The Russian nodded.
“That is wise. All the same, I think it would be better if I did not come here again. For the moment, I am staying at the Blitz. I will take Marise—this is Marise, I suppose?”
Tuppence nodded.
“What is she known as here?”
“Oh! Miss Robinson.”
“Very well, Miss Robinson, you will return with me to the Blitz and lunch with me there. We will all meet at headquarters at three o’clock. Is that clear?” He looked at Tommy.
“Perfectly clear,” replied Tommy, wondering where on earth headquarters might be.
But he guessed that it was just those very headquarters that Mr. Carter was so anxious to discover.
Tuppence rose and slipped on her long black coat with its leopardskin collar. Then, demurely, she declared herself ready to accompany the Prince.
They went out together, and Tommy was left behind, a prey to conflicting emotions.
Supposing something had gone wrong with the dictaphone? Supposing the mysterious Hospital Nurse had somehow or other learnt of its installation, and had rendered it useless?
He seized the telephone and called a certain number. There was a moment’s delay, and then a well known voice spoke.
“Quite OK. Come round to the Blitz at once.”