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: âThe music overlays any listening device. They always come on at eight; thatâs why I waited until now.â
Shit again, thought Charlie. He said: âVery textbook.â
âNo,â said Fredericks, disdaining the mockery. âProperly done â the way it should be. And always is.â
âGlad to hear it,â said Charlie, foundering and knowing it. âI wouldnât like to be involved in anything amateur.â
âNeither would I,â said Fredericks. âThatâs why Iâm worried. So far Iâm not very impressed.â
A waiter hovered and Fredericks said: âClub soda, with ice.â The man looked enquiringly at Charlie who nodded for another whisky. Charlie finished the one he had and said to the American: âYou want to know something! I couldnât give a fuck whether I impress you or not. Thatâs not what Iâm here for.â
âI know why youâre here because I started all this,â said Fredericks. âAnd if you screw up then the whole thing becomes a disaster. So I need to be impressed.â
âSo do I,â fought back Charlie. âIâm not yet convinced that this is a big deal; is anything at all. So I need convincing, about a lot of things.â
âIâve had four meetings,â said Fredericks. âIt looks right to me. Every way.â
Both men pulled back for the drinks to be served. When the waiter left, Charlie said: âYou made any arrangements for me?â
Fredericks stopped with his glass halfway to his lips, frowning. âArrangements for what?â
âTo meet Kozlov. And the woman.â
Fredericks put down the glass, without drinking. âIt obviously hasnât been properly explained to you,â he said, patiently. âKozlov is ours. Youâre babysitting the woman.â
Thank Christ the chance had come, thought Charlie. He said: âI thought I was getting a lecture on professionalism from a professional.â
âWhat are you talking about?â demanded the American.
âAre 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!â Although the bar was dark, Charlie was aware of the pinpricks of colour on the manâs face, showing the anger. Charlie was glad heâd finally managed to unsettle the American.
âThis is our show,â insisted Fredericks. âHe came to us. He stays with us. You get the woman. Iâll tell you where and when.â
âBollocks,â said Charlie.
âWhatâs bollocks?â
âYou. The operation. Everything,â said Charlie. He sighed, drinking deeply from his glass. âPity,â he said. âI really enjoy Japan. Would have liked it to have lasted longer.â
âYou want to say something, why donât you say it straight out?â said Fredericks.
âSure,â said Charlie. âThe British just withdrew.â
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 â within hours of arrival, and trying to impose himself as the controller from the world go â meant not only that the British participation was essential but that the Americans were desperate for it.
âYou havenât got the authority to withdraw,â challenged Fredericks.
âI have,â said Charlie. âAnd thatâs what Iâve just done â¦â Dismissively, the action of someone