Vandam was in high spirits as he sat in the Oasis Restaurant, sipping a cold martini, with Jakes beside him. He had slept all day and had woken up feeling battered but ready to fight back. He had gone to the hospital, where Dr. Abuthnot had told him he was a fool to be up and about, but a lucky fool, for his wound was mending. She had changed his dressing for a smaller, neater one that did not have to be secured by a yard of bandage around his head. Now it was a quarter past seven, and in a few minutes he would catch Alex Wolff. Vandam and Jakes were at the back of the restaurant, in a position from which they could see the whole place. The table nearest to the entrance was occupied by two hefty sergeants eating fried chicken paid for by Intelligence. Outside, in an unmarked car parked across the road, were two MPs in civilian clothes with their handguns in their jacket pockets. The trap was set: all that was missing was the bait. Elena would arrive at any minute. BiRy had been shocked by the bandage at breakfast that morning. Vandam. had sworn the boy to secrecy, then told him the truth. “I had a fight with a German spy. He had a knife. He got away, but I think I may catch him tonight.” It was a breach of security, but what the hell, the boy needed to, know why his father was wounded. After hearing the story Billy had not been worried anymore, but thrilled. Gaafar had been awestruck, and inclined to move around softly and talk in whispers, as if there had been a death in the family. With Jakes, he found that last night’s impulsive intimacy had left no overt trace. Their formal relationship had returned: Jakes took orders, called him sir, and did not offer opinions without being asked. It was just as weU, Vandam thought: they were a good team as things were, so why make changes? He looked at his wristwatch. It was seven-thirty. He lit another cigarette. At any moment now Alex Wolff would walk through the door. Vandam felt sure he would recognize Wolff-a tall, hawk-nosed European with brown hair and brown eyes, a strong, fit man-but he would make no move until Elene came in and sat by Wolff. Then Vandam and Jakes would move in. If Wolff fled the two sergeants would THE KEY TO REBECCA 183
block the door, and in the unlikely event that he got past them, the MPs outside would shoot at him. Seven thirty-five. Vandam was looking forward to interrogating Wolff. What a battle of wills that would be. But Vandam would win it, for he would have all the advantages. He would feel Wolff out, find the weak points, and then apply pressure until the prisoner cracked. Seven thirty-nine. Wolff was late. Of course it was possible that he would not come at all. God forbid. Vandam shuddered when he recalled how superciliously he had said to Bogge: “I expect to arrest him tomorrow night.” Vandam’s section was in very bad odor at the moment, and only the prompt arrest of Wolff would enable them to come up smelling of roses. But suppose that, after last night’s scare, Wolff had decided to lie low for a while, wherever it was that he was lying? Somehow Vandam felt that lying low was not Wolff’s style. He hoped not. At seven-forty the restaurant door opened and Elene walked in. Vpndam heard Jakes whistle under his breath. She looked stunning. She wore a silk dress the color of clotted cream. Its simple lines drew attention to her slender figure, and its color and texture flattered her smooth tan skin: Vandam felt a sudden urge to stroke her. She looked around the restaurant, obviously searching for Wolff and not finding him. Her eyes met Vandam’s and moved on without hesitating. The headwaiteT approached, and she spoke to him. He seated her at a table for two close to the door. Vandam caught the eye of one of the sergeants and inclined his head in Elene’s direction. The sergeant gave a little nod of acknowledgment and checked his watch. Where was Wolff? Vandam lit a cigarette and began to worry. He bad assumed that Wolff, being a gentleman, would arrive a little early; and Elene would arrive a little late. According to that scenario the arrest would have taken place the moment she sat down. Ifs going wrong, he thought, it’s going bloody wrong. A waiter brought Elene a drink. It was seven forty-five. She looked in Vandam’s direction and gave a small, dainty shrug of her slight shoulders. 184 Ken Follett