smallhobbit

“Long time, no see,” the man said.  “Although I now go under the name of Peter Wright.  I must admit I didn’t see your name on the guest list.”

“Paul Eastbrook.”  Lucas held out his hand and the two shook hands politely, but warily.

“Of course.”  Wright looked as if he might have said something else when they were hailed by a third man.

“Well, I didn’t expect to see you two here,” the man said as he, too, joined them.  “And in case you’ve forgotten, I’m Tom Browning.”

“Peter Wright,” Wright said.  “And this is Paul Eastbrook.”

“Quite the reunion, isn’t it,” Browning said.  “And actually, Peter, I was hoping we might have a word.  I believe my assistant has been corresponding with your assistant.”

“In which case, don’t let me stop you,” Lucas said.

Lucas walked swiftly away and, catching sight of Ros, indicated that she follow him so they could find somewhere they wouldn’t be overheard.

“What’s up?” Ros asked.

“I know the shadowy Tom Browning from many years ago, when he went by a different name.  In addition, it turns out the contact he was meeting, who’s currently going by the name of Peter Wright, is someone we both knew at the time.”

Ros swore.  “Well, that’s blown it.”

“They made out it was a surprise to both of them to be meeting like this, but I sense that was an act put on for my benefit.  Since they’re both using different names now, they could hardly comment on my new name, but they’re bound to be suspicious.  I could try to bluff it out.”

“If they don’t see you again, they’ll think you were onto something, but as it stands, I’m not convinced your cover will hold.”

They both turned as they heard a footstep behind them, to see Wright looking at them.

“So that’s what you’re here for, Paul,” he said, emphasising the name.  “To meet up with a glamourous associate.”

“I’m his wife, actually,” Ros said.  “I use my maiden name for business purposes, or you might have realised that. And now,” she removed her gun from her bag, “I’d like you to accompany me, without uttering a word.”

Lucas went with the two of them to the exit.  Once they were there, Ros turned to him and said, “Also, Paul,” the emphasis this time was decidedly ironic, “could you go and request Mr Browning to join us?”

“Yes, boss!” Lucas replied.  He grinned as he saw the expression on Wright’s face.