017 Single & Single by Le Carre John

Author:Le Carre, John
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780671027971
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 1999-02-28T18:30:00+00:00

It is an evening close to Christmas. Oliver has been Brock's man for a mere few days, yet he lives in an altered state. Spying has made him dependent on stronger natures than his own, more obedient than he ever was before he spied. Tonight, at Brock's behest, he plans to stay in late and continue his examination of clients' offshore bank accounts before Tiger has the chance to edit them. Seated nervously at his desk, he tinkers with a draft contract while he waits for Tiger to put his head round the door on his way out. Instead, he is summoned to the presence. When he gets there, Tiger seems, as usual, uncertain what to do with him.

'Oliver.'

'Yes, Father.'

'Oliver, it's time I initiated you into the mysteries of the partners' strong room.'

'Are you sure you really want to?' Oliver asks. And it is touch and go whether he will give his father a much-needed lecture on personal security.

Tiger is sure. Having lit upon an activity, he must now expand it into a matter of moment, for nothing Tigers do can be less than momentous. 'It's for your eyes only and no one else's, Oliver. To be shared between you and me and no one else on earth. Do you understand that?'

'Of course.'

'No little whispered confidences to our latest ladylove, not even Nina. This is for the two of us.'

'Absolutely.'

'Say, I promise.'

'I promise.'

Filled with a high sense of his own gravity, Tiger demonstrates the secret. The combination of the partners' strong room is none other than Oliver's birthdate. Tiger enters it on the dial and invites Oliver to turn the great handle. The iron door swings open.

'Father, I am moved.'

'I don't want your gratitude. Gratitude means nothing to me. What we're looking at here is a symbol of mutual trust. There's a decent whisky in the cupboard. Pour us both a glass. What is it old Yevgeny says when he wants a drink? - "Let's have a serious conference." Thought we might have a spot of dinner afterwards. Why don't I ring old Kat? Is Nina game?'

'Nina's tied up tonight, actually. That's why I'm at a loose end.'

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