Checkmate by Karna Small Bodman

Author:Karna Small Bodman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction National Security
Publisher: Regnery Fiction
Published: 2018-04-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

WASHINGTON, D.C.–MONDAY EARLY EVENING

The dark-haired young man glanced furtively over his shoulder to be certain he had not been followed. He slipped inside the door to the Bombay Club where his contact, dressed in a stylish charcoal gray suit, white shirt and navy tie stood in front of a podium asking about their table.

He liked this restaurant just blocks from the White House. With its light blue shutters, beige walls and ceiling fans, it resembled a private club in the heyday of British rule in India. Brass picture lights cast a warm glow over a series of old black and white photos of British royalty, big game hunters and pretty young women displayed along a wall of banquettes.

“This place always makes me think that Stewart Granger or Ava Gardner will walk out from behind those palm trees,” the Indian minister said.

“Yes, I have seen those old films on the Classic Movie Channel. They made it look so good, one wonders why the British ever gave up on us.”

“They bloody well had to, my boy.”

“This way, gentlemen,” the maître d’ said as he led them to their table near the baby grand piano where a pianist played a Schubert sonata. “May I check your attaché case for you, sir?”

“No thank you. I’ll keep it with me,” the man said, clutching it possessively.

“Very good, sir,” he said and then glided back to the front door.

“So you have it with you?” the minister asked expectantly.

“Of course. I’ll tell you all about it, but let’s order first.”

A waiter appeared and took their orders for Tandoori Salmon and Chicken Tikka Masala along with a bottle of Neudorf Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

“Now then,” the minister said, leaning across the table. “Tell me what you have for us.”

The young man looked around the room, hoping he wouldn’t recognize anyone. He was taking a big chance meeting his contact like this.

“I have Magellan with me,” he said almost in a whisper.

“This is good. Very good. I can’t tell you how long your uncle has been waiting for this very moment.”

“Are you absolutely certain of its conveyance?”

“Absolutely!”

“The diplomatic pouch?”

“Of course, the pouch.”

“And there is no way it can be stopped or traced?”

“Absolutely not! It is the protocol. It is the rule of the operation of our embassies. Surely you must know that.”

“One can never be too careful, my friend.”

The minister smiled conspiratorially, “I am sure you are correct. But as long as we have some time together tonight, tell me how you decided on the name for this part of the operation?”

“Magellan?”

“Yes.”

The waiter brought their wine. After tasting and approving their selection, the young man began his story. “As you know, Ferdinand Magellan led the ships that were the very first to travel all the way around the world.”

“Yes, I know of him. He was financed by the Spanish King, correct?” the minister asked.

“Yes, but let’s go back. Magellan was of noble birth. As you and I are as well,” he said with a sly smile. “In

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