"Ludlum, Robert - Rhineman Exchange" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ludlum Robert)

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 For Norma and Ed Marcumfor so many things, my thanks

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 PREFACE

MARCH 20,1944

WASHINGTON, D.C.

'David?'
The girl came into the room and stood silently for a moment, watching the
tall army officer as he stared out the hotel window. The March rain fell
through a March chill, creating pockets of wind and mist over the
Washington skyline.
Spaulding turned, aware of her presence, not of her voice. 'I'm sorry. Did
you say something?' He saw that she held his raincoat. He saw, too, the
concern in her eyes - and the fear she tried to conceal.
'It's over,' she said softly.
'It's over,' he replied. 'Or will be in an hour from now.'
'Will they all be there?' she asked as, she approached him, holding the
coat in front of her as though it were a shield.
'Yes. They have no choice.... I have no choice.' Spaulding's left shoulder
was encased in bandages under his tunic, the arm in a wide, black sling.
'Help me on with that, will you? The rain's not going to let up.'
Jean Cameron unfolded the coat reluctantly and opened it.
She stopped, her eyes fixed on the collar of his army shirt. Then on the
lapels of his uniform.
All the insignia had been removed.

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 There were only slight discolorations in the cloth where the emblems had
been.
There was no rank, no identifying brass or silver. Not even the gold
initials of the country he served.
Had served.
He saw that she had seen.
,res the way I began,' he said quietly. 'No name, no rank, no history. Only
a number. Followed by a letter. I want them to remember that.'
The girl stood motionless, gripping the coat. 'They'll kill you, David.'
Her words were barely audible.
'That's the one thing they won't do,' he said calmly. 'There'll be no
assassins, no accidents, no sudden orders flying me out to
Burma or Dar es Salaam. That's finished They can't know
what I've done.'
He smiled gently and touched her face. Her lovely face. She breathed deeply
and imposed a control on herself he knew she did not feel. She slipped the
raincoat carefully over his left shoulder as he reached around for the
right sleeve. She pressed her face briefly against his back; he could feel