The QE2 Is Missing

Finally setting down lazily with a splash of foam. The launch rushed out to meet the plane. With his high-power binoculars, the Captain could see the launch swing up to the open door, watch as six men climbed carefully down into the launch. As soon as they started back he issued orders that the deck below, and the forward lift, be sealed off so the new arrivals could go directly to their suites without being seen or disturbed by the other passengers. He had no idea at all who the people were who had just come aboard, but considering the delicacy of the matter this seemed a wise precaution. In any case, whoever they were, they were politicians of some kind, Central or South American politicians. This had to mean trouble. Everything here, or in the Near East, meant trouble when politicians were involved. In addition to this, the Captain, as an ex-Navy man, had always entertained a deep suspicion of politicians whose prime function in life seemed to him to be that of cutting Naval appropriations.

Their table for two was set by the window, so Hank and Frances had a perfect view of the seaplane when it landed. They could see the ship’s launch when it picked up the new passengers, then returned, disappearing from sight below them.

“No prizes for guessing who just came aboard,” Hank said. Frances nodded agreement.

“The top twisters themselves. The principals finally on stage. I still find it a little hard to believe that I’m really involved in this. A few weeks ago I thought that Paraguay and Uruguay were a pair of stand-up comics — and Nazis were creatures you saw late at night on the box in old black and white films. I’ve just had an education.”

“Can I tell you how bad I feel about this? How sorry I am that I ever let you get involved…. “

“No, please,” she said, leaning forward and taking his hand in hers. “I don’t mean to complain. It’s just that it’s all so new for me and it takes some getting used to. I’m just beginning to realize what a sheltered life I have always led. I’m not ready yet to thank you for taking me out of it — I still get a chill down my back when I think of those Tupamaros…. “

“I’ll kill them myself. With my bare hands.”

The cold, the calmness of Hank’s voice, was even worse than anger would have been. He meant it, she knew that. She shivered and held his hand even tighter.

“Please, darling, that’s not what I mean. There’s enough going on without your getting into more trouble because of me. As I said, I’m not thankful yet that I have been forced to grow up so quickly and face reality. The sudden onslaught of maturity can be a painful thing. But I can handle it — as long as you are there. I have a feeling that I may enjoy life a bit more. Afternoon tea at Fortnum’s will do a lot to take the taste of those people out of my mouth.”

“Are you finished, madam?” the waiter asked, appearing at her elbow. Hank had enthusiastically consumed his portion of Mexican avocado vinaigrette stuffed with fresh cooked prawns, but she had only pushed hers around on the plate.

“Yes, thank you. I’m not too hungry today. In fact you had better cancel the next course and bring me a green salad instead.”

“You’ll starve yourself, it’s not right,” Hank said as the waiter took the dishes away.

“Little chance of that, my love, after the way we have been eating on this voyage.” She patted her rounded flank. “I’m afraid to guess how many pounds I have put on.”

“And I love every avoirdupois ounce of it!”

“Only from a distance, pet, until Roger the lodger and his companions vacate our suite. Must we let those villains stay with us?”

“I’m afraid they have to. But it should not be for long. We can stay in the bedroom and lock the connecting door and let them make do with the couch and carpet or whatever. I’m not too concerned about their comfort.”

“Just mention them and they appear. Isn’t that my girl friend oozing slimily between the tables?”

Concepcion Valverde had entered the Queen’s Grill and had seen them, was coming towards them. Stopping as she passed to smile and nod as though to say hello. Her message was more important.

“You’re wanted in the cabin. Come now.” The coldness of her words was in direct contrast to the warmth of her expression. Frances smiled in return and gave as well as she received.

“Leave us alone you acid bitch… you puta.”

“They are talking of a meeting in the next cabin. You are needed for the listening equipment.” She spoke to Hank, completely ignoring Frances, turning and leaving as soon as she was finished.

“What was that you called her?” Hank asked.

“Puta. It means whore. It was the worst word I could think of quickly. I must get a Spanish dictionary out of the ship’s library and bone up for our next encounter.”

“I have to go.”

“Of course. And you’ll understand if I linger over my salad and don’t hurry back?”

“Yes, I’m sorry about this. I’ll be as fast as I can in the cabin. Wait for me here, or if you finish I’ll see you in the bar.”