Watching. Jeff Edwards

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СКАЧАТЬ realise, of course, that it’s supposed to be the man that asked?’

      ‘I’ve already been asked by a man. I didn’t find it to be a very edifying experience. So I thought I’d better do the asking, to make sure I get the right one.’

      ‘What if I say no?’

      ‘Then you’d be lying to yourself. You want me, as much as I want you.’

      ‘Well as soon as we get your assignment completed then we’ll make the arrangements.’

      ‘So you will marry me!’

      ‘Of course. I would have asked you in more romantic surroundings, if I had been given the chance.’

      ‘What could be more romantic than this?’ asked Jade, as she rolled onto Robert’s chest, and began kissing him.

      Robert could feel himself respond, and knew that she had made the right decision for them both.

      * * *

      Jade’s first experience in the world of espionage took place the following evening. She advised Peter Haskins that she had to leave the warehouse a little early, as there were some goods in the auction room she wished to inspect, prior to sale.

      ‘I’d like to bid on them, but I’d like to check them out properly first,’ she lied.

      ‘That’s fine with me,’ said Peter.

      Jade arrived at the sales room about five minutes prior to their closing, making her way between the rows of goods, looking for a place to hide.

      A large wardrobe, almost as big as her own was propped up against a far wall. Jade checked the area to make sure no one else was around, before slipping inside, where she settled down, awaiting the right moment to emerge.

      After an eternity, that her watch insisted had lasted just an hour, Jade pushed the door slightly ajar, and found the room in darkness.

      Slowly, she climbed out of her hiding place, and made her way down silent aisles, to the office area, being sure to keep out of sight, just in case there was someone still present. Jade was almost disappointed to find herself alone. The job was proving to be no challenge at all!

      Her only hurdle came when she tried to locate the purchase ledger. After going through Doug Green’s desk, she could turn up nothing of significance, except a bottle of whiskey in the bottom drawer.

      However, the cashier’s office was more fruitful. There on the shelf above the desk, quite clearly marked, was what she sought. Opening the book on a desk, she turned on the desk lamp, and began searching through the journal entries for purchases made in the previous twelve months. Taking the camera from her pocket, Jade began taking photos of each of the large pages, most of which contained at least twenty entries.

      She had to place new film in the camera a couple of times, but, before too long the job was complete.

      Replacing the journal, and turning off the light, Jade made her way to the front door, but found it locked. Of course it is, you idiot! Did you think they’d just leave the place open for you! thought Jade. I’ll have to use a window.

      Luckily, there was a window opening onto a rear laneway, from Doug Green’s office. It too, was locked, but from the inside. Opening it, she scrambled out, skinning her knees on the rough bricks. She looked up at the open window, and realised that she wouldn’t be able to climb back up to close it again. There’s nothing missing, so they’ll just think someone forgot to lock it, Jade thought, as she tried to walk as casually as she could, down the lane, and onto the main street.

      Breathing a sigh of relief, Jade hailed a taxi, and gave Robert’s address, as she settled back in her seat.

      Robert opened the door before Jade could knock. He had been anxiously waiting by the window, and had seen her arrive. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her deeply, and she responded.

      ‘How did it go?’

      Jade took the camera, and films, from her pocket. ‘It was just too easy. I’ll have to bring the subject of security up with Peter. Anyone could have done what I did, and robbed them blind.’

      ‘Well let’s go to the darkroom and see what you’ve gotten for us.’

      Three hours later, the pair celebrated a successful evening, by making love. The first time rather excitedly, in the darkroom, and the second time, at a much more leisurely pace, in Robert’s bed.

      The following morning, Jade left to return home and change, while Robert retrieved the now dry photos, placing them in a folder, and setting out for his office, where he, and other analysts, could assess the information.

      * * *

      That evening, Robert met Jade for dinner.

      ‘Well? How did it go?’

      ‘Very well, actually. We were able to crosscheck many of the names with passport records, and have been able to make up a list of persons from overseas that have sold goods to Haskins and Green. Then we were able to determine, from the quality of the goods sold, who out of the names on the list, would most likely to have been in some important position, before they defected. Those are the people we’d like to interview, and your journal even supplied us with their current address.’

      ‘I’m glad I could be of help.’

      ‘But you cannot speak a word of this to anyone. This is a matter strictly between you, and I. I haven’t even told my boss that it was you that retrieved the information.’

      ‘So I won’t be receiving a medal from the King?’ Jade grinned.

      ‘You certainly deserve a medal for wanting to marry an undependable person like me. I’ll have to give you one of mine instead,’ grinned Robert. ‘In fact, I have something right here for you,’ he said, handing her a small package.

      Opening it, Jade found a sparkling diamond, glinting back at her.

      ‘I thought we should make our engagement official,’ beamed Robert, as he slipped the ring onto her finger. ‘Now that you’ve become my partner, you can’t be shot for knowing state secrets. As long as you don’t give them away to the enemy.’

      ‘I’ll have to make sure I don’t talk in my sleep, or better yet, I’ll have to make sure you’re always beside me to make sure I don’t talk in my sleep.’

      Robert looked serious for a moment. ‘I’m afraid that won’t always be possible. In fact I have to go away again tomorrow.’

      ‘For how long?’

      ‘I don’t know, but I do know that we’re going to get married just as soon as I get back.’

      ‘Well, in that case, I suggest we get out of this very public place, and return to my very large bed, where I intend to say goodbye to you for the rest of the evening.’

      ‘Oh dear! The things a man must do for King and country.’

      Jade felt as though she were leading three separate lives, one as a normal working person at Haskins and СКАЧАТЬ