Страница 70 из 93
It was protocol to inform security chiefs beforehand of an inspection. Security operated as an independent agency, one of the many checks and balances to guard against complacency and ensure that plants were run to the letter of the law.
“A surprise inspection, then? They’ll be horrified.”
Emma held his eyes, but said nothing.
Bertels took his cue. “A list of the plant security chiefs? That shouldn’t be a problem.” He was up on his feet in an instant. “Which ones do you need?”
“Without an okay from Électricité de France, you could get into trouble.”
“Give me the names.”
Emma rattled off the names of five nuclear facilities around the country. “And also La Reine. But if anyone finds out…”
“A flash inspection is the only way,” said Bertels, brooking no criticism. “I can promise that your visits will be totally unexpected. It will do them good. Proactive is the only way to keep them on their toes.”
“I’m glad we agree,” said Emma.
Ten minutes later the names of all the heads of plant security, their business phones, e-mail addresses, and home and private information arrived in the form of a freshly burned CD. “Is there anything else?” asked Pierre Bertels.
“My identification would be nice,” she said crisply.
“Of course.” Bertels stepped outside his office and returned with an identification card attached to a red lanyard embroidered with the initials INSC. “Now you’re official.”
“This turned out to be more efficient than I’d imagined,” said Emma. She made a show of checking her watch and being perturbed. “I must run. I will, however, be back in Paris in seven days. I may even have an evening free. I’d like to share the results of my inspections with you.”
“That would be beneficial,” said Bertels.
“Extremely,” said Emma. “I’ll know if you’ve alerted your cronies ahead of time. I have a very developed sixth sense.”
Pierre Bertels swore his secrecy, saying it would be his job if Électricité de France found out he’d provided her information about its perso
“À bientôt,” answered Bertels.
After exiting the building, she crossed the grand promenade of La Défense, stopping at the railing overlooking the Seine. Her face took on a gray pallor. The memory of Bertels’s lingering handshake sickened her. She turned her face to the sun, forcing herself to take long, slow breaths. All the while Papi’s words echoed in her mind: After all, it’s what you Nightingales do best.
Fixing her handbag over her shoulder, she set off toward the Étoile. And as she walked, her steps took on a marching rhythm. Her qualms passed. She slipped back into the protective shell of a trained government operative.
Emma hadn’t stolen the codes to interfere with the functioning of a nuclear power plant. It was virtually impossible to defeat the myriad safeguards that governed their safe operation. She had stolen the codes to break into the IAEA’s system and obtain a nuclear passport.
Slipping her hand into her pocket, she fingered the identification card.
Getting in was the easy part.
55
The Ci
“Location couldn’t be better,” said Co
“You can still smell the cordite or whatever it is they use these days,” said Sir Anthony Allam. “One Victoria is just around the corner. Place is still a mess. Blew out all the windows for three blocks. Luckily, the bombers used a shaped charge, or it would be much worse. I suppose we should thank them for that.”
“Yeah, maybe you ought to throw them a parade,” said Co
The waiter took their orders. Gin and tonic to drink and a Madras chicken curry for Allam. Hot-hot. Co
“I appreciate your time, Tony, short notice and all.”
Allam smiled politely. “My pleasure, though I have to admit this particular spot wouldn’t have been my first choice. Too many eyes and ears.”
“Exactly.” Co
“Don’t worry, they’re there.” Allam folded his hands on the table. He was a busy man, and his ironclad gaze made it clear that it was time to get down to brass tacks.
Co
“You might say that.”
Co
“And this is the first you’ve heard of her since?” asked Allam.
“We’ve been keeping tabs on the husband, hoping that he might lead us to her, but until four days ago he was doing his save-the-world thing down in Africa. Regular Albert Schweitzer.”
“Are you saying that you haven’t any knowledge about her actions in all that time?” Allam pressed.
“Not exactly,” said Co
Allam pounced on the show of hesitation. “Oh?”
“Like I said, we’d been keeping tabs on her husband. A few months back he called one of her old work numbers. All lovesick. Had to see her.” Co
“Until now.”
Co
“How could you let her get so out of control?” demanded Allam, his voice rising. “It reeks of irresponsibility.”
“I told you, she went rogue. What she’s doing now is her own business. I don’t have the slightest clue who she’s working for.”
“Whoever it is, they wanted to kill Igor Ivanov and they did it on my turf. I’m surprised you have the gall to ask for our help. As far as we’re concerned, the attack has your fingerprints all over it.”
“What?” retorted Co
“Look at yourself, Frank. You’re out of control. You’re so blinded by your desire for retribution that you’re putting yourself and your organization at risk. First you fly into my country without having the courtesy to notify me, then you make an arse out of yourself harassing Prudence Meadows in the hospital, and last night you dredge up that monster Danko and try to blackmail him into doing your dirty work. Word was all over town before dawn. The way you’re acting, I wouldn’t put anything past you. I think this is the right moment for us to formally cut the ties between our two organizations. From what I hear, Division isn’t long for this world anyway.”
Co
“I see you’ve finally learned how to speak English.”
Co