Skinner's rules

57

Back in his office, Skinner pulled open a drawer in his desk and took out a small blue book, divided into sections. He opened it at ‘IJ’.

The listings were initials only, opposite numbers entered in a random code which only he knew. He picked up the secure telephone on his desk and keyed in a seven digit number.

‘Robbie? This is Bob S. I need a favour. Look, I know the House is in recess, but your research people in Walworth Road will be working this week won’t they? Good. I’d like someone to procure for me a list of all officially accredited personnel at the Syrian interest section of the Lebanese Embassy, with their ranks or designations. Don’t ask me why I need this, and I’ll owe you two or three in return …

‘No. I can’t just ask the Foreign Office, for reasons which I can’t explain…

‘Obviously when you ask for this info it’s for your own use. Good. Thanks a million. Yes, today would be great. Tomorrow will do, though. Call me on my ex-directory number here, or at home tonight. I’ll give you an Edinburgh number.’

He dictated Sarah’s telephone number.

‘You’ve heard too. Christ, there’s nowhere that the Edinburgh grapevine doesn’t reach, is there. Thank you very much, I’ll pass that on. Yes I do know how lucky I am. So long, Robbie.’