Expo 58: A Novel by Jonathan Coe Read Free Book Online Page A

she won’t be coming to Brussels with you, will she?’
    ‘No, that’s true.’
    ‘Six months is a long time, to be doing without . . . home comforts.’
    ‘The pleasures of married life.’
    ‘That’s if you like married life, of course.’
    ‘Some men don’t, you know. I mean, they marry, but it’s not really their cup of tea.’
    ‘Their real interests lie elsewhere.’
    ‘It’s a sordid subject.’
    ‘Terribly sordid.’
    ‘For instance, chap I knew, married for ten years, three children, hardly spent any time at home. More likely to be found in the gentlemen’s toilet at Hyde Park Corner.’
    ‘What a ghastly prospect.’
    ‘Ghastly. Do you know it?’
    ‘Know it?’ Thomas repeated.
    ‘The gentlemen’s toilet at Hyde Park Corner.’
    He shook his head. ‘No.’
    ‘Very wise. Best to steer well clear of it, I should think.’
    ‘Give it a wide berth.’
    ‘Are you by any chance asking me if I’m a homosexual?’ asked Thomas, his face pinkening with indignation.
    Mr Wayne thought this a splendid joke. ‘My dear chap, what on earth makes you say that?’
    ‘What a fantastic notion!’
    ‘The idea never entered our heads.’
    ‘Nothing could have been further from our thoughts.’
    ‘Why, you’re obviously no more a homosexual than you are a member of the Communist Party.’
    Thomas was mollified. ‘That’s all right, then. Because there are some things you shouldn’t joke about.’
    ‘Couldn’t agree more, old man.’
    ‘By the way,’ said Mr Radford, ‘you’re not a member of the Communist Party, are you?’
    ‘No, I’m not. And once again, will you please tell me what this is all about?’
    Mr Wayne took one more sip of his coffee and consulted his pocket watch.
    ‘Look, Foley, we’ve kept you chatting for far too long. You’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about. You, me and Mr Radford – we’re all on the same side.’
    ‘Batting for the same team.’
    ‘It’s just that you must understand – this knees-up in Brussels, well, it’s a wonderful idea in principle of course, but there are dangers involved.’
    ‘Dangers?’
    ‘All these different countries coming together in the same place for six months – it’s a marvellous idea in theory, but someone has to consider the risks.’
    ‘What risks?’
    ‘You said it yourself in the meeting.’
    ‘I did?’
    ‘We’re living in modern times. Science is achieving miraculous things.’
    ‘But don’t forget – science is a two-way street.’
    ‘A double-edged sword.’
    ‘Precisely. We all have to be vigilant. It’s the price we pay.’ Mr Wayne stood up, now, and held out his hand. ‘Anyway, goodbye, Foley. Or perhaps au revoir would be more appropriate.’
    Thomas and Mr Radford both rose to their feet. There was a flurry of confused handshaking.
    ‘You can get the bus from here, I take it?’ said Mr Radford. ‘Only Tooting’s a little bit out of our way.’
    ‘Yes, of course,’ Thomas mumbled, more out of his depth than ever.
    ‘We won’t keep you any longer. You head off back to your supper.’
    ‘Back to the bosom of your family.’
    ‘And don’t worry about the coffees. Everything’s on us.’
    ‘Our treat.’
    ‘Small price to pay for the pleasure of your company.’
    Thomas thanked them uncertainly, and headed for the door. The rain outside looked even heavier than before. He turned up the collar of his coat in anticipation. Just as he was opening the door to let in the first gusts and raindrops, Mr Radford called after him:
    ‘Oh, and Foley?’
    Thomas turned. ‘Yes?’
    ‘Just remember one thing: this conversation never took place.’

Welkom terug
    Entering the modest arrivals hall at Melsbroek airport late on Thursday morning, Thomas looked out for a besuited figure who might correspond to his image of David Carter, the British Council representative who had arranged to meet him there. However, no such figure presented himself. Instead, Thomas found himself being approached by a