To The Stars

It was dark when he reached the canal. The lights were on along the towpath and a couple were walking toward him. He drew back into the shadowed protection of the trees and let them go by. Only when they had turned out of sight did he hurry to the canal boat. It was tied in the same place, dark and silent. A man stepped out of the shadows when he climbed aboard.

“I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.”

“Fryer, I have to, it’s an emergency.”

“No way, old son, a very private meeting going on…”

Jan struck Fryer’s hand from his shoulder, pushed him away so that he stumbled and fell. Then Jan had the door open and was jumping down into the cabin.

Sara looked up, eyes wide with surprise as he burst in.

So did Sonia Amarigho, the head of the satellite laboratories who was sitting across the table from her.

Twenty

Before Jan could react he was seized from behind so tightly that the air was driven from his lungs as he was dragged down.

“Bring him in, Fryer,” Sara said, and he was released, pushed forward. “Close the door, quickly.”

“You should not be here,” Sonia said. “It is a dangerous mistake…”

“Listen, there is no time,” Jan broke in. “Thurgood-Smythe knows about you, Sara, and he knows about this meeting. The police are on the way now. You have to get out of here, quickly.”

They were stunned. Fryer broke the silence.

“Transportation won’t be here for an hour more. But I can take care of this one.” He pointed at Sonia. “The ice in the canal is still sound. I know a way out that way. But just for me.”

“Get going then,” Jan ordered. He looked at Sara. “Come with me. If we can reach my car we can start moving, stay ahead of them.”

The light was out and the door open. As Sonia went by she reached out to touch Jan’s face lightly. “Now I can tell you how wonderful the work has been that you have done for us all. Thank you, Jan.” Then she was gone and they climbed the steps after her. The towpath was still clear and Jan and Sara hurried down it.

“I don’t see anyone,” she said.

“I only hope that you’re right.”

They ran as fast as they could on the slippery surface, to the bridge over the canal. As they were about to turn onto It a car tore around the corner of the road, motor racing, and accelerated toward them.

“Under the trees!” Jan said, pulling Sara after him. “They may not have seen us.”

Running, crashing through unseen branches, while the car grew louder and louder behind them. It hit the humpback bridge with a loud clashing of springs, was up and over, the headlights sweeping toward them. Jan fell face forward, dragging Sara down beside him.

The lights flashed past them and were gone. There was a metallic crash as the car turned into the towpath, riding down the sign that barred the way.

“Come on,” Jan said, pulling Sara to her feet. “They’ll start searching as soon as they find the boat is empty.”

They ran down the first turning, running for their lives. At the next street there were pedestrians so they had to slow to a fast walk. There were more people about now — no sign of pursuit. They slowed to catch their breath.

“Can you tell me what you found Out?” Sara asked.

“I’m probably bugged and whatever we say is being recorded.”

“Your clothing will be destroyed. But I must know, now, what has happened.”

“I bugged my dear brother-in-law, that’s what. The biter bit. I have a recording, right here in my pocket, of all of his recent conversations. I couldn’t understand most of it — but the last bit was clear enough. Recorded today. Planning to break up the meeting tonight on the canal boat. Those were his words. And he referred to the Israeli girl.”

Sara gasped; her fingers dug into his arm. “How much can they know?”

“An awful lot.”

“Then I must get away from London, out of this country at once. And your recording must reach our people. They must be warned.”

“Can you do that?”

“I think so. What about you?”

“Unless they know I have been here tonight I’m safe enough.” There was no point in telling her about the deadly warning he had received. Her survival came first. “When that had been arranged he would worry about himself. “I’ve checked my car for optic bugs and it should be clean. Tell me now where you are going and don’t talk again after we get in.”

“The security barrier for vehicles is at Liverpool Road. Find a quiet street this side of it and let me out. I’m going into Islington.”

“All right.” They walked in silence for a moment, coming out of the side streets into Maida Vale. “The woman in the boat,” Jan said. “What about her?”

“Can you forget you saw Sonia tonight?”

“It will be hard. Is she important?”

“Right at the top level in the London organization. One of the best people we have.”

“I’m sure of that. Here we are. No talking now.

Jan unlocked the car and got in. He turned the engine and radio on, then muttered to himself. Getting out again he went and opened the boot and rattled his tool box, waving Sara into the car ahead of him. When she was seated he got in and drove slowly away.