THE FIRST ANGEL 10

Before I could begin to ask the hundred questions in my head Lila leaned forward and placed a manicured finger over my lips.

‘All in good time, Jonny. At the moment even the Australians don’t know we have them. That video was taken 6am European time. You know nothing until I confirm they are secured.’

She lifted her finger, kissed it and pointed at me for a second.

‘Why are you telling me?’

‘To get you on board with us of course, darlin'.'

I couldn’t decide whether her grin was evil or ironic.

‘Dietmar and people close to him know about the operation, but not the outcome yet. Make sure it stays that way if you see him.’

‘When are you going to tell them?’

‘There’s a meeting tomorrow morning in EURESCO’s cottage. I’ll do the briefing.’

‘Is this what this is all about? Dragging me over here because you people were planning to lift Brenda?’

‘You should be pleased, Jonny. We could arrange for Sally to be taken to a secure place leaving you and Marge out of the picture. . . . With nothing.’

‘I don’t doubt that. So why don’t you?'

‘I already told you. I want you on board.’

‘You?’

‘My mission. I have a free hand. I have to make this work. I choose who I think are the best people for the programme. . . . I want you, Jonny.’

‘Programme? What the f—‘

‘I guess Dietmar said there are changes, right?’

‘Mmm.’

‘This is not just about Sally and Brenda. . . . As you will find out tomorrow.’

Getting out of the chair Lila collected her note pad.

‘Follow me.’

She led me to the room I’d thought was her bedroom. There was a bed there, but it was more like an operations centre. A long desk set along one wall held an array of several monitors, all focused at a large office chair sat behind two keyboards. There were microphones, cameras and other kit of which I had no idea of its function. The window was tinted and covered with a blind. The light from the restless screens nervously illuminated the walls in the muted light.

‘Some bedroom.’

‘It’s not my bedroom. The bed’s for emergencies. I sleep at the hotel.’

Lila sat on the bed and beckoned me to join her.

‘Sit next to me. I have some questions.’

I acquiesced. She turned to face me looking right into my eyes.

‘Jonny I must know if you can work with me.’

As she spoke she took my hand and held it on her thigh.

‘Are you prepared to work with our organisation?’

‘That depends on what they have in mind.’

‘Do you have any hang-ups about extreme medical procedures?’

‘If you mean abortions, it’s a bit late to worry about that now – but no.’

‘Rather the opposite, Jonny. Would support anything that would ensure the survival of humanity, no matter what?’

‘I’d give my life if I thought it would prevent extinction.’

‘Would you work with me to achieve that?’

‘If there was no other way, yes.’

Lila released my hand. ‘You’re very honest. I can trust you.’

I realised she was playing me. I felt affronted. I laughed softly in disbelief.

‘You were giving me a lie test?’

‘It’s part of my training and it’s not a lie test. I’m not a machine. They call it integrity grading.

‘So you know all about me, huh?’

‘Pretty much. There are some things you don’t even know about yourself. For example you’re attracted to me.’

That smile again.

‘I imagine that applies most men you meet.’

‘Not on this level.’

I took her hand and placed it on my thigh.

‘Would that bother you?’

‘It’s not important.’ She pulled her hand away.

‘I don’t need training to know you’re lying, Lilly.’

‘We’re talking about working together, Jonny. NOT sleeping together.’

‘So why mention it?’

‘We need to know where things stand.’

‘We or you?

‘Of course me. I’m running this op. and I want the best I can get. I think you are the best. I’m not prepared to compromise.’

‘So you’re afraid of me. Listen, I didn’t even think about feelings except how you put me on the defensive. Maybe you should test yourself.’

‘I have.’

‘And now you see a problem, right? Well, let me put that pretty mind at rest. I am – as my title indicates – a professor. I got it through dedication to my work and like you I don’t deviate from the path I choose. If you want me on board you better damn well hope you can convince me your path is the right one tomorrow. Are we clear on that?’

Lilly kissed my cheek and punched the air.

‘I knew you were the best. Let’s go finish our drinks.'