Albatross by Evelyn Anthony Read Free Book Online Page B

Humphrey? He’ll meet at Mansfield Street tomorrow if you want to see him.’
    Again she hesitated. ‘No, I don’t think so. I don’t think I’ll tell him any more at this stage. I want to show Harrington your report. And I’ve made up my mind, Colin love; I’m not going to say anything to Humphrey about that. ’
    â€˜Why not?’ He was surprised by her vehemence.
    â€˜Because he doesn’t know I kept a copy,’ she said quietly. ‘I’ve made up my mind to something else.’
    â€˜God help us,’ he said. ‘What is it now?’
    â€˜If I’m going to do this properly, I’ve got to do it alone. I won’t be making any more reports to Humphrey. From now on, he’s a prime suspect. No less than John or the brigadier himself.’
    â€˜Humphrey?’
    Grant looked up from his paperwork. ‘Yes, John? What can I do for you?’
    John Kidson ignored the unwelcoming expression on the bony face. Christ, he said to himself, advancing into the office, he looks more like bloody Robespierre every minute … and then he tried to remember who noticed the resemblance and pinned the nickname to Grant that followed him everywhere in other men’s laughter. SGI. The Sea-Green Incorruptible. The whey-faced fanatic who slaughtered thousands during the French Revolution.… He couldn’t remember who the originator was, but it was a cruel and accurate piece of mockery. And Humphrey Grant would know about it. He knew everything that went on in the building. Kidson settled into a chair. ‘I know you’re busy, but so am I, Humphrey. I’m not taking any hints; I want to talk to you.’
    The pen was lowered and the papers set aside; Grant made a little humph of irritation. ‘What about? I am very busy as it happens.’
    â€˜The Chief took me out to lunch a couple of weeks ago.’
    â€˜That’s unlike him,’ Grant said. ‘He never spends money on any of us. What was behind it?’
    â€˜That’s exactly what I’ve been asking myself ever since,’ Kidson answered. ‘He said he was due for retirement this year.’
    Grant nodded slightly. ‘So he is. That doesn’t mean anything.’
    â€˜He talked about a successor,’ Kidson said. There wasn’t a flicker on the face of the man opposite him, but imperceptibly his body hunched and leaned a little forward in anticipation. ‘He mentioned you, Humphrey. He asked me what I thought about it.’
    â€˜That was very underhand,’ Grant said suddenly. ‘How could you possibly give an unbiased answer? You could be in line yourself, John. Age isn’t exactly on my side compared to you.’
    â€˜It wasn’t a genuine inquiry,’ Kidson said quietly. ‘It was followed up by a suggestion that rocked me on my heels, I don’t mind telling you! He said he was thinking of Davina.’
    Grant’s head shot up. ‘A woman? What absolute nonsense! She’d never be appointed.’ Two spots of colour flared on his cheekbones. He didn’t like women; his ambition to succeed James White was acknowledged but never discussed. Now, he exposed it in a burst of real fury. Kidson had never seen him so angry in all the years they had worked together. He actually got up from his desk and paced up and down. ‘Davina? For the top job? My God, what a bloody cheek that man has even to mention such a possibility! I’ve worked for most of my life in the Service, I’ve given up everything for it. If I’m passed over now, John, for Davina Graham or anyone else, I’m resigning the same day!’
    â€˜Hold on a minute,’ John Kidson said. ‘I don’t think he was serious. I think it was a ploy, to test my reaction.’
    Humphrey glared down at him. ‘I hope he doesn’t try and use it on me,’ he said.
    â€˜He wanted to pump me about Davina,’ Kidson went on.