Enigma

  * * *

  Love continued to stand and stare out the window, hands shoved casually in his chino pockets.

  Tiny flakes of snow gently touched the glass in front of him melting almost immediately, leaving snaking little rivers in their wake.

  Traffic on the bridge appeared to be congested due to a car breaking down. From where Love was standing he could see the flashing lights of the roadside car recovery service. And the familiar lights from the local police.

  He was glad enough to be indoors at least for the moment. He checked the time. His stomach was intimating that finding his way to the canteen should be next on his list.

  He turned from the window.

  Nine and a half minutes later, Love was strolling into the familiar sights, sounds and smells of the MI6 canteen. He glanced with some surprise at the stained pine panels on the wall on which the staff had strung strands of silver tinsel and a bunch of Christmas baubles hung at varying lengths. The wall looked like a sheet of music covered in musical notes.

  Love reckoned they were a little early but decided better early than not at all. And in one corner stood a large Christmas tree complete with decorations and presents underneath, all fake of course, he figured, and if not, someone was in for a jolly time.

  The radio was playing in the background the atmosphere was congenial and as tempting as the pork chops, roast potatoes and stuffing was, Love decided against a hot meal in favour of a ready-made sandwich.

  He stood for a moment deciding on roast beef and wholegrain mustard or chicken and salad. In the end he picked up both kinds grabbed a bottle of water then put it back. He’d just as soon have a hot cup of tea in his office. He got in line, paid for his lunch and left. He stepped into the lift, was transported upstairs, stepped out, greeted a woman from accounts. Nice legs. Those were her thoughts on the subject. Tapped his keypad pushed the door open and strolled into his office.

  Five minutes later, just as he was finishing his roast beef on brown bread, the door buzzed, clicked, opened and in walked Stuart.