"Clancy, Tom - Jack Ryan 02 - Patriot Games" - читать интересную книгу автора (Clancy Tom)

discussing this with your President later today. We believe that in view
of the special nature of this case, and in the interest of Anglo-American
relations, the matter will be settled amicably."
"There is ample precedent for this," the Duke went on. "After the
Second World War a number of American officers were accorded similar
recognition. Your Fleet Admiral Nimitz, for example, became a Knight
Commander of the Bath, along with Generals Eisenhower, Bradley, Patton,
and a number of others.
"For the purposes of American law, it will probably be considered
honorary -- but for our purposes it will be quite real."
"Well." Ryan fumbled for something to say. "Your Majesty, insofar as
this does not conflict with the laws of my country, I will be deeply
honored to accept." The Queen beamed.
"That's settled, then. Now, how are you feeling -- really feeling?"
"I've felt worse, ma'am. I have no complaints -- I just wish I'd moved
a little faster."
The Duke smiled. "Being wounded makes you appear that much more heroic
-- nothing like a little drama."
Especially if it's someone else's shoulder, my Lord Duke, Ryan
thought. A small bell went off in his head. "Excuse me, this knighthood,
does it mean that my wife will be called --"
"Lady Ryan? Of course." The Queen flashed her Christmas-tree smile
again.
Jack grinned broadly. "You know, when I left Merrill Lynch, Cathy's
father was madder than -- he was very angry with me, said I'd never amount
to anything writing history books. Maybe this will change his mind." He
was sure that Cathy would not mind the title -- Lady Ryan. No, she
wouldn't mind that one little bit.
"Not so bad a thing after all?"
"No, sir, and please forgive me if I gave that impression. I'm afraid
you caught me a little off balance." Ryan shook his head. This whole
damned affair has me a lot off balance. "Might I ask a question, sir?"
"Certainly."
"The police wouldn't tell me where they're keeping my family." This
drew a hearty laugh. The Queen answered.
"It is the opinion of the police that there might exist the
possibility of a reprisal against you or your family. Therefore it was
decided that they should be moved to a more secure location. Under the
circumstances, we decided that they might most easily be moved to the
Palace -- it was the least thing we could do. When we left, your wife and
daughter were fast asleep, and we left strict instructions that they
should not be disturbed."
"The Palace?"
"We have ample room for guests, I assure you," the Queen replied.
"Oh, Lord!" Ryan muttered.
"You have an objection?" the Duke asked.
"My little girl, she --"
"Olivia?" the Queen said, rather surprised. "She's a lovely child.
When we saw her last night she was sleeping like an angel."
"Sally" -- Olivia had been a peace offering to Cathy's family that