Part 5 (1/2)

'It's not like you, sir, to go by appearances. Snap judgements -' 'Snap judgements! Those preposterous shoes. That filthy jersey that was built for - for a gorilla -'

'A very practical jersey, sir. That way no one would suspect the existence of the Beretta automatic she carries strapped beneath her waist.'

'A Beretta! That creature, that spectacle - she carries an automatic? That - that caricature of a human being carries a gun? You must be mad.' He drew deeply on his cheroot. 'No, you're not mad. I'm not complaining, Peter, but it's been a shock to my system.'

'I can see that, sir. Should have warned you, I suppose. She does have rather an effect on people who-make her acquaintance for the first time. That awful harridan is in fact a rather lovely young lady, or would be if she soaked in a bath for about an hour. She's very nice, charming really, intelligent, speaks four languages, is a university graduate and is also a lady policewoman from Rotterdam. Don't you see, sir, I'm making a point. If she can fool the Chief of Police, who has become Chief of Police by, among other things, being fooled by fewer people than anyone else around, she can fool anyone.'

'How did you come by this paragon?'

'Exchange basis. Not a very fair exchange, really. I knew she'd spent six months underground in Rotterdam, and we had no one comparable up here. It wasn't easy but my opposite number down there is a friend of mine.' :Why wasn't I informed of this?'

Because you gave me a free hand, remember. I would have informed you if there had been anything to report. So far there has been nothing. Didn't want to bother you with trifles.'

De Graaf smiled. 'I doubt whether the young lady would care to be called a trifle. Have her in, would you?'

Van Effen did so and de Graaf waved her courteously to a seat. 'Sorry you were kept waiting. You know who I am?'

'Of course. Colonel van de Graaf. My boss.' The slightly husky voice was low and pleasant, at complete variation with her appearance. Lieutenant van Effen told you?'

He didn't have to, sir. I work for him and I know he works for you. And I've seen your picture dozens of times.'

'That outfit you're wearing, Annemarie. Don't you feel it makes you look rather conspicuous?'

'Among the people I'm supposed to be investigating? I can a.s.sure you, sir, that compared to some of the clothes worn there, mine are low key, positively understated. Isn't that so, Peter?' 'Ah! Peter, is it? A lowly ranker addresses my senior Lieutenant by his given name?'

'On orders, sir. We've been out a couple of times together 'Among your - ah - friends?'

'Yes, sir.'

'I wish I had seen that.'

'We do form rather a striking couple. I told Annemarie that it would be unwise to call me Lieutenant in such company but to call me Peter and always think of me as Peter. That way you don't make mistakes. Someone drummed this into me years ago.,

'I was the drummer. I understand that you carry a gun, young lady. You can use it?'

'I was trained at the police range.'

'Ever used it?'

'No. And I must admit I hope I never have to.'

'Would you use it?'

'I don't know. If it was to stop someone from killing a person, well, perhaps, yes. But I couldn't kill a person. I don't like guns. I'm afraid I'm not very brave, sir.'

'Nonsense. Your sentiments do you credit. Feel exactly the same way myself. And it takes a brave girl to venture into Krakerland.' She half-smiled. 'That's where the roll-neck comes in so useful. They can't see the pulse in my neck.'

'Rubbish. How are things among your friends? Anything untoward or exciting afoot.'

'They're not a very exciting lot, sir. Rather dull, really. Most of them are not the social rebels and anti-authority stormtroopers they would like to be thought to be. Of course, there are the drug-pushers and drug-users, and there is a hard core that trade in armaments, selling Russian small-arms to the Irish Republican Army and other disaffected elements. But Peter has told me not to bother about the arms-running side.'