The QE2 Is Missing

“At least they had the courtesy to wait until we were done,” Frances said.

Hank leaned out and fetched the phone. “Greenstein,” he said. He listened for some time, nodding as he did. “Right,” he finally said. “I'll see you there at eleven o’clock.”

“Are you going to tell me about it?” Frances asked as he threw the covers back and climbed out of bed.

“That call was about the business I’m here in Australia for. I shouldn’t be long. Why don’t you do some shopping or something and I’ll meet you back in the hotel at…. “

“No.”

“They say there are really great things to buy here in Sydney. You can get clothes made out of kangaroo skins, or aboriginal craftwork…. “

“Shut up. I’m going with you.”

“Or toy koala bears, sheepskins, opals…. “

“Didn’t you hear me, you fiendish seducer of helpless women? You are not going to leave me alone in this beer-swilling, sheep-shearing pest-hole.”

“The Chevron is the best hotel in town.”

“You know what I mean. Where do we have to be at eleven o’clock?”

“It’s business, I told you…. “

“No, you didn’t tell me. That’s why I’m going with you.”

Hank had little enough time — and he knew when he was licked. “All right. You can come, but only if you just listen. We’re going to meet some people and I have to talk to them. Some arrangements have to be made. If you will let me talk to them quietly, I promise to tell you everything that is going on as soon as the business is finalized. That is right away, now, today. Is it a deal?”

“Then you admit that you have been concealing something from me?”

“I’m a lawyer and have been trained to admit nothing, never to no one.”

“Rotter. Where are we going?”

“To an exclusive restaurant named the Rhinecastle Bistro, world-renowned for its fine Australian wine served in a gourmet atmosphere.”

“Sure. Pink plonk and tough steaks. I’m going to shower first.”

“You Brits are sure hard on your colonials.”

“When you taste the food you’ll know why we shipped them out in chains.”

The taxi driver dropped them off right in front of the restaurant, but the rain was so heavy that they were soaked before they got through the door.

“I thought Australia was the land of perpetual sunshine?” Frances said.

“Not quite this time of year. Their seasons are opposite to ours and it’ll be winter soon.”

“They’ll have to enjoy its brisk pleasures without me.

Darling, I must do something about my hair. Where will I meet you?”

“In the bar. I’ll order you the most exotic Australian cocktail they have.”

“I don’t drink beer. I’ll just be a minute.”

Hank stood in the entrance to the bar, looking around the room, until he saw Uzi rising from a table against the far wall. The Nazi-hunter came over to him, extending his hand.

“Welcome to Australia, Hank. It’s good to see you here.” They shook hands.

“I wish I was as happy about it as you are. In any case I’m here — and ready to go. Where is our target?”

“At that table by the far window, see him? He’s the one with the bald head with the fringe of gray around the bottom. The table for four with the two empty seats. I arranged that so he and his wife will be having lunch alone.”

“Okay. Did the letter come through?”

“Right on time. The courier brought it this morning.”

He took a white envelope from his pocket and handed it to Hank who tore it open. There was a single sheet of paper inside; he read it quickly and nodded. “This should do it,” he said, putting the letter into his own pocket. “I’ll take it from here.”

“I’ll be waiting here in the bar to see how it goes.”

“A piece of cake. He’s going to have to say yes.”

“How can you be sure? I know that we are not. I have an alternate plan just in case…. “

“Uzi, please. Save your alternate plan for some other time. I know what I’m doing. I’ve talked to New York and worked it out with some people there. Don’t worry. This thing is in the bag and all you have to do is sit back and admire the way that I handle it.”

“I hope that you are right, Hank. As you say, this is your ball game and you know how to handle it best.”

Uzi went back to his table as Hank hurried to the bar and ordered two extra-dry martini cocktails, American style. The bartender permitted him to add the traditional drops of vermouth himself. They were just set up on the bar when Frances appeared, and she nodded respectfully after tasting hers.

“I take back everything I said about Foster’s lager,” she said.

“That’s a bribe for good conduct,” Hank told her. “We’re going to meet some people now and you will undoubtedly open your eyes wide at some of the things that you will hear, but I beg of you, say naught. All will be revealed soon. And, listen, darling,” he leaned forward and kissed her cheek, “I am really incredibly glad that you are here with me. There are one or two things I have been waiting for a good time to tell you about. This looks like the time.”

“That sounds ominous.”