Goodbye to an Old Friend Read Free

Russians’ space plans from talking to him?’
    Adrian pondered the question before answering. ‘No, I don’t think so. He worked as a team …’ He paused, then said, ‘There were times when he was talking when I was reminded of the relationship between you and me …’ and Binns smiled.
    â€˜There is another man,’ continued Adrian, ‘Viktor Pavel. He’s the navigational expert, basically, but he was the leader, the real genius. We’ve known his name for some time, principally in connection with his revolutionary new inertia guidance system, which our scientists want very badly. So there are gaps in what Bennovitch tells us. But the technical staff think they can fill most of it in. Even so, it’ll take time.’
    â€˜How much?’
    â€˜Several months, I’m afraid.’
    Binns shrugged. ‘I don’t think that detracts from the catch,’ he said. ‘We’ll learn enough.’
    The two men sat for several moments, then Binns said, ‘I was surprised that the Russians still sent such a large delegation to the Paris Air Show. There’s been such a fuss about Bennovitch that I expected them to cancel their contingent completely.’
    â€˜I don’t know,’ said Adrian, ‘since the Americans and the Chinese established their links, the Soviets have been very conscious of “face” and of appearing over-sensitive in the eyes of the rest of the world. To have withdrawn would have created an even bigger surprise than going ahead as if Bennovitch’s defection wasn’t important.’
    â€˜True,’ agreed Binns. ‘Perhaps I’m overlooking the fact that at this moment only about six people, apart from the Russians, really know how important Bennovitch is.’
    The secretary brought in tea and both men instinctively stopped talking until she had left the room.
    Adrian drank appreciatively. Binns always got Earl Grey sent in from Fortnum’s and his secretary brewed it beautifully. Adrian had tried doing the same, months ago, but Miss Aimes had produced exactly the same taste as she achieved with supermarket tea bags.
    â€˜Heard from Anita?’ asked Binns.
    Adrian started slightly at the mention of his wife’s name. Binns had been to the apartment for dinner several times in the beginning, soon after they were married. He’d made no comment when the invitations stopped.
    â€˜I had a letter, about a week ago,’ he said.
    â€˜Oh.’
    Binns waited, giving Adrian the opportunity of ending the discussion or continuing it. Grateful for the chance, Adrian went on, ‘She wants to see me.’
    â€˜A divorce?’
    â€˜I think so.’
    â€˜Another man?’
    â€˜No.’
    The denial was immediate, a little too abrupt. Binns said nothing.
    After a long pause, Adrian said, ‘She appears to have formed some sort of association with another woman.’
    Words of civilization, thought Adrian, contemptuously. ‘An association with another woman.’ Pomposity for the sake of appearance. My wife’s gone queer. My wife’s gone queer because I’m inadequate.
    â€˜I’m sorry,’ said Binns.
    More civilization, thought Adrian.
    There was a hesitation, while Adrian searched for a reply. Then he said, ‘At least under the new divorce legislation it’ll be swept under the carpet and everyone’s pride will be saved.’
    â€˜Hurt?’ asked Binns.
    Adrian nodded, without replying.
    There was a silence in the room and Binns began regretting that he had raised the subject. The telephone sounded suddenly and both men jumped. Binns sighed, relieved at the escape. The speech impediment registered as soon as Binns picked up the receiver and Adrian sat, feeling sorry for the other man.
    Even with the stutter, Binns’s end of the conversation was restricted, but Adrian saw his face suddenly tighten. A nervous tic began to vibrate near his