The Labyrinth Makers Read Free Page B

boxes contained rubble? Did they learn that? It's an important distinction.'
    'Assuming that they did–what then?'
    'I should have to know rather more about Steerforth. There is a possible sequence of events, but I wouldn't like to advance it yet.'
    'Why not?' This was Stocker at last. 'You have a reputation for drawing remarkably accurate deductions out of minimal information. I'd very much like to hear what you make of this.'
    Audley felt a flush of annoyance spreading under his cheeks. It galled him that he had a reputation for understanding without reason. Intuition had its place, and was valuable. But only in the last leap from the ninth known fact to the inaccessible tenth, and never at the very beginning. And even at the last it was not to be trusted.
    He knew he ought to control his feelings, and hold the only real card he possessed. But he couldn't.
    'I'll tell you one thing I do know'–he tapped the Steerforth File with his index finger–'that Major Butler was more right than he knew when he said that this was non-information. I'd like to see the original file, for a start.'
    'The original?'
    Audley sighed. Maybe he did have that flair. It would be easier to admit an inspired hunch than to explain that he could look between the lines of this material to see the gaps in the narrative, the sudden thinness of the material, the changes of style, the tiny inconsistencies of editing. All of which suggested the removal of something too intriguing to be left to the common gaze.
    He looked to Fred for support.
    'Quite right too,' said Fred. 'You shall see it. Stocker only wanted to know—'
    '—I only wanted to see Audley pull a rabbit out of his hat.' Stocker smiled, and was transformed by his smile from a faceless JIC man into a human being. Audley felt that he had been small-minded and pompous.
    'And you did pull a rabbit out. Only it was not the one I expected. I'm sorry to have played fast and loose with you. Sir Frederick warned me. But the missing bits don't concern Steerforth, I assure you. You'll still have to find out about him for yourself. Which I believe Sir Frederick is arranging for you.
    'On which note I will bid you good morning. It has been a pleasure to see you at work, even if only briefly. But I shall be seeing you again soon.'
    Audley could only blush, and shake the hand thrust out to him. Then Stocker was gone, and the atmosphere lightened perceptibly. Audley observed that both Butler and Roskill were grinning.
    'I really cannot understand,' said Fred, 'why the JIG always produces threat reactions in you people–even in you, David.'
    There was no point in suggesting that Fred himself had formalised the conference in Stocker's presence by dropping all the Christian names he usually affected. He probably intended to foster the JIG mystique, not reduce it.
    'It has a perfectly reasonable co-ordinating function, which you all know perfectly well. But no matter. Have you any more immediate questions?
    Roskill stirred. 'One thing–only I don't quite know how to put it. This Russian interest, after all these years–couldn't it be just a case of bureaucratic obsession?'
    'And we could be making a fuss about nothing? Or something that has become nothing? It could be, Hugh, it could be. But if it isn't–then it could be rather interesting. Weighing the possibilities, I think we have to go ahead, at least for the time being.'
    'Have you got any more questions, David?'
    'I have–yes. But not about Steerforth. First, if it is decided that I must attend his funeral–I must assume it is his funeral–I must be allowed to have my breakfast first. I cannot go to a funeral on an empty stomach. Second—'
    Fred held up his hand.
    'David, I do apologise. You shall breakfast with me in a few moments. Mrs Harlin has the matter in hand. And then you will be going to the funeral–you've got the transport laid on, Hugh?'
    '8.45 from here, Sir Frederick. It's a good two hours to Asham. We'll pick up the other car in