See Charlie Run by Brian Freemantle Read Free Book Online Page B

of arrival. Trying to recover, Charlie stared obviously around the crowded bar. Fredericks saw the look and smiled at the attempt. Nodding to the piano area, where a small bass, guitar and drums group had replaced the single pianist who had been performing when Charlie first entered, the American said: ‘The music overlays any listening device. They always come on at eight; that’s why I waited until now.’
    Shit again, thought Charlie. He said: ‘Very textbook.’
    â€˜No,’ said Fredericks, disdaining the mockery. ‘Properly done – the way it should be. And always is.’
    â€˜Glad to hear it,’ said Charlie, foundering and knowing it. ‘I wouldn’t like to be involved in anything amateur.’
    â€˜Neither would I,’ said Fredericks. ‘That’s why I’m worried. So far I’m not very impressed.’
    A waiter hovered and Fredericks said: ‘Club soda, with ice.’ The man looked enquiringly at Charlie who nodded for another whisky. Charlie finished the one he had and said to the American: ‘You want to know something! I couldn’t give a fuck whether I impress you or not. That’s not what I’m here for.’
    â€˜I know why you’re here because I started all this,’ said Fredericks. ‘And if you screw up then the whole thing becomes a disaster. So I need to be impressed.’
    â€˜So do I,’ fought back Charlie. ‘I’m not yet convinced that this is a big deal; is anything at all. So I need convincing, about a lot of things.’
    â€˜I’ve had four meetings,’ said Fredericks. ‘It looks right to me. Every way.’
    Both men pulled back for the drinks to be served. When the waiter left, Charlie said: ‘You made any arrangements for me?’
    Fredericks stopped with his glass halfway to his lips, frowning. ‘Arrangements for what?’
    â€˜To meet Kozlov. And the woman.’
    Fredericks put down the glass, without drinking. ‘It obviously hasn’t been properly explained to you,’ he said, patiently. ‘Kozlov is ours. You’re babysitting the woman.’
    Thank Christ the chance had come, thought Charlie. He said: ‘I thought I was getting a lecture on professionalism from a professional.’
    â€˜What are you talking about?’ demanded the American.
    â€˜Are you seriously suggesting that I go into this without seeing the man himself … assessing things for myself. Without seeing the woman, too … come on, Sunshine!’ Although the bar was dark, Charlie was aware of the pinpricks of colour on the man’s face, showing the anger. Charlie was glad he’d finally managed to unsettle the American.
    â€˜This is our show,’ insisted Fredericks. ‘He came to us. He stays with us. You get the woman. I’ll tell you where and when.’
    â€˜Bollocks,’ said Charlie.
    â€˜What’s bollocks?’
    â€˜You. The operation. Everything,’ said Charlie. He sighed, drinking deeply from his glass. ‘Pity,’ he said. ‘I really enjoy Japan. Would have liked it to have lasted longer.’
    â€˜You want to say something, why don’t you say it straight out?’ said Fredericks.
    â€˜Sure,’ said Charlie. ‘The British just withdrew.’
    Charlie spoke intent upon the other man, alert for the signs, and he saw them. If there had been any other way of getting the Kozlovs out, Washington would not have approached London. So the fact that Fredericks was meeting him – within hours of arrival, and trying to impose himself as the controller from the world go – meant not only that the British participation was essential but that the Americans were desperate for it.
    â€˜You haven’t got the authority to withdraw,’ challenged Fredericks.
    â€˜I have,’ said Charlie. ‘And that’s what I’ve just done …’ Dismissively, the action of someone