And Is There Honey Still For Tea? by Peter Murphy Page A

out Hollander’s Defence, and once that happens, it’s all over.’
    Baxter nodded.
    â€˜Understood. I will leave it to you to contact us when you are ready. The second thing is that we will need you to persuade the judge that the proceedings must be held in camera and without a jury. And anyone to whom the materials are disclosed will have to sign an Official Secrets Act form.’
    Julia stared at Baxter for some time.
    â€˜When I said the materials were sensitive, Miss Cathermole,’ he continued, ‘what I meant was, that any disclosure could be dangerous to national security, and could put lives at risk. We cannot take the chance of a leak.’
    â€˜I will have to consult with counsel about those conditions,’ she replied, after some time. ‘Do you have any objection to my telling him in confidence what is going on?’
    â€˜No objection,’ Baxter replied. ‘He will need to know in order to make the application. But I’m afraid these conditions are non-negotiable.’
    â€˜I’m not sure a judge will be very happy about them,’ she said.
    â€˜As I said, they are non-negotiable.’
    She nodded.
    â€˜Very well. Lastly …’
    Baxter smiled.
    â€˜Professor Hollander’s legal costs. I was wondering when you would get around to that. I can confirm that the Service is prepared to meet them. We will reimburse Hollander covertly. I will make sure that the necessary paperwork is sent to your office.’
    She returned the smile.
    â€˜Look, I have to ask. Have you considered…?’
    â€˜The potential cost? Yes. We have counsel to advise us. We are aware of what we may be letting ourselves in for. But, to look at it another way, it gives us an even greater incentive to make sure Professor Hollander comes out on top.’
    Julia sat up in her chair.
    â€˜There is just one other thing. I am Professor Hollander’s solicitor. The fact that the Service is paying my firm’s fees does not mean that I act for the Service. I act for Francis Hollander, and my sole duty is to uphold his interests. If his interests should lie in reaching a settlement, or taking some other necessary action, I will take that action, and I will not consult with the Service about it first. I have to know that you understand that.’
    â€˜I understand,’ Baxter replied. ‘As I say, we have our own counsel.’
    She stood.
    â€˜Then, thank you,’ she said. ‘I will be in touch very soon about arranging a further meeting.’
    He stood and extended his hand.
    â€˜Good,’ he said. ‘It has been nice meeting you.’
    She took his hand. ‘Again,’ she said.
    He looked at her in surprise.
    â€˜I’m sorry?’
    â€˜Nice to meet you again . You came to our house to visit my father in Vienna in the summer of 1938. I was at home for the summer. You were a very young officer then, and you were using the name Moore.’
    He stared for some time, and then laughed aloud.
    â€˜I am impressed,’ he said. ‘You have a remarkable memory, Miss Cathermole.’
    â€˜Yes,’ she replied. ‘I do.’

10
    Baxter left St Ermin’s Hotel a deliberate five minutes after his meeting with Julia ended. It was a fine, though chilly, Saturday morning, the air fresh and invigorating. He walked briskly, though without hurrying, the short distance from the hotel in Caxton Street to number 54 Broadway, which since 1924 had served as the headquarters of the Special Intelligence Service, MI6. Almost mechanically he performed his habitual piece of street-craft, walking past the entrance, crossing Broadway by St James’s Park tube station, and walking along Tothill Street some distance towards Parliament Square, just to check, before doubling back along his route.
    As he had anticipated, C was waiting for him. By tradition, the head of the Service was referred to simply by that letter of the alphabet. His identity