The bar was secluded rather than discreet, so much so that Rathe was not surprised that he had never heard of it before. Unlike many of the bars he knew, with their chrome fittings and loud music, this was furnished after the Victorian period. Panelled walls of oak, at least two large fireplaces with portraits above them, with unknown faces glaring disapprovingly down at the revelry below, carpets of a paisley pattern throughout, and large bookcases with ancient but now untouched volumes on a disparate range of subjects placed in them for effect rather than purpose. The place was filled with professionals, suits of greys and blacks, each with the same notion as Lanyon had of softening the edges of a difficult day with a glass of two of what proved to be the most excellent choice of wines.
