The Code War by Ciaran Nagle Read Free Book Online

heard the thunderous footfall of a
heavy person coming slowly down the stairs.
    ‘ Hi, Martin here.'
Flat monotone.
    ‘ Martin, it’s Nancy.
From Ealing Travel? It's about your holiday that you were hoping to
book. I was just thinking about your call and reflecting that it
was such a shame that Dan can't go with you.’
    ‘ Yes, what a bore,’
said Martin sounding fed up. ‘Some people never stop to think of
others.’
    ‘ Look,’ said Nancy,
‘I’ve had an idea which would save your field study trip. Fact is,
I’ve found someone who would like to come with you as your fourth
member. It’s a female. A girl, that is. I mean a woman. She’d pay
her way but keep out of your way, if you know what I
mean.’
    Nancy's eyes were shining
brightly. ‘What do you think? Or shall I just tell her that it’s
not possible?'
    ‘ No, no, don’t do
that,’ blurted Martin. ‘Who is this mystery lady, where has she
popped out from?’ he asked.
    ‘ Well, actually,’
said Nancy who was gripping the phone so tight she could almost
feel Martin's thoughts down the phone, ‘it’s me. You see I haven’t
had a holiday in ages and I’ve always wanted to know more about the
ancient Egyptians.’
    ‘ Er..it's
actually Roman and Greek settlements we're looking
for .'
    ‘ Yeah, that's right,
I was just testing you. No I know that. Well OK, I didn't. But you
see that's the point. I love all those camels and temples and
things. Only I didn't pay attention at school. And it would just
all fit quite well 'cause... But you probably wouldn’t want me
along. It’s silly to even…’
    ‘ No, it’s not silly
at all,’ blurted Martin for the second time. His mind was now
racing.
    ‘ No, it could be
good,’ he continued. ‘Look, if you’re sure you’re up for this, why
not let me talk to the others and see if they’re OK about it too. I
certainly am. It could be a laugh and it would save our studies
from going to the wall.’
    Nancy put down the phone. She put her
head in her hands, already suffering remorse.
    'Stupid,' she said out loud to
herself.
    The phone rang ten minutes later.
    It was Martin.
    The other two boys had eagerly agreed to
Nancy’s proposition.
    It was on.
    Nancy cradled the phone and stared intently out of the window for several
seconds. Then she rose and walked slowly and purposefully back down
the aisle of the shop and stood by David's desk. She put her hands
behind her back. A schoolgirl seeking audience with the head
teacher.
    'I need to take some leave,' she
announced.
    David turned and stared at her
incredulously. 'You've only just joined us. You haven't earned any
leave.'
    Other agents were turning around
to listen. David waved them back to their work.
    'I know.'
    They continued staring at each other.
David wore an anxious look. Nancy was relaxed.
    'How long?'
    'Two weeks,' replied Nancy evenly.
    'You can take unpaid leave.' David
turned away.
    'No.'
    He looked back at her. Fear was across his face now. His hand
brushed his top pocket where he still held the business card she'd
written on. He looked around the office. For help, Nancy
thought.
    'What is it for?'
    'An elderly relative of mine needs
to see me.'
    David's arms were flapping around
his desk like kites in the wind. Nancy was holding him with her
eyes, pinning him with her unblinking stare.
    She decided to help him out. 'It's
urgent.'
    He sucked in his breath between his teeth and looked around him as if
he'd been pushed to the edge. 'Well, all right then. If it's really
life and death.' He raised his voice so all could hear. 'But after
that, no more holidays till next year.'
    'Thank you,' said Nancy quietly.
Then more audibly, 'Do you want a cup of tea?'
     
     
    Pentacurse Region,
Inferno - one mile from Husk Tower, three levels
underground.
     
    Captain Kodrob cast his cards down
on the table and stood up abruptly. A trip-alarm had sounded in the
wall of the squadroom warning him that someone was approaching. His
intelligent eyes looked