Page 12 (1/2)

Live and Let Die Ian Fle 37820K 2023-08-31

The telephone rang It was Leiter again 'Now listen,' he said 'Everybody's calot were a pretty nasty trio -- Tee-Hee Johnson, Sa All wanted on various counts The F B I's covering up for you Reluctantly of course, and the Police are stalling likebrass had already asked ot hiuess -- but we've killed all that Saot to quit town at once That's all fixed too We can't go together, so you're taking the train and I'll fly Jot this down'

Bond cradled the telephone against his shoulder and reached for a pencil and paper 'Go ahead,' he said

'Pennsylvania Station Track 14 Ten-thirty thisvia Washington , Jacksonville and Taot you a compartment Very luxurious Car 245, Compartment H Ticket'll be on the train Conductor will have it In the nao to Gate 14 and down to the train Then straight to your compart down in an hour by Eastern, so you'll be alone froet stuck call Dexter, but don't be surprised if he bites your head off Train gets in around lades Cabanas, Gulf Boulevard West, on Sunset Beach That's on a place called Treasure Island where all the beach hotels are Connected with St Petersburg by a causeway Cabby'll know it

Til be waiting for you Got all that? And for God's sake watch out And I et you if he possibly can and a police escort to the train would only put the finger on you Take a cab and keep out of sight I' you up another hat and a fawn raincoat The check's taken care of at the St Regis That's the lot Any questions?'

'Sounds fine,' said Bond 'I've talked to M and he'll square Washington if there's any trouble Look after yourself too,' he added 'You'll be next on the list after '

Til watch out,' said Leiter "Bye'

It was half-past six and Bond pulled back the curtains in the sitting-room and watched the dawn come up over the city It was still dark down in the caverns below but the tips of the great concrete stalagmites were pink and the sun lit up the s floor by floor as if an ars

The police surgeon came, stayed for a painful quarter of an hour and left

'Clean fracture,' he had said 'Take a few days to heal How did you coht it in a door,' said Bond

'You ought to keep away fros Ought to be forbidden by law Lucky you didn't catch your neck in this one'

When he had gone, Bond finished packing He ondering how soon he could order breakfast when the telephone rang

Bond was expecting a harsh voice froent, asked for Mr Bond

'Who's calling?' asked Bond, gaining time He knew the answer

'I know it's you,' said the voice, and Bond could feel that it was right up against the mouthpiece 'This is Solitaire' The name was scarcely breathed into the telephone

Bond waited, all his senses pricked to what ht be the scene at the other end of the line Was she alone? Was she speaking foolishly on a house-phone with extensions to which other listeners were now coldly, intently glued? Or was she in a roo's eyes bent carefully on her, a pencil and pad beside him so that he could prompt the next question?

'Listen,' said the voice I've got to be quick You et back at once to my room Please believe me'

Bond had his handkerchief out He spoke into it 'If I can reach Mr Bond what shall I tell hiirl hat sounded like a genuine touch of hysteria 'I swear by et away And so have you You've got to take me I'll help you I know a lot of his secrets But be quick I'ave a sob of exasperation and panic 'For God's sake trust me You must Youfuriously

'Listen,' she spoke again, but this time dully, almost hopelessly 'If you don't take me, I shall kill myself Noill you? Do you want to ood acting It was still an unpardonable gamble, but Bond decided Fie spoke directly into the telephone, his voice low

'If this is a double-cross, Solitaire, I'll get at you and kill you if it's the last thing I do Have you got a pencil and paper?'

'Wait,' said the girl, excitedly 'Yes, yes'

If it had been a plant, reflected Bond, all that would have been ready

'Be at Pennsylvania Station at ten-twenty exactly The Silver PhantotonCar 245, Compartment H Say you're Mrs Bryce Conductor has the ticket in case I'ht to the compartirl, 'and thank you, thank you'

'Don't be seen,' said Bond 'Wear a veil or soirl 'I pro off

Bond looked at the dead receiver, then put it down on the cradle 'Well,' he said aloud 'That's torn it'

He got up and stretched He walked to theand looked out, seeing nothing His thoughts raced Then he shrugged and turned back to the telephone He looked at his watch It was seven-thirty

'Rooolden voice

'Breakfast, please,' said Bond 'Pineapple juice, double Cornflakes and creas with bacon Double portion of Cafe Espresso Toast and irl She repeated the order 'Right away'

'Thank you'

'You're welcorinned to himself

'The condemned man made a hearty breakfast,' he reflected He sat down by theand gazed up at the clear sky, into the future