Duty Calls by Thomas Waugh

Author:Thomas Waugh [Waugh, Thomas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-01-10T00:00:00+00:00

13.

The carpark resembled the stage at the end of a Greek tragedy as the Jaguar took its leave. Connor Mason’s hubris had been checked somewhat. The dogs would soon lick their wounds. Their injuries tempered any zeal to seek redress. None of the fallen had any desire to relive the encounter.

Marshal forgot to indicate as the car turned left, but Ambler understandably forgave the driver for the small, uncharacteristic lapse.

Profuse thanks and apologies initially tumbled out of the usually eloquent author, like an over-exuberant head spilling down a pint glass. But then an air of silence descended like a veil. Ambler bowed his head, in mourning or prayer. Or self-chastisement. He occasionally chewed nails and bit his bottom lip, appearing like a man in need of a cigarette. There was a period when he glared dumbly out of the window, as if wanting to remember or forget something of immense importance. Ambler frequently glanced at his phone, expecting or desiring a message to take his mind off things. Sometimes his hand trembled as he clasped the device.

They drove through a less salubrious part of London. Lights flickered in takeaway windows. Some on purpose, some not. Foxes had ripped rubbish sacks apart. A few shops were boarded up. Others you might wish could close. Couples held hands. Fat people held grease-smeared boxes of chicken and chips. Delivery drivers raced through red lights. Most folk glared at their phones, even if in company.

Marshal kept an eye on his friend in the mirror. He had witnessed thousand-yard stares and bystanders in shock before. A hundred thoughts were probably attempting to pass through the junction of his mind, but there was only room for a half a dozen or so. He appeared haunted like a condemned man, when really he was a recipient of a last minute pardon. The driver switched on some music in an attempt to restore a degree of normalcy.

“I’m just an old chunk of coal

But I’m going to be a diamond some day.”

The music barely registered. As hungry as Ambler felt he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep down any food. He was too distracted to notice how his back was aching as well. He continually turned over in his mind, like a baker kneading dough, whether he should tell his new employers about what had just transpired. Answers would lead to more questioning. The operation could get called off. His chance to do some potential good in the world would fade, quicker than a politician’s promise. What they didn’t know couldn’t hurt them, though, Ambler reasoned. Spying is deception.

They eventually got to Kensington. But it didn’t feel like home.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.