted to himself, I’m just getting old.
They joined Birdman in examining the rooftop garden at the Hay-Adams Hotel. The trees did block the line of sight into the park.
“They were firing blind,” said Birdman. “Because if they had a spotter in the park they would’ve known the PM wasn’t there.”
There were markers on the floor showing where all the casings had been found.
Birdman said, “TEC-9s, like I said before. Over two hundred rounds. So it was probably multiple guns.”
“Agreed,” said Herbert as he gazed at the floor. “And no one below or in the hotel heard or saw anything?”
“I think lots of people heard and saw lots of things. But whether they can remember it correctly and communicate that to us effectively is a whole other question.”
“You’ll obviously match the casings to the slugs found in the park,” said Herbert.
“Good, because there’s plenty of doubt about everything else,” noted Herbert.
LATER THAT NIGHT Herbert and Anthony drove back to Herbert’s cottage. When he opened the door he glanced to his right when he saw her.
Mirabel was sitting in a chair by the fireplace. He ushered Anthony in as Mirabel rose to greet him. After introducing Anthony to Mirabel, Herbert was about to say something when Mirabel held out the book written in Russian. “I guess you’ll be wanting this back. Are you still planning to go on your… trip?”
Herbert frowned as he looked down at the book. “There are personal boundaries, Mirabel. And I’ve always respected yours.” “You’re not going to make me feel guilty about this, Oliver, so don’t even try. I haven’t known you all that long and I think we’ve nearly lost you about five times at least by my count.”
Anthony gazed at Herbert in surprise. “I didn’t think you were working anymore.”
Mirabel answered. “He wasn’t. So just think what his mortality rate will be now.”
Herbert laid the book down on his desk. “I think I’m clearly old enough to make that decision for myself. And to answer your question, my trip has been postponed.”
“What trip?” asked Anthony.
Herbert ignored her.
Mirabel said, “But you are back working for the government?”
“Like I said, I’m old enough to make that decision.”
“Why, Oliver, why would you? After all they did to you.”
“Yeah, why? I think we deserve an answer, said a voice.”
They all turned to see Reuben Rhodes, Harry Finn and Caleb Shaw at the door to the cottage. It was Reuben who’d spoken.
“I feel like I’m at b****y Waterloo Station,” muttered Anthony as the men came forward.
Herbert looked down. “It’s not easily explained.”
“At least tell me you’re not working this damn park explosion case,” said Mirabel.
“That’s exactly what he’s doing.”
This came from Alex Ford as he walked into the cottage.
“Blimey,” said Anthony. “I think you need to change the locks on your door.”
Alex stood near the fireplace. “Should I tell them or are you going to?”
“Tell us what?” said Mirabel.
“That Oliver was presented with a commission and badge today. He is now a duly sworn in member of the federal government working with Agent Anthony here from MI6. They’ve been tasked to find out who tried to blow up the British PM.”
Herbert looked coldly at his friend. “Thank you for maintaining confidences, Alex.”
Reuben said, “Since when the hell are there confidences among us? How many times have I covered your back, Oliver? Risked life and limb? And you the same for me?”
“The same for all of us,” added Mirabel.
“This is different,” replied Herbert.
“Why, because you’ve got a badge now?” growled Reuben.
Mirabel added, “You’ve joined up with the same folks who hurt you so badly. Don’t you see why we’re all stunned? Especially after what happened in Divine. They were just going to let you rot in that prison.”
“And I would have except for all of you, I know that,” Herbert said quietly.
“So why?” Mirabel asked again.
“As I said, it’s hard to explain. Actually it may be impossible to explain.”
“We’re all waiting for you to try.”
Something seemed to stiffen in Herbert’s features. “You’re assuming that I owe you an explanation. I don’t.”
Mirabel looked like Herbert had slapped her. Even loyal Reuben seemed stunned, and Caleb gaped.
“Well, I guess that’s all the explanation I need,” said Mirabel. She turned and walked out.
Reuben glanced at his old friend. “She didn’t deserve that, Oliver. None of us do.”
“This is just the way it has to be. I’m sorry, Reuben.”
“Fine. I’ll be sure and come to your funeral.”
Reuben also left. Caleb started to follow behind, paused and looked back at Oliver. “This is the only time I’ve been relieved that Milton isn’t alive. To hear this.”
Harry Finn said, “I hope you know what you’re doing.” Then he followed Caleb out.
Now only Alex was left except for Anthony.
Herbert gazed at the Secret Service agent. “Do you want to tell me I’m wrong too?”
“No. I figure you know what you’re doing, even if I don’t particularly like it. But there’s a problem with your bomb plant scenario.”
“How do you know what our theory is?” asked Herbert. “I didn’t think you were involved in the investigation.” “Technically, I’m not. But you still hear things.”
“So what’s wrong with our theory?” Anthony asked.
“The Secret Service canine unit did a sweep of the park earlier.”
“When exactly?” asked Herbert sharply.
- Writer
