Poseidon's Ransom

Chapter Forty Eight

After breakfast, Mathew, Jack and Bogdan, went out to the patio and spent the next hour and a half going over the events of the last few days. Every detail was considered and scrutinized to ensure the meeting with the DG would be as smooth as possible and any questions would be answered in full.

Almost all the ransom money had been recovered, and that had been the primary goal of the Government. The apprehension, although certainly desired, of the perpetrators was secondary.

Maggie, their housekeeper, came out and said, ‘Excuse me, Mr Jack,’ and laid a tray with coffee and tea on the table. ‘Miss Nicole said you would be needing this.’

‘Yes, indeed. Thanks, Maggie.’

Mathew looked at his watch, almost 8am. ‘We need to be heading into the city soon.’

As he poured himself some tea, Jack said, ‘Okay. Let’s have this, then Bogdan and I can get showered and changed.’

From the conservatory, Nicole saw the meeting was ending and went out to join them. ‘So, what are you boys up to next?’

‘Need to go into London, darling,’ said Jack.

She feigned a stern look, placed one hand defiantly on her hip, and said, ‘And when might you be home, Mr Castle?’

Jack stood up and put his arms around her. ‘Definitely home today, boss.’

With a huge grin, Bogdan said, ‘But you are the Boss, boss?’

Jack turned to the big man and laughed. ‘Not in this house.’

The drive from East Monkton into London was reasonably quick, as Mathew had arranged for a police outrider to precede them, which was definitely an advantage once into the busy city streets. They arrived at the Vauxhall Cross building a little before 10:30. Lunch with the Director General was at noon. Matt, Bogdan and Jack took the lift to the executive floor. As they entered Mathew’s outer office, his PA, Victoria, stood and said, ‘Good morning, sir. Good morning, gentlemen.’

‘Hello again, Victoria,’ said Jack, ‘how are you?’

‘Fine, sir. Thank you.’

As he opened the inner office door, Mathew said, ‘This is, Mr Bogdan Markov, Vic.’

‘Dobroe utro, ser. Kak dela,’ she said, in perfect Russian.

Bogdan smiled and returned the formal greeting.

She turned to her boss. ‘May I bring you anything, sir?’

‘Guys?’ said Mathew.

Both shook their heads as they followed him inside.

‘Okay, have a seat and relax. I need to finish this report and get it to Victoria. I want to give it to the DG at lunch.’

Jack nodded. ‘No problem. Go ahead, Matt.’

As the two friends sat down, Bogdan said quietly ‘I think not many Russians get to sit in the head of MI6 office. Eh, boss?’

They both grinned.

Lunch with the Director General had been pleasant enough. Mathew knew he would be somewhat put-off at having to eat with the big Russian. But he also knew the DG was well aware it was Bogdan and Jack who had saved several high ranking arses in the security service, by recovering the Poseidon ransom.

At the end of the meal, Mathew passed a leather folder across to his boss. ‘The full report, to date, sir. As promised.’

‘Thank you, Mathew. An excellent job,’ then turning to Jack and Bogdan, ‘and thank you both. The British Government owes you a great debt.’

They both smiled, as Mathew said. ‘Yes, sir. Speaking of that. You’ll see I’ve made a recommendation that there’d be a reward commensurate with the amount recovered,’ he tapped the folder. ‘Last page, sir.’

The Director put on his spectacles and opened the folder. He cleared his throat and said, ‘I, of course, cannot confirm any such payment but once I speak with the Home Secretary, I’m sure there will be no issues. Now, if you’ll excuse me gentlemen, I’m due in Whitehall in half an hour.’

They all stood, and handshakes were given. After he left, Jack said, sarcastically, ‘What a lovely man.’

Mathew sat down again, smiled, and said, ‘Isn’t he just. And he’s left his tab open. Care for a cognac, Mr Markov?’

Bogdan nodded gracefully. ‘Da. Very large please, Mr Sterling.’