April nodded. "Thanks, Chas."
The wind blew chill from the river. The United Nations building reared dark against a cloud-scudding sky.
April and Mark pulled their coats tighter around them as they hurried into the tailor's shop below the old brownstone house. In three minutes they had passed through the secret cupboard entrance into U.N.C.L.E. headquarters.
Mr. Waverly greeted them with: "Treasury are still carping about your expenses on that golden boats of Taradata affair three months ago. I'd be obliged if you'd submit revised sheets. They ask particularly about the rates of pay Mr. Slate received for his work aboard Island Traveller, and why he didn't work out his notice in the usual way."
Mark opened his mouth to utter a furious reply. Mr. Waverly held up his hand. "Let us remain dignified about this. After all you had a jolly jaunt on the island boat — all that sun and sea air. They are human enough to be a trifle jealous, so let us humour them."
April said: "I've redone mine four times. Why shouldn't you?"
"Sweet," said Mark. "You're so sweetly sympathetic."
Mr. Waverly flipped a pasteboard across to April. "That might interest you, if you are free this evening."
She read: "The Ibrox Chemical Co. invite you to the inaugural dinner at Skyway Arms Penthouse, 7.30 for 8.00, of the George Lodori Foundation. Guest of honour is Charles Henry Arthur Salisbury, Esq., representing the Foundation."
"Chas!" she cried. "The old devil!"
Mark peered over her shoulder at the card. "Well, I'll be damned! He's really among the top brass, isn't he?"
"Among?" said Mr. Waverly, raising his eyebrows. "He is the top brass. He's just granted Throx the rights to manufacture the Tara Cold Prophylactic under a special trade name for an advance royalty of two million dollars."
"Y'know something?" said Mark, imitating the Chas cockney voice. "I'll ask him to make out my expense sheets. Those Treasury wallahs have never met a real pirate!"
"You could be right," said April. "They should be grateful they don't have a Chas on the strength!"
Table of Contents
CHAPTER TWO: KEEPER OF A THOUSAND SECRETS
CHAPTER THREE: CORACLE-ORACLE
CHAPTER FOUR: THY NAME IS WOMAN
CHAPTER FIVE: DECOY AND LINK
CHAPTER SIX: SEEK, FIND, DESTROY
CHAPTER SEVEN: COOPERATION PLUS
CHAPTER EIGHT: THE TARA
CHAPTER NINE: SELECTIVE KILL
CHAPTER TEN: FLAMES OF TARA