The Swiss Spy Read Online Free Page B

done Hill. Good
work. Better bring him in.’
    Despite what the police inspector had said, Henry
Hunter looked more worn in the week since Edgar had last seen him, although his
smile was still in place. He had lost a bit of weight; dark rings had appeared
around his eyes along with two or three day’s growth of beard. He appeared to
be relieved to see Edgar.
    ‘I thought we may meet again.’
    ‘How has your week been, Hunter? Treated well?’
    ‘Well, I haven’t been tortured, if that’s what you
mean. But they wouldn’t even let me have a newspaper and I can’t believe I’m
unable to see a solicitor or contact my mother. Is that right?’
    ‘Depends on what you mean by “is that right?”,
Hunter. What’s correct is you’ve not been able to contact either a
lawyer or your mother, whether that’s in order is entirely another
matter. You’ll discover in due course that we have very good reasons for
pursuing this course of action. We have, incidentally, taken the liberty of
sending her a telegram in your name saying that all is well and she’s not to
worry.’
    ‘Can I ask, Edgar, whether this a regular police
station though? I do seem to be rather… isolated.’
    ‘It is a police station, although you are at present
the only person in custody in it. I understand your predicament has been
explained to you by some officers here?’
    ‘Yes. Conspiracy to commit fraud apparently and if I’m
very, very lucky I shall get away with five years in prison. I’ve signed a
statement.’
    ‘And did they add that if you’re found guilty or
plead guilty then all of the money we found in your possession will be
confiscated? After the other beneficiaries and the duty have been paid, you’ll
be left with nothing.’
    ‘They didn’t mention that, no.’
    ‘So all in all, Hunter, a bit of a mess eh?’
    ‘So it would seem.’
    A long silence ensured during which Edgar lit a
cigarette and wrote some notes in his book.
    ‘I’m told the prison regime is likely to be
especially harsh during wartime. Most prisoners are required to undertake quite
onerous physical labour.’
    Henry said nothing, unsure how he was meant to
react.
    ‘However, there is an alternative Hunter. There is a
way of avoiding prison and even keeping most of your money. You’d be able to
return to Switzerland and see your mother again.’
    Henry’s eyes lit up and, suspicious as he was, he
found it hard to suppress a thin smile.
    ‘Tell me more.’
    ‘Before I can do that I need to know for sure
whether you’re interested or not.’
    ‘Yes, of course I’m interested.’
    ‘Very well then. This is, to all intents and purposes,
the point of no return. Once I tell you what the alternative is, your options
really are very limited. Do you understand that?’
    Henry nodded.
    ‘I work for a Government agency whose purpose is to
gather intelligence. As you’re no doubt aware, this country is perilously close
to war with Germany. We urgently need to expand and improve our intelligence
networks across Europe; they’re in a pretty woeful state at the moment. As
strange as it may seem, Mr Hunter, you are very well placed indeed. You have
genuine Swiss and British passports, and are fluent in German and French.’
    Henry leant forward, his hands touching the desk,
eager to hear more.
    ‘What would you require me to do?’
    ‘I had hoped I’d made that apparent Mr Hunter –
Henry. To help us gather intelligence.’
    ‘Be a spy?’
    ‘Correct.’
    Outside in the corridor a metal gate slammed shut
and there was a murmur of voices passing by. Henry laughed.
    ‘A spy? You must be joking: what on earth makes you
so sure I’m up to this?’
    ‘We aren’t: we’ll give you some training, of course,
but our priority is to get you back to Switzerland. That’s where we need you to
be. For us, your dual identity and your ability to move around what may be
enemy territory as a Swiss national are invaluable. And don’t forget, we have a
hold over