Free Midnight Runner by Jack Higgins

converted into a car park. There were new window frames in mahogany and the exterior brickwork had been cleaned and a few steps had been added to make the front entrance more imposing. Next to it flowed the Thames, with plenty of traffic on the river, the lights sparkling on the other side as darkness fell.
    There was a line at the door, mainly young people hoping for a cancellation for the restaurant or admittance to the lounge bar. Joe Baxter and Sam Hall stood at the top of the steps wearing tuxedos and black ties.
    The Bentley drew up and Rupert got out and opened the door for Kate.
    Baxter said to Hall, "That's her," and went to meet them. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Countess."
    "These are Mr. Baxter and Mr. Hall, Rupert. I have very nice pictures of them on my computer."
    There were two young men at the front of the line sporting black silk bomber jackets with a scarlet dragon on the back and Chinese characters underneath. They both wore gold earrings, and their hair was long and black. The one who spoke up had a Cockney accent.
    "Here, how are they getting in and we can't even make the bar?"
    "I'll tell you what you'll make," Joe Baxter said. "The back of the line if you don't shut up."
    The man subsided, muttering under his breath, and Hall held the door wide to pass them through, then followed. He escorted them up the stairs, where the headwaiter stood at the booking desk, a dark, energetic Portuguese in a white tuxedo.
    "Fernando, these are Mr. Salter's guests."
    Fernando smiled. "A pleasure," and led the way into the restaurant, which was beautifully designed in Art Deco style, tables dotted around a small dance floor, booths behind. There was a cocktail bar straight out of the thirties, and a trio played dance music. All the waiters wore white monkey jackets.
    Fernando led the way to a large booth, and two of the boys pulled the table out so they could sit.
    "What may I offer you to drink?"
    "Jack Daniel's for me, with branch water," Rupert told him. "A champagne cocktail for the lady. When are you expecting Mr. Salter?"
    "He's on his way."
    "Then we won't order yet," Kate said. "Just the drinks."

Rupert took out a pack of Marlboros and shook out two. He lit them both and offered her one. "Just like in the movies."
    She laughed. "Whatever else you are, darling, Paul Henreid you're not."
    "Though Bette Davis played a number of ladies who remind me of you."
    "What a compliment, Rupert."
    The drinks came. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
    "Absolutely." She toasted him. "Cheers, darling."
    Shortly afterwards, Harry Salter and the others came in. "Are you being looked after okay?"
    "Perfectly," Kate Rashid said.
    "Good. We'll join you then."
    Joe Baxter had followed and stood against the wall, his arms folded, Billy beside him looking grim. Dillon sat at the end of the booth, a cigarette smoldering from the right-hand corner of his mouth. Ferguson and Harry sat opposite.
    "As it's my shout, I'll order for all of us," Harry said, and turned to Fernando. "Cristal all round, still water, none of that sparkling stuff, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, chopped onions, tossed salad all round."
    Fernando retreated hurriedly and Kate said, "A man who knows his own mind."
    "That's why I'm here and a lot of others are long gone."
    Ferguson said, "So, what's it all about, my dear?"
    "Here we go, Rupert, the General playing the bluff and honest English gentleman. What it's all about, General, is that I want you off my case. I know you've been checking up on me. So has Daniel Quinn. And I know you wouldn't be sitting here with me if you'd found anything good. We had an interesting meeting in Washington the other night, you know. Strong words were spoken, views exchanged. I'm sure Blake's passed all that on to you."
    "Of course," Dillon said. "It was just after a couple of guys tried to mug Quinn on his way to the White House."
    "Really? How unfortunate. I assume he handled himself well. But speaking of mugging, what about