The Last Letter from London by Pam Lecky

Author:Pam Lecky [Lecky, Pam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers
Published: 2023-05-29T17:00:00+00:00

21

29th April 1944, MI5, St. James’s Street, London

It was first thing Saturday morning, and once again, Sarah sat before Jason with yet another problem. He had winced when she had explained the situation regarding Adeline, and Haas’s request she go to Lisbon.

‘I’m not happy about this, Sarah. Lisbon is a highly dangerous place. There are a few of our chaps in the embassy, but I don’t know how much they could help you if you ran into trouble,’ Jason said.

‘I know it’s not ideal, sir, but she must go. Haas will think her compromised if she doesn’t and we would have to stand her down,’ Sarah replied. ‘I’m sure we don’t want to do that with Operation Copperhead imminent and so important.’

‘No, indeed, but what if it is a trap? What if he suspects she has turned? You would both be in danger. I’m not sure you are experienced enough to handle that kind of situation and I can’t afford to lose an agent.’

That took the wind out of her, but she recovered quickly. ‘Please let me try, sir. I know the risks, but she is my responsibility, so I cannot let her face this alone. Besides, we need Haas to continue to believe she is a trusted source of information. Hopefully, all he wants is to give her new instructions or merely to reassure himself that Adeline is working for him and no one else.’

Jason blew out his cheeks. ‘It all seems unnecessary to me. Still, you are right; she must go. Do you think she can carry it off and convince him?’

‘Honestly? I’m not one hundred percent sure. I’ve told you before how capricious she can be, but if I coach her well, she should come through alright.’

‘Very well, but it is with some reluctance that I am giving you permission.’

‘I understand, sir, and thank you,’ Sarah replied.

‘Miss Wilson will organise your transport and visas as quickly as possible. However, you will have to travel by boat. Journalists don’t earn enough for plane tickets. If she were to arrive that way, it would only ring alarm bells with Haas. And although you will be on the same boat, you must keep apart. All transport in and out is monitored.’ Jason scribbled down a note and handed it to her. ‘Contact this chap in Lisbon; Nicholas Webb. His cover is that he works as press attaché to the ambassador, but he is the head of Lisbon Station. Webb will advise you once you hit the ground.’

‘Thank you.’

Jason sat back and gazed at her for a moment, his expression serious. Sarah’s stomach did a somersault. What could it be now? ‘There is something you need to know.’ He glanced down at a telegram on his desk, then picked it up. ‘I received this earlier.’

Sarah swallowed hard. Telegrams were never good news these days. That was how she had learned of Paul’s death. One sentence which had turned her life upside-down. Surely, fate would not be that cruel. Please let Tony be OK!

‘It’s about that chap Nikolay.

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