Dinner time

Morrisey took a brief notice of the man crossing the lobby in front of them, then focussed back on his dinner companion. The bar was quieter, with dark puffy leather upholstered banquettes that could have housed a family, and afforded total privacy for their ensuing conversation.

He did a reactive scan in his field of vision as the wall lamps came on, and the bar darkened, satisfied the other patrons were far enough away. A small light over their table had the effect of making her hair glisten, and create different facial features in contrast. The coffees arrived and they waited until the waiter had departed well away before continuing.

With his volume still low, he asked, "She told you she thinks it's about her? Is she the leak?"

"I have to assume so. If there's another mole in The Guild, I don't know about it. She's terrified; worried about her daughter. She's only five." That last bit came out automatically, and she cursed inwardly.

"So that means they could be on to you too"

She steepled her fingers over her nose. "I don't know, I've only been handling her a short time." He didn't notice?

"And you run this asset on your own, without SIS knowledge?"

"Yes." She ventured nothing more.

Fingers tapping, he continued. "Earlier you said she was your asset exclusively - almost. What does that mean?"

"I can't say any more."

"What happened to cards on the table?"

"I need to see more of yours. Have you told me the truth of why you are really here?"

Morrisey tugged his ear. Debating how far he should stray. He already agreed to be honest, and she exposed her position in good faith. If he was going to be dogging her footsteps, he figured, it would have to come out when they reached the sharp end of the operation. "Okay, it's only fair I suppose. But this means we have each other's back all the way."

"I had already assumed that." Her face showed the concern his statement caused.

"I'm here to see that the meeting takes place . . . and Felix gets the briefcase."

"Why would your people want that?"

"Excellent question. Whatever the reason, that was my brief."

Mallory chewed her lip. She knew very well why. Duggan. Just what the hell was he up to? The smell of betrayal stung her nose, and she made a decision before he even spoke.

"Okay, now you answer my question."

Without any hesitating gaps, Mallory related her meeting with Duggan and her follow-up recruitment of Ava. The waiter arrived with the cheque, and Morrisey clamped his mouth shut while he paid, all the while staring at her. There was a long, breath holding pause until the waiter left, then her whispered explosion.

"If Vyacheslav has brought intel that is a possible threat to my asset - and me. I have to know or this meeting cannot take place." Her eyes sparked with determination. "It would seem we are on opposite sides after all."

He sank back against the soft leather, the situation stewing in his mind. His hand suddenly popped up. "Hold it. Did you already know why I was here?"

"No. I told you, I was against it when I found out you were coming."

"So Duggan doesn't know you've told me anything?"

"No. How could he?"

What the hell was Duggan playing at? Was he supposed to be here to sabotage her? Why not tell me? He tapped his coffee spoon on the saucer. "He hasn't been in touch with you about this at all?"

"No. He wouldn't take the risk. It's all one way - me to him."

"And you never--"

"For God's sake, Morrisey . . ." She glanced around and took a calming breath, tilting her cup, and examining the contents.

The waiter appeared again, offering coffee refills with restrained patience, performing an equally restrained bow when refused. Mallory experienced a moment of helpless self-doubt, then Morrisey spoke again.

"So he learned everything he knows from Percy?"

Her brows knitted. "Only about the courier, so far, yes. Percy doesn't know anything more either."

"Yeah, yeah . . ." He slumped forward. Her eyes drew his, and he felt their pull in spite of his resistance.

"I am asking for your help." Her voice was small and soft.

"Jesus." He looked away, mouth tight.

She stared at him and sighed. "I think I'd like to retire. Thank you for dinner." She gathered her purse and began sliding from the booth. "Are you coming?"

His expression was dour, and he pinched his nose. "Is this your next step, seducing me into compliance with the forlorn maiden routine?"

Both the look and tone were frosty. "Don't be an ass. I have my own room here to monitor the courier." When he didn't respond, she gave a tiny shrug and slid out of the booth, leaving the bar.

Morrisey sat a moment, feeling his neck, Of course she'd have a room here you jerk, then quickly got up and followed her.

They exited the lift and she headed for her room , Morrisey slouching after her. "Look, I'm sorry. It was a crass thing to say, but we still need to figure this out, Mallory."

"Fine," she snapped. "My room is secure, it is swept twice a day by our tech boffins. That is if you think you'll be safe" she said, unlocking the door and leaving him to follow or not. He stepped in and closed the door behind him, as he looked about the room. She was at the dresser getting things from her purse, so he chose a seat on the side of the bed, bouncing lightly on his hands and nodding with approval, ignoring her frown.

"Comfortable?" Dripping sarcasm.

"Okay, the joke isn't funny. I'm sorry again. Can we rewind?"

With great patience and a disconcerting focus, she sat beside him on the bed. "You need to make a decision, Morrisey." Her voice was hard but held a slight quake.

"Or what? You're the one with more to lose from where I sit."

"At least I've told you my reasons, you don't even know yours."

He had no response, and got up instead, moving to the dresser and running a finger over the edge. "I'm not deciding anything until I talk to my boss."

"You can't tell him what I told you. My career will end like a car crash." She got up from the bed. "If you have to tell him anything, tell him- tell him Percy wants whatever is in the briefcase. Tell him he wants me to find an opportunity to accomplish that."

He stared at her, weighing all the confounding information, and lack of, then set his mouth and nodded, taking out his phone. Mallory listened as he waved his hand at her, pointing for emphasis, and glaring at the window.

"I had hoped this call was important, Abraham, I have guests."

"Yeah, well I have questions." He proceeded to relate Mallory's suggested reason for the call, and what he was expected to do.

"It would appear we underestimated our friends. If Percy wants it so bad, then I suggest you see he doesn't get it. I believe you had your orders."

Morrisey frowned, and turned to watch her watching him. "You do realize I am liaised with an SIS agent."

"Then you will need to be creative, Abraham."

"Are you suggesting--?"

"Not suggesting, Abraham, ordering. Now, if you will excuse me, I have guests waiting."

The call ended, and he swore, slumping against the wall. Mallory waited silently, watching him.