He dialled operator; asked for the Ladycourt number. When the maid answered he said: "I want to talk to Mrs. Gale. It's urgent. This is Mr. Gale."
"She's not here," said the prim voice of the maid. "She left this morning, sir. She's gone off for a holiday. She didn't leave any address."
Gale slammed the receiver back on its hook with a curse. He walked quickly out of the hotel; got into his car; started the engine. Out on the main road across Salisbury Plain he put his foot down on the accelerator.
What the hell was happening? Querida away when she was supposed to be waiting for him... police officers stationed on the quay watching The Syriad...
He thought of Vallon. The skin of his face stiffened. It was as if a cold hand had been laid across his neck.
Vallon... Vallon... God... what
