James Bond - 037 - High Time to Kill by Raymond Benson

Author:Raymond Benson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Mystery & Detective, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Adventure, Thrillers, Traditional British, Espionage
ISBN: 9780515128338
Publisher: Jove
Published: 2000-06-01T07:00:00+00:00

FOURTEEN

WELCOMING RECEPTION

AFTER SPENDING ALL DAY CLIMBING UP AND DOWN STAIRCASES WHILE wearing heavy backpacks with Marquis and other members of the team on an officer’s training course near Oakhanger, James Bond drove to SIS headquarters for a late meeting with Major Boothroyd in Q Branch.

“I want you to know that I postponed a very important dinner date to be here this evening,” Boothroyd said, punching in the security code to let Bond into the laboratory. “With a very beautiful woman, I might add.”

“Really?”

“Don’t act so surprised, Double-O Seven. I may be an old man, but I’m still very healthy in that regard.”

“I didn’t say a word, Major,” Bond said, smiling. “She is a very lucky woman.”

“I should say so,” Boothroyd replied. “We’ve been married twentyeight years. Its our anniversary, and here I am, spending the evening with you.”

“Well, let’s make it brief, shall we?”

“Quite. Now, pay attention, Double-O Seven.” He led Bond to a metal table that was covered with various items. “I pulled these out of storage this afternoon after I learned the nature of your assignment. We’re also working with the Ministry in supplying some sophisticated communications equipment to the expedition. The Dutchman, what’s-his-name, he’ll have all that.”

“Paul Baack?”

“That’s right.”

Boothroyd went on, handing him a small tube with a mouthpiece on it. “This is similar to our underwater emergency breather, except it’s for use at high altitudes. It holds about fifteen minutes of oxygen and fits into a pocket of your parka. Again, it’s only for emergencies.”

The major indicated a pair of boots. “These are the best One Sport ‘Everest’ boots with alveolite liners and built-in supergaiters. They’re ultra light, and I think you’ll find them quite comfortable. The unique thing about them is that they’ve been designed with our special field compartments in the heels. In the right boot you’ll find medical and first aid equipment. In the left one you’ll find a set of small tools. Screwdriver, pliers, wrench … they might come in useful.”

Bond examined the bivouac sack made by North Face. “Ah, that,” the major said. “It’s a bivouac sack for when you’re caught outside of camp at night. We’ve installed a special battery-operated power pack that will heat it up like an electric blanket. It also expands to allow room for a second person.”

“How convenient,” Bond said.

“You have your P99 on you?”

“Yes.”

“Let me have it.”

Bond handed him the Walther P99 and Boothroyd put it in what Bond hadn’t realized was a fur-lined holster.

“I could just imagine you attempting to draw your gun out from under all those layers of clothing and the down parka you’ll most likely be wearing. By the time you got it out, you’d be a dead man. I think this outer holster should solve that little problem. It can be worn on top of your parka, but it’s still disguised to look like another pocket.”

Boothroyd removed the gun and handed it back to Bond. “We’ll have your own gear sent to you in Kathmandu. We’ve ordered all the clothing and tools you’ll need, and we’ve spared no expense.

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