Free Insequor by Richard Murphy Page B

not. Always wanted to go to England.”
    “Okay,” said Toby.
    “Secondly, I want to stay in a hotel, in the city; somewhere normal. I’m not staying in another army base.”
    Toby spoke again, although this time slower. “That’s possible.”
    “We’d have to clear it with the UK government,” said Davis.
    “Get on it,” said Toby. “Are those your conditions?”
    “Yes.” He sat down, a smile on his face for the first time in what seemed like days. “Oh,” he said, “and it needs to be somewhere nice.”

Chapter 15
    It was hard to believe they’d touched down less than thirty minutes ago. There was no immigration or passport control for Daniel; an unmarked car with diplomatic plates had whisked the party straight through the awakening London streets. And what streets!
    He had taken in as much as he could glimpse through the windows, misty with morning condensation; old Victorian townhouses, ancient cobbled streets and the famous red buses. At one point he’d even caught a glimpse of Buckingham Palace. He was already mentally planning his three months of sightseeing when they’d pulled up outside a grand hotel.
    The driver stepped out of the large black car they had been travelling in; a tell-tale earpiece creeping around the back of his head and a self-assured pat of the firearm underneath his jacket. Two more cars had followed, but it was just him and Jones in this one. They got out and Toby appeared from the car behind, on his phone and motioning for them to enter the hotel.
    As he walked through the revolving doors of the ‘Excelsior’ the palatial surroundings almost tugged him along. It was an old, majestic hotel; one of London’s finest. Outside darkness still loomed over the city; it was early morning, but the hotel was busy.
    Inside, the staff were flapping around the lobby like seagulls at a rubbish dump. All with their noses in the air, feet planted firmly with each step and a look of self-assurance and confidence that would make a princess blush.
    At the desk a beautiful young woman, with pale skin and green eyes smiled before speaking softly. “Welcome to the Excelsior. Do you have a reservation?”
    Toby swept in from behind, “The name is Lynch.”
    An alarm bell must have started ringing because out of nowhere the manager appeared, ingratiating himself with the three of them.
    “Welcome back to the Excelsior, Mr Lynch, I’ll get someone to take your bags straight through to your suites.”
    A porter arrived to carry their things and they made their way up red carpeted stairs, past statues and six foot oriental vases. On the first floor was a small, discreet elevator. They squashed inside; elbows poking ribs and shoes clicking. Toby reached across and pressed the ‘P’ button. Jones raised an eyebrow.
    “Penthouse,” said Toby.
    “The CIA has it pretty good,” said Jones, stepping back from the doors.
    “I don’t work for the CIA, Detective Jones.”
    “Who do you work for?”
    Toby stared up at the roof, “Myself.”
    The doors trundled open and they were greeted by another porter who took them though to a lavish foyer where he handed over some key cards.
    “I suggest we all retire and get some rest,” said Toby, slipping the porter some money. “Tomorrow I have to meet the British Home Secretary and then we’ll probably have to attend a Royal Navy briefing; although I think some of our guys will be there too.”
    “I could do with something to eat,” said Daniel.
    “Just dial reception. They’ll provide you with anything you need.”
    “Are we allowed to leave?” said Jones.
    “Of course,” The question made Toby freeze for a moment. “But I wouldn’t; not until I’ve updated the British Secret Services. Remember, you came through diplomatic channels to get here. You don’t even have passports.”
    Toby dished out the key cards and they each took a room; the third one being occupied by the accompanying agents. Daniel felt a bit sorry for them having to