Déjà vu (all over again)

By luigi_pagano

Fri, 08 May 2020
  • 1123 reads
4 comments
 
“Hello Miss Mazziarello, do take a seat.”
 
This is the second time that I am in a room on the first floor of an office complex near Barbican in central London.
 
It is what Yogi Berra, the famous baseball catcher, had once described as 'Déjà vu all over again' situation.
 
Only the person sitting in the opposite chair is not Gideon MacQuoit but a voluptuous woman in her late thirties, stylish and attractive. The type that my friend Cynthia would have been delighted to attract to her lesbian sorority except that this one, if Gideon's sexual boasts are correct, is not that way inclined.
 
“My name is Hilary Moneypound but let's skip formalities; just call me Hilary”
 
I begin to wonder if that's MI5' standard procedure, given that Gideon had taken the same approach, but decide to play along and see what develops.
 
“And you can call me Jessica”, I reply.
 
“The reason for this meeting”, she says, “is twofold. Firstly to tell you that you and all the people from our team who have been tested for coronavirus are clear and we assume that you have acquired immunity.
Secondly, we need to have a little chat about your personal situation.”
 
Ignoring protocol I ask her point blank: “Where is Gideon?”
 
“He has been furloughed, Jessica”, she replies calmly, “and I am in temporary charge pending a reorganization.”
 
I am anxious to hear what has actually happened and if his final message was not a 'do svidaniya' or an 'a bientôt'' but an 'adieu'.   

It looks though that I have to refrain my curiosity as she does not elucidate. She takes a sip of water from a lovely Waterford crystal glass and proceeds.
 

“I have to remind you that in anticipation of our acceptance of your application to join the Service, you signed the Official Secrets Act and you are bound not to reveal any confidential information you acquired during any dealing with members of our organization even if your job request is turned down.”
 
She must have seen the disappointment in my face at the prospect of being refused employment because she was considerate enough to offer me some crumbs of comfort.
 
“Your qualifications are first class and your ability is beyond question”, she says sympathetically. ”Unfortunately certain circumstances have arisen that make it. difficult for the time being to sanction your wish. But don't despair, your application will remain in abeyance and might be reconsidered in due course”
 
This possibility lifts my spirits and I keep my fingers crossed. What she says next puzzles me.
 
“You must have inherited your mother's genes, Jessica. I remember Francesca from when I was a trainee in the typists' pool. She was the best...”
 
I listen to Hilary hoping to learn as much I can about my mother as my knowledge of her past life is practically non existent.
 
She doesn't finish the sentence and I'm left wondering what my mum was best at.
 
© Luigi Pagano 2020
Certificate 15
Story
Just Stories
Drama

Comments

Submitted by onemorething on

Oh good, so she is still in with a chance then. It never occurred to me that this could also be an avenue for her to discover more about her background. And the mystery now of what happened to Gideon! Pleased you have kept this tale going after almost thinking of bringing it to a conclusion some way back. Rachel x

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

She is eager to learn about her mother of whom she knows only what she gleaned from Francesca's diary and hearing her name being mentioned made her prick up her ears. A lot more needs to be investigated including Gideon's whereabouts.
Pleased that you are still following these efforts of mine. It makes it worthwhile writing them. Thanks.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Luigi,

reading this part makes me wonder just how the secret service keep going during lockdown, it's not like they can openly go investigating. 

Hope Jessica still gets the job, so she can use her skills.

Still enjoying.

Jenny.

 

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I suppose they have the use of electronic surveillance, wire tapping, cell phone or radio interception and the like. They can follow people by car, instead of on foot and take photos from the vehicle for evidence. Obviously they have to have the necessary authorisarion.
You are catching up nicely,Jenny.. Keep it up. My grateful thanks to you and Rachel, my most loyal followers on this mad journey.

Luigi xx