Free Floodgate by Alistair MacLean Page B

you've established a degree of moral ascendancy over us I'll reinforce that by admitting that we almost certainly need you more than you need us.'

Not to be outdone, van Effen smiled in turn. 'You must be in a desperate way.' He lifted and examined his empty glass. 'If you'd just poke your head round the corner, Vasco, and make the usual SOS.'

'Of course, Stephan. 'There was an unmistakable expression of relief in his face. He did as asked then settled back in his seat. 'No more interrogation,' Agnelli said. 'I'll come straight to the point. Your friend Vasco tells me that you know a little about explosives.' 'Vasco does me less than justice. I know a great deal about explosives.' He looked at Vasco in reproof. 'I wouldn't have thought you would discuss a friend - that's me, Vasco, in case you've forgotten - with strangers.' 'I didn't. Well, I did, but I just said it was someone I knew.' 'No harm. Explosives, As I say, I know. Defusing bombs I know. I'm also fairly proficient in capping well-head oil fires but you wouldn't be approaching me in this fashion if that was your problem. You'd be on the phone to Texas, where I learnt my trade.'

'No oil fires.' Agnelli smiled again. 'But defusing bombs -well that's something else. Where did you learn a dangerous trade like that?'

'Army,'van Effen said briefly. He didn't specify which army. 'You've actually defused bombs?' Agneni's respect was genuine. 'Quite a number.'

'You must be good.'

'Why?,

'You're here.'

'I am good. I'm also lucky, because no matter how good you are the bomb you're trying to defuse may be your last one. Peaceful retirement is not the lot of a bomb disposal expert. But as I assume you have no more unexploded bombs than you have oil wells, then it must be explosives. Explosives experts in Holland are not in short supply. You have only to advertise. That I should be approached in a clandestine fashion can only mean that you are engaged in activities that are Wegal.' 'We are. Have you never been? Engaged, I mean?'

'All depends upon who defines what is legal and what is not and how they define it. Some people hold definitions which are different from mine and wish to discuss the matter with me. Very tiresome they can be, those alleged upholders of justice. You know what the British say - the law is an ass.' Van Effen considered. 'I think I put that rather well.' 'You've hardly committed yourself. May one ask - delicately, of course - whether this discussion you are avoiding has anything to do with your vacationing in Amsterdam?'

'You may. It has. What do you want me to blow up?'

Agnelli raised his eyebrows. 'Well, well, you can be blunt. Almost as blunt as you can be, shall we say, diplomatic.'

'That's an answer? An explosives expert is good for only one thing - exploding things. You wish me to explode something? Yes or no?' 'Yes.'

'Two things. Banks, boats, bridges, -anything of that kind IT blow up and guarantee a satisfactory job. Anything that involves injury, far less death, to any person I won't have any part Of. P

'You won't ever be called upon to do any such thing. That's also a guarantee. The second thing?'

'I don't seek to flatter you when I say that you're an intelligent man, Mr Agnelli. Highly intelligent, I should think. Such people are usually first-class organizers. To seek the help of a last minute unknown to help you execute some project that may have been in the planning stage for quite some time doesn't smack to me of preparation, organization or professionalism. If I may say so.'

'You may. A very valid point. In your position I would adopt the same disbelieving or questioning attitude. You have to take my word for it that I am a member of a highly organized team. But, as you must well know, the best-laid plans etc. An unfortunate accident. I can explain to your satisfaction. But not just at this moment. Will you accept our offer?' 'You haven't made one yet.'

'Will you accept an offer of a job in our organization, on, if you wish,