Deadlock

**

Marler timed the ending of his dinner with Lara carefully. He insisted on paying. To her relief he made no attempt to arrange another meeting, to find out where she was staying. She left at 8.50 p.m. exactly and went back to the Mayfair.

Marler told the waiter he had another guest joining him, had all traces of Lara's presence cleared off the table. It was 9.15 p.m. when Klein, tight-lipped, walked into the Maison de B?uf, looked round, spotted Marler, walked across and sat beside him.

'Good evening,' said Marler, one hand nursing his glass of cognac.

'I've been looking for you. I left a note. Dinner at nine in the Sky Room.'

'And I got your note,' Marler smiled amiably. 'I prefer this restaurant. I knew you'd find me sooner or later.'

'When I give an order…'

'About the operation,' Marler interjected, 'I listen and carry out your wishes. Which is what I'm paid for. I am not paid to be led around like a dog on a leash, eating where you think I should dine.' His tone had hardened. 'I think we should be clear about that. Now, what is it?'

Klein told the waiter he'd already eaten in the Sky Room, a lie. He ordered coffee and turned to his companion when they were alone.

'Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. I will phone you. Have you a car?'

'Yes. Hired a fresh one.'

'Parked in the underground garage here?'

'Of course not.' He made no attempt to enlighten Klein further. 'Where shall I be driving to? How close are we?'

'Close. The destination I give you when I call.' He stood up, reached for his coat which he'd brought into the room dumping it on a chair. Leaving it at the garderobe made for delay in case a swift departure was necessary. Tell the waiter when he brings my coffee I had to leave. Later than I thought.'

Marler watched him walk very erect from the room, the coat over his arm. 'Up yours, chum,' he said to himself and drank the rest of the cognac.