The Stone leopard

CHAPTER NINE

The two men walked alone in the Paris garden, one of them tall and stooping slightly to catch what his much shorter companion was saying. The shorter man was thick-bodied and had short, strong legs. He spoke with respect but firmly, as though expecting opposition he must overcome. He spoke in little more than a whisper even though there was no one within twenty metres of where they walked.

'We must add Lasalle to the list. He is a very dangerous man and at this stage we dare not risk leaving him alive. Otherwise he will go on ferreting until he digs up something.'

`I think it's unwise,' the tall man repeated. have given you three names and that is enough. Every one you add to the list increases the risk. Something will go wrong…

`Nothing will go wrong. They are using the best people available for this sort of work. I understand the Commando has almost arrived in France-and they should complete their task within six days…' The short man took out a handkerchief and blew his nose. He had a cold coming on; Paris really was an unbearably damp place. 'You haven't heard even a whisper that anyone knows about this?' he inquired.

`Nothing. Let them just get it over with quickly,' the tall man said sharply. 'And let me know when I can stop worrying about it. I have enough on my mind at the moment.'

The short man glanced quickly at his companion, sensing the undercurrent of tension. This he understood; he felt tense himself.

`And Lasalle?' Since the kidnap operation has been cancelled we really must deal with that problem, too.'

`You can get in touch with the Commando then? Just in case any other problem crops up?'

The short man hesitated, then took a decision. 'They will make contact with us at regular intervals. So the answer is yes. I hope you haven't left someone off the list?'

`No one! Now I think we have talked enough…

`And Lasalle?' the short man persisted. 'It will look like an accident, I promise you. The men who are dealing with this are experts…'

`Experts?' The tall man straightened up and his expression showed distaste. 'In wartime one took these actions for granted, but in peacetime… Still, it has to be done. In a way it is a continuation of the war. As for Lasalle, he must not be added to the list yet. I am sure he has no idea what is going to happen when the president of France leaves for Moscow…'