156 | John W. Warner IV caviar. Biggest and best deal in town. Nothing but the finest for you two. Now in a better, more sedate mood, Bea smoked and swilled. Love a spot of tennis tomorrow early at the Heliopolis Club. Take us both? She then mindlessly tipped ashes from her long black quellazaire, soiling the crisp linen tablecloth next to the ashtray, the fine Egyptian cotton shining like silk. Finally, some genuine relaxation. Sure thing. Heres to Churchills saddle sores and petty crimes. Down the hatch. Bernie shot back a whiskey and chased it with a glass of champagne. He then raised his voice above the busding throngs hum. Thats how the Russians do it. Wow, never seen it so crowded in here. Already tipsyish and the happier for it, Alice read a brochure. Oh! The Empire Service Club is organizing a tour of ruins tomorrow with all the silly Dodging crowds, inebriated British officers and their demimonde-looking ladyfriends bumped into the intimate table, spilling their bottle and ice. Bernie wiped off a caviar blini from his formerly spotless jacket. Of all the… ‘ A waiter arrived to salvage the wine. The colonel remarked: Excuse us, so sorry old chap, Ill gladly pay for the dry cleaning…well, well, if it isnt the phantom Panzer girl. I say, this is opportune. Did Prime Minister give you a proper spanking for your dubious efforts and lost wits my dear? Good gossip all round. The two women laughed. Can I get you a blank aerial photograph for a placemat? Bea ignored him, drinking. Piss off, brass hat. I see security protocols mean nothing to you lot. This dayj ust won’t end… Bernie slowly stood, wiping caviar. Apologize to her, Colonel, now. Bea pointed with her prized cigarette stick. Oh,ji/f<»«, not on my acc Another officer, a South African-accented major, went face-to-face with Bernie. Do us a favor and go home, Yank, were doing the real fighting in this war. Whatre you doing here really? War profiteering? A slave trader, are we? Alice stood and slid liquidly into the small space between them. Lets not have an inter-service tussle, gents. Theres plenty With all his might Bernie laid him out, the crunch of the mans jaw breaking in half audible to everyone nearby. Women screamed, men shouted. Sudden pandemonium. Spotlights came on and the orchestra went into full swing, playing a popular Tommy Dorsey tune.