"Kyle, Duncan - Terror's Cradle" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kyle Duncan)

It was rare to see Scown looking and feeling helpless. Another time I might have enjoyed the sight; now, somehow, it underscored the nastiness. 'Who's over there?'

'Nobody.'

'Why not, for God's sake?'

'Because the police said no. That's why.'

'And you're supine? You just say "yes, inspector."

'Don't bloody well talk to me like that!' I stared at him, astonished that I'd done so already. All right then, I'd go on. I said, 'Alsa Hay. Joe's daughter. And some copper says keep off and you do! Jesus Christ!'

Scown was angry now, too. Those pale blue eyes were very hard. He said, 'That's how it is.'

'Not for long.' I turned and headed for the door.

'Where d'you think you're going?'

I said, 'Gothenburg,' over my shoulder and kept walking.

He said 'No!' The familiar monosyllable with die familiar sound, like a steel shutter dropping.

At the door I turned angrily. 'There are two secretaries out there,' I said. 'One of them can type out my resignation.'

'Come here.' He sat behind his big desk like a not too-quiescent volcano. The habit of obedience to Scown was strong, but this time not strong enough. I didn't reply, just reached for the door handle.

Behind me Scown said, 'We're warned off.'

That stopped me. I turned to face him.

'By whom?'

He stood up suddenly, prowled over to the big floor-to-ceiling picture window, and stared coldly at the dome of St Paul's. 'Official circles.'

I set off back across the carpet. 'Which ones?'

'Big ones.'

'And you're -'

'I'm doing as I'm bloody well told. 7 don't like it either.'

'Otherwise you don't get your knighthood!'

He swung round at me, furious, but for once I got in first, I said. 'The resignation stands. You do what you like. If you think you're bound, you're bound. But you don't bind me. Not where Alsa's concerned.'

'Accepted!' He was boiling. But he was also Scown. 1 was outside dictating the letter of resignation to Secretary One when the door opened again and he said mildly, 'Come back in, John. You'd better know.'

I followed him and waited.