Читать книгу Unconditional Surrender онлайн

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"Are you going to Bellamy's?"

"Everard Spruce asked us to a party. I might look in."

The bell of the front door sounded through the little house.

"Virginia, I expect."

Ian let her in. She kissed with cold detestation and came upstairs.

"I thought you were sending him out," she said to Kerstie.

"I am. Run along, Ian, we have things to talk about."

"Do I have to remind you that I am your direct superior officer?"

"Oh, God, how that joke bores me."

"I see you've brought luggage."

"Yes. Can I stay for a bit, Kerstie?"

"Yes, for a bit."

"Until Trimmer's out of the country. He says he's had a warning order to stand by for a trip--somewhere where he can't take me, thank God."

"I always hoped," said Ian, "you might come to like him."

"I've done two years."

"Yes, you've been jolly good. You deserve a holiday. Well, I'll leave you two. I expect I'll be pretty late home."

Neither woman showed any regret at this announcement. Ian went downstairs and out into the darkness.

"There's nothing in the house to drink," said Kerstie. "We could go out somewhere."