Read Online The Doll’s House by Evelyn Anthony - Free Book Online Page A

Would anyone think of looking for our organization in a place like that? And it’s got all the potential we need. The extra million is for contingencies. What the Libyans want is training facilities for some of their specialist groups. The IRA have expressed interest through them. There are others – you know them.’ He shrugged, dismissing speculation. ‘We’d provide that service, but our main activity is carrying out high-risk operations that nobody wants to touch themselves. That’s where the money lies. Nice place, isn’t it? I quite fancy living there. We’d be very comfortable, don’t you think?’
    Rilke muttered, ‘It’s brilliant cover. Mad, but brilliant. Did you think of this?’
    Oakham nodded. ‘Yes. I know the place. I was born in that part of the world. And the beauty of it is, it’s a legitimate business. We’ll all have positions on the administrative staff – I’ll settle the details later – we’ll be salaried employees of the consortium that has bought the hotel. All taxes paid up, proper accounts, whiter than white. No fiddling with anything that could catch the Revenue’s eye.’
    The video ran on, lingering over the grounds, the different aspects of the house. Jan had suppressed the sound-track.
    Daniel asked, ‘We don’t know anything about hotels. What about staff?’
    â€˜They stay on,’ Harry answered. ‘That’s part of the deal. Don’t worry about details, it’ll be worked out.’
    â€˜Documentation for us? Who’s going to provide that?’ Zarubin demanded.
    â€˜You are,’ Harry said. ‘Use your own facilities; you know best how to cover your tracks.’
    Rilke nodded in agreement.
    â€˜The facilities need extending, if we’re going to run courses,’ the Russian remarked. Training, physical as well as mental, was his speciality. ‘You could build an assault course – there’s enough land?’
    â€˜There are over two hundred acres,’ Harry assured him. ‘Some hotels run war games at weekends. It’s quite a popular pastime. We’d do the same. One for the customers and one for real. But I emphasize again, that’s secondary, not primary. I said yes because my contact seemed so keen on the idea. But it’s got to be very selective and very limited. If we pull off one or two big operations, we can phase that out completely.’
    â€˜I’d be happier,’ Daniel put in. ‘I like the country hotel, it’s very good for me, I’d be safer there than in my lousy room in London. But having people come and go who know about us – I don’t like it.’
    Harry Oakham smiled at him. It was not friendly. He was rocking the boat; it wasn’t the moment to cast doubts.
    â€˜You’ve been on the run too long,’ he said. ‘It’s made you nervous.’
    Daniel’s face reddened. ‘Cautious,’ he snapped back. ‘Nobody’s been after your hide.’
    â€˜They will be,’ was the answer. ‘But they won’t know where to find it. Or yours. Opt out if you don’t like the deal, but make up your mind now!’
    The Israeli didn’t hesitate. He had no option and that grinning bastard knew it. He hated the English, he thought. Smug, superior, still carrying colonialism in their hearts …
    â€˜I’m in. I said so,’ he stated.
    â€˜Good.’ Oakham relaxed, beaming friendliness at him. Daniel was not deceived. He looked round at them. The video had run its length. Jan switched off the machine.
    â€˜Any more questions?’ he invited.
    â€˜How long before we become operational?’ Rilke asked.
    He was excited and committed. There was a gleam in the cold eyes. His mother could have a luxury flat, all the comforts again.
    â€˜Three months. I’ll have everything ready in three months. Jan and I are flying back after this