Free Debut for a Spy by Harry Currie Page A

enquiries.”
    She shook her head. “This is not possible. Some things I cannot explain. There are many… ah… complicating… yes?... parts of my life which I don't control, and I speak of them to no one. Already I say too much.”
    She looked up, her eyes beseeching me to keep her confidence. I took her face in my hands, ever so gently.
    “You are safe with me, Marijke,” I whispered. “I like you so very much, and I would never cause you harm – whatever you might tell me.”
    I leaned forward and kissed her, gently at first, but a deep hunger in both of us turned it into a passionate, soul-searing revelation that left us trembling and out of breath. As our mouths separated we stared at each other wide-eyed, aware that something mystical had happened in those moments, as if two souls had found each other.
    “Oh, David!” she cried, clutching me tightly.
    *
    We drove away from Virginia Water as if in a dream. I couldn't believe the intensity of emotions which had surfaced, completely without warning. By the time we had reached the tea room on a quiet lane near Sunningdale I had regained my composure, if not my sense of balance. Marijke was almost her old self, but perhaps a little subdued. Over tea, sandwiches and scones, we continued talking.
    “ Tell me more about your parents, Marijke. What was your father doing in Russia in 1937?”
    “ In 1937 he is with the Dutch Embassy. When the war begins between the Soviet Union and Germany, he stays in Moscow as liaison officer for the Allies.”
    “ How did he meet your mother?”
    “ At a reception which she attends with her father. My grandfather is serving with the Soviet Army, and my father has many meetings with him about supplies and munitions. Mother falls in love with the handsome Hollander, and they are married in 1939.
    “ It is difficult at first for my parents. Stalin signs a treaty with Hitler, and in this way Germany and Soviet Union are allies while the Nazis destroy Europe, including Holland. But my father urges patience – he knows it is only a matter of time before Germany turns on Russia. Hitler is afraid of Communism more than anything else and thinks that if Russia becomes too strong he will not be able to conquer it. My father is right, of course, and so begins the Great Patriotic War, as it becomes known in Soviet Union.”
    “ What about after the war? It seems unusual for a diplomat to be left at the same embassy for such a long time.”
    “ This is true, and the Netherlands government wants to move my father, but he resigns and applies for Soviet citizenship. I know my grandfather's influence helps, and also to have him sent to the Soviet Trade Legation in Amsterdam in 1947. It is very smart, for who is better to deal with the Dutch than a Dutchman? And this is where I do my schooling and learn to speak Dutch.”
    Marijke had become more and more animated as she told me about her parents, and by the time she was finished she was smiling happily again, and the sparkle had returned to her manner.
    “That's quite a story, Marijke. I'm sure there's a lot more between the lines.”
    “ What does this mean – ‘between the lines'?”
    “ It means that behind many stories there are hidden facts and details which no one will ever know, and yet everyone tries to guess what they are and put their own interpretation on them.”
    She looked at me strangely, but seemed unable or unwilling to comment further. I felt I was on thin ice here, and that perhaps I should return to 1962 and leave the skeletons in the closet. I reached across the table and took her hand in mine.
    “What happens with us, Marijke?”
    “ Us? How do you mean this, David?”
    “ Us – you and me. You know that I will want to see you, and it’s not just because of business. But where do we go from here? I mean, will this present difficulties for you with the embassy?”
    She reached over with her other hand and covered mine. There was a wistful smile on her face.
    “I