Operation Barghest - Part Six
The Interviews Conclude
Previously - Dr. Telford questioned a couple of the facility’s soldiers.
Outright war wasn’t exactly King Oberon’s style, but there had certainly been fewer instances of interference with the Ministry’s operations from that quarter over the last few centuries. Neither side expected complete cooperation, and there were finer points of the treaty that allowed for loopholes. Fey were infamous for their loopholes and the Queen’s lawyers not much less so. Promises were held in higher regard by the Fae, though. If the Treaty was being broken intentionally and with malice then there would be hell to pay.
It wasn’t long before the door opened again and Sir William escorted Nicoletta into the room. “I shall wait outside again.” He nodded at the pair and stepped out, closing the door behind him.
“Marie.” Douglas nodded to his old friend.
“Douglas. So would you care to share with me the real reason that you’re here, or are we continuing the charade that you’re investigating some sort of leak?”
He smirked at her forthrightness. That was the woman he remembered from his time in Her Majesty’s service. “What makes you believe that the leak isn’t the reason you’re here?”
“Oh, I believe that it’s the reason you’re here. I just don’t believe that you’re here on behalf of The Cross.”
That chill revisited Douglas’s spine. “You’re still with the agency then, I take it?”
She nodded primly. “Though the staff here is unaware of that, naturally.”
“And you’re investigating the leak?”
“Among other things.”
“I see. Well, that makes this situation somewhat uncomfortable.”
Nicoletta laughed. “Douglas, do relax. While naturally I have to report your presence here to my superiors, I plan to do so in my weekly report. I owe you that much, given our prior relationship.”
They both colored a little, and Douglas cleared his throat. While he was unable to truly love, there were still drives that occasionally demanded an answer. She had been willing to oblige. “I appreciate that, Marie, more than you know. So, can you tell me what other matters you’re here on, since we both know about the leak?”
“I’m afraid not, my dear. I’ll leave that for your fine mind to work out. I have confidence that you will.”
“I would hope that you’re investigating the breaking of the treaty.”
“The Crown and certain members of The Cross don’t see eye to eye on that matter. We will archive what goes on here in case the political winds change. For know that’s all we can do. I wish you luck in whatever brings you here.” She turned as if to go.
“Wait, just a moment, Marie. I must ask you a question or two.”
She came back around, avoiding the circle on the floor with a stutter step. “Yes?”
“What is your impression of Sir William?”
She frowned. “He’s mad. Thoroughly and completely mad. Not an uncommon condition among the students of the dark arts.”
“He seems normal enough on the surface.”
“Well, I’m not a proper alienist, but I can tell you that under the surface there is something unseemly waiting to break through.”
That was unsurprising, but still unsettling. “Finally, have this group been successful in what it has set out to do?” He felt that he knew the answer, but needed an insider’s take.
Nicoletta looked at her shoes. “I can say that, I don’t know for certain.” She met his eyes. “But I believe them to be close. I hope that I am called back to London and soon. Being here doesn’t agree with me.”
That admission caught him by surprise. She had always been a rock, even on the most difficult missions.
“My turn to ask you a question, Douglas.”
“Of course, my dear. Ask away.”
“You do know that the child is smitten with you?”
That too surprised him. “Ms. Tanner?”
The prim nod again. “It’s evident on the way she looks at you. We also talked, ever so briefly, while you men were out of the room. I asked her what it was like to work with you. She answered well enough, but when she spoke of the time that you had together, I could see it as plain as day.” Her face took on a hard edge. “Treat her carefully, Douglas. I know about your inability to return her affection. She is callow, not as hardened by life as you and I had been when we first met. When you let her down, do it gently.”
He felt as though he had been stabbed by her words, but he earned it. “I will, of that you can be certain. I hope that we’re working on the same side on this and that things will be put to right soon.” The pair walked to the door and Douglas knocked.
Sir William opened it. “Are you satisfied that the leak’s not originating with my people?”
Douglas shrugged noncommittally. “I’m satisfied with the answers I’ve gotten from these. I still want to see the rest of your operations.”
Sir William’s brow furrowed, but he smiled. It was a sinister combination. “As you wish, Doctor. Fair warning, it’s a dangerous business. Perhaps the young lady should wait upstairs?”
“No. My assistant is invaluable. She needs to be by my side to witness whatever transpires.” He turned to Nicoletta. “Marie, it was a pleasure to see you again. I wish you great fortune in your efforts.”
She extended a hand, and he took it, kissing it lightly. When he felt the embossed metal surface pressing into his flesh, he palmed it smoothly.
She turned and walked quickly up the stairs, without returning the good wishes.
“Lieutenant Nicoletta, please send Ms. Tanner down.”
