Earth Has Been Found Read Online Free Page B

— he’s worked in your section before — is being assigned as your assistant in AI (Tech).”
    “Ah,” said Frank guardedly. “But why me?”
    “There’s an urgent need for an experienced aviator with a good technical background and with some knowledge of intelligence.” Smith might have been reading from an official handout.
    “I could name a half-dozen better, right here in Washington.”
    “I doubt it. Grauber recommended you, and he’s regarded as a good judge. He said you had the moral courage to stick your neck out with the F-4 report.”
    “We all did that.”
    “Yes — but you did it first. There’s another, very important qualification. You already know more than most, and a high-level directive restricts access to this case to a minimum. I won’t waste your time, Colonel. Sorry if you feel railroaded” — Smith’s tone suggested he could live with it — “but that’s the way it is. As of now you’re on Case ICARUS — and even the name’s Topsec.”
    “Icarus? That’s a dandy name! His wings dropped off.”
    Smith waved that aside. “You’re booked on the Pan Am night flight to London tonight. You’ll be met.”
    “London! What in hell for?”
    “The Soviet government’s just as keen to talk as we are: Their man’s flying in right now.” He smiled again. “Ironically, this desk apart, he’s the only person with whom you may openly discuss the F-4 incident. In turn, we have their assurance he’ll fill you in on their problem.”
    “How did all this come about?”
    “A remarkably direct approach by a senior embassy official to someone of importance.” Clearly he gave nothing for free. “He said they had ‘indications’ of the F-4, and also appreciated we had word of the Ilyushin. In the exceptional circumstances, his government felt a frank but very confidential exchange of information would be beneficial to both parties.” He was quoting again. “You represent the U.S.”
    “In which case,” said Frank, “may I see the F-4 file? I’d like to refresh my memory.”
    Smith crossed to a cabinet and produced the file, now in an unfamiliar folder. He opened it at the AIB report.
    Five minutes was enough. Handing it back, Frank said, “There’s one other member of the committee who knows both items.” He named him.
    “Thanks, Colonel. I’ll contact him.” Smith stood up, offering his hand. “My secretary has your transportation documents. Good luck, Arcasso — and be quick.”
    *
    Arcasso had no choice. An embassy official met the plane. By 8:30 A.M. they were in a Heathrow hotel drinking coffee.
    “You meet in the British Museum. The Soviets have a soft spot for the place,” the embassy man said chattily, “no doubt because Karl Marx wrote a good deal of Das Kapital in the reading room.”
    “When?” Frank was in no mood for chat.
    “Ten o’clock — when it opens. I’ll drop you off at the main entrance. Inside, you’ll find a king-size staircase on your left. Go up one floor, at the top of the stairs there’s a Roman mosaic floor. That’s the pickup point.”
    “Identification?”
    “You’ll both have a copy of the London Times sticking out of your left-hand pocket — here’s yours. D’you know the museum?”
    “No.”
    “Well, he does, and he’ll lead. When you’ve finished, go back to the point where I’ll have dropped you. I’ll be waiting. How long do you expect to be?”
    Frank shrugged. “Hour, hour and a half.”
    “Okay, I’ll take your grip. Not that you’ll be needing it. We’ve got a seat reserved for you on every Washington flight between four o’clock and midnight. You’re really getting the treatment.” He added an afterthought. “If you have to give a name, make it Smith.”
    *
    The contact went smoothly. “What do I call you?” The accent was by no means perfect, but the Russian spoke fluent English.
    “Smith,” said Arcasso, with no conviction.
    “All yes,” the Russian smiled faintly. “A ver’ popular