Leiter answered at once.
'Thank God,' said Leiter with real feeling. 'What's the damage?"
'Broken finger,' said Bond. 'How about you?'
'Blackjack. Knocked out. Nothing serious. They started off by considering all sorts of ingenious things. Wanted to couple me to the compressed-air pump in the garage. Start on the ears and then proceed elsewhere. When no instructions came from The Big Man they got bored and I got to arguing the finer points of Jazz with Blabbermouth, the man with the fancy six-shooter. We got on to Duke Ellington and agreed that we liked our band-leaders to be percussion7 men, not wind. We agreed the piano or the drums held the band together better than any other solo instrument - Jelly-roll Morton, for instance. Apropos8 the Duke, I told him the crack about the clarinet - "an ill woodwind that nobody blows good". That made him laugh fit to bust9. Suddenly we were friends. The other man - The Flannel10, he was called - got sour and Blabbermouth told him he could go off duty, he'd look after me. Then The Big Man rang down.'
'I was there,' said Bond. 'It didn't sound so hot.'
'Blabbermouth was worried as hell. He wandered round the room talking to himself. Suddenly he used the blackjack, hard, and I went out. Next thing I knew we were outside Bellevue Hospital. About half after three. Blabbermouth was very apologetic, said it was the least he could have done. I believe him. He begged me not to give him away. Said he was going to report that he'd left me half dead. Of course I promised to leak back some very lurid11 details. We parted on the best of terms. I got some treatment at the Emergency ward12 and came home. I was worried to Hell an' gone about you, but after a while the telephone started ringing. Police and FBI. Seems The Big Man has complained that some fool Limey went berserk at The Boneyard early this morning, shot three of his men - two chauffeurs13 and a waiter, if you please - stole one of his cars and got away, leaving his overcoat and hat in the cloakroom. The Big Man's yelling for action. Of course I warned off the dicks and the FBI, but they're madder'n hell and we've got to get out of town at once. It'll miss the mornings but it'll be splashed all over the afternoon blatts and Radio and TV'll have it. Apart from all that, Mr. Big will be after you like a nest of hornets. Anyway, I've got some plans fixed14. Now you tell, and God, am I glad to hear your voice!'
Bond gave a detailed15 account of all that had happened. He forgot nothing. When he had finished, Leiter gave a low whistle.
'Boy,' he said with admiration16. 'You certainly made a dent17 in The Big Man's machine. But were you lucky. That Solitaire dame18 certainly seems to have saved your bacon. D'you think we can use her?'
'Could if we could get near her,' said Bond. 'I should think he keeps her pretty close.'
'We'll have to think about that another day,' said Leiter. 'Now we'd better get moving. I'll hang up and call you back in a few minutes. First I'll get the police surgeon round to you right away. Be along in a quarter of an hour or so. Then I'll talk to the Commissioner19 myself and sort out some of the police angles. They can stall a bit by discovering the car. The F B I'll have to tip off the radio and newspaper boys so that at least we can keep your name out of it and all this Limey talk. Otherwise we shall have the British Ambassador being hauled out of bed and parades by the National Association for the Advancement20 of Coloured People and God knows what all. Leiter chuckled21 down the telephone. 'Better have a word with your chief in London. It's about half after ten their time. You'll need a bit of protection. I can look after the CIA, but the FBI have got a bad attack of "see-here-young-man" this morning. You'll need some more clothes. I'll see to that. Keep awake. We'll get plenty of sleep in the grave. Be calling you.'
He hung up. Bond smiled to himself. Hearing Leiter's cheerful voice and knowing everything was being taken care of had wiped away his exhaustion22 and his black memories.
He picked up the telephone and talked to the Overseas operator. 'Ten minutes' delay, she said.
Bond walked into his bedroom and somehow got out of his clothes. He gave himself a very hot shower and then an ice-cold one. He shaved and managed to pull on a clean shirt and trousers. He put a fresh clip in his Beretta and wrapped the Colt in his discarded shirt and put it in his suitcase. He was half way through his packing when the telephone rang.
He listened to the zing and echo on the line, the chatter23 of distant operators, the patches of Morse from aircraft and ships at sea, quickly suppressed. He could see the big, grey building near Regents Park and imagine the busy switchboard and the cups of tea and a girl saying, 'Yes, this is Universal Export,' the address Bond had asked for, one of the covers used by agents for emergency calk on open lines from abroad. She would tell the Supervisor24, who would take the call over.
'You're connected, caller,' said the Overseas operator. 'Go ahead, please. New York calling London.'
Bond heard the calm English voice. 'Universal Export. Who's speaking, please?'
'Can I speak to the Managing Director,' said Bond. 'This is his nephew James speaking from New York.'
'Just a moment, please.' Bond could follow the call to Miss Moneypenny and see her press the switch on the intercom. 'It's New York, Sir,' she would say. 'I think it's 007.'
'Put him through,' M would say.
'Yes?' said the cold voice that Bond loved and obeyed.
'It's James, Sir,' said Bond. 'I may need a bit of help over a difficult consignment25.'
'Go ahead,' said the voice.
'I went uptown to see our chief customer last night,' said Bond. 'Three of his best men went sick while I was there.'
'How sick?' asked the voice.
'As sick as can be, Sir,' said Bond. 'There's a lot of 'flu about.'
'Hope you didn't catch any.'
'I've got a slight chill, Sir,' said Bond, 'but absolutely nothing to worry about. I'll write to you about it. The trouble is that with all this 'flu about Federated think I will do better out of town.' (Bond chuckled to himself at the thought of M's grin.) 'So I'm off right away with Felicia.'
'Who?' asked M.
'Felicia,' Bond spelled it out. 'My new secretary from Washington.'
'Oh, yes.'
'Thought I'd try that factory you advised at San Pedro.'
'Good idea.'
'But Federated may have other ideas and I hoped you'd give me your support.'
'I quite understand,' said M. 'How's business?'
'Rather promising26, Sir. But tough going. Felicia will be typing my full report today.'
'Good,' said M. 'Anything else?'
'No, that's all, Sir. Thanks for your support.'
That's all right. Keep fit. Goodbye.'
'Goodbye, Sir.'
Bond put down the telephone. He grinned. He could imagine M calling in the Chief of Staff, '007's already tangled27 up with the FBI. Dam' fool went up to Harlem last night and bumped off three of Mr. Big's men. Got hurt himself, apparently28, but not much. Got to get out of town with Leiter, the CIA man. Going down to St. Petersburg. Better warn A and C. Expect we'll have Washington round our ears before the day's over. Tell A to say I fully29 sympathize, but that 007 has my full confidence and I'm sure he acted in self-defence. Won't happen again, and so forth30. Got that?' Bond grinned again as he thought of Damon's exasperation31 at having to dish out a lot of soft soap to Washington when he probably had plenty of other Anglo-American snarls32 to disentangle.
The telephone rang. It was Leiter again. 'Now listen,' he said. 'Everybody's calming down somewhat. Seems the men you got were a pretty nasty trio - Tee-Hee Johnson, Sam Miami and a man called McThing. All wanted on various counts. The F B I's covering up for you. Reluctantly of course, and the Police are stalling like mad. The FBI big brass33 had already asked my Chief for you to be sent home - got him out of bed, if you please - mostly jealousy34, I guess - but we've killed all that. Same time, we've both got to quit town at once. That's all fixed too. We can't go together, so you're taking the train and I'll fly. Jot35 this down.'
Bond cradled the telephone against his shoulder and reached for a pencil and paper. 'Go ahead,' he said.
'Pennsylvania Station. Track 14. Ten-thirty this morning. "The Silver Phantom36". Through train to St. Petersburg via Washington, Jacksonville and Tampa. I've got you a compartment37. Very luxurious38. Car 245, Compartment H. Ticket'll be on the train. Conductor will have it. In the name of Bryce. Just go to Gate 14 and down to the train. Then straight to your compartment and lock yourself in till the train starts. I'm flying down in an hour by Eastern, so you'll be alone from now on. If you get stuck call Dexter, but don't be surprised if he bites your head off. Train gets in around midday tomorrow. Take a cab and go to the Everglades Cabanas, Gulf39 Boulevard West, on Sunset Beach. That's on a place called Treasure Island where all the beach hotels are. Connected with St. Petersburg by a causeway. Cabby'll know it.
Til be waiting for you. Got all that? And for God's sake watch out. And I mean it. The Big Man'll get you if he possibly can and a police escort to the train would only put the finger on you. Take a cab and keep out of sight. I'm sending you up another hat and a fawn40 raincoat. The check's taken care of at the St. Regis. That's the lot. Any questions?'
'Sounds fine,' said Bond. 'I've talked to M and he'll square Washington if there's any trouble. Look after yourself too,' he added. 'You'll be next on the list after me. See you tomorrow. So long.'
Til watch out,' said Leiter. "Bye.'
It was half-past six and Bond pulled back the curtains in the sitting-room41 and watched the dawn come up over the city. It was still dark down in the caverns42 below but the tips of the great concrete stalagmites were pink and the sun lit up the windows floor by floor as if an army of descending43 janitors44 was at work in the buildings.
The police surgeon came, stayed for a painful quarter of an hour and left.
'Clean fracture,' he had said. 'Take a few days to heal. How did you come by it?'
'Caught it in a door,' said Bond.
'You ought to keep away from doors,' commented the surgeon. 'They're dangerous things. Ought to be forbidden by law. Lucky you didn't catch your neck in this one.'
When he had gone, Bond finished packing. He was wondering how soon he could order breakfast when the telephone rang.
Bond was expecting a harsh voice from the Police or the FBI. Instead, a girl's voice, low and urgent, asked for Mr. Bond.
'Who's calling?' asked Bond, gaining time. He knew the answer.
'I know it's you,' said the voice, and Bond could feel that it was right up against the mouthpiece. 'This is Solitaire.' The name was scarcely breathed into the telephone.
Bond waited, all his senses pricked45 to what might be the scene at the other end of the line. Was she alone? Was she speaking foolishly on a house-phone with extensions to which other listeners were now coldly, intently glued? Or was she in a room with only Mr. Big's eyes bent46 carefully on her, a pencil and pad beside him so that he could prompt the next question?
'Listen,' said the voice. I've got to be quick. You must trust me. I'm in a drugstore, but I must get back at once to my room. Please believe me.'
Bond had his handkerchief out. He spoke47 into it. 'If I can reach Mr. Bond what shall I tell him?'
'Oh damn you,' said the girl with what sounded like a genuine touch of hysteria. 'I swear by my mother, by my unborn children. I've got to get away. And so have you. You've got to take me. I'll help you. I know a lot of his secrets. But be quick. I'm risking my life here talking to you.' She gave a sob48 of exasperation and panic. 'For God's sake trust me. You must. You must!'
Bond still paused, his mind working furiously.
'Listen,' she spoke again, but this time dully, almost hopelessly. 'If you don't take me, I shall kill myself. Now will you? Do you want to murder me?'
If it was acting49, it was too good acting. It was still an unpardonable gamble, but Bond decided50. Fie spoke directly into the telephone, his voice low.
'If this is a double-cross, Solitaire, I'll get at you and kill you if it's the last thing I do. Have you got a pencil and paper?'
'Wait,' said the girl, excitedly. 'Yes, yes.'
If it had been a plant, reflected Bond, all that would have been ready.
'Be at Pennsylvania Station at ten-twenty exactly. The Silver Phantom to…' he hesitated. '… to Washington. Car 245, Compartment H. Say you're Mrs. Bryce. Conductor has the ticket in case I'm not there already. Go straight to the compartment and wait for me. Got that?'
'Yes,' said the girl, 'and thank you, thank you.'
'Don't be seen,' said Bond. 'Wear a veil or something.'
'Of course,' said the girl. 'I promise. I really promise. I must go.' She rang off.
Bond looked at the dead receiver, then put it down on the cradle. 'Well,' he said aloud. 'That's torn it.'
He got up and stretched. He walked to the window and looked out, seeing nothing. His thoughts raced. Then he shrugged51 and turned back to the telephone. He looked at his watch. It was seven-thirty.
'Room Service, good morning,' said the golden voice.
'Breakfast, please,' said Bond. 'Pineapple juice, double. Cornflakes and cream. Shirred eggs with bacon. Double portion of Cafe Espresso. Toast and marmalade.'
'Yes, Sir,' said the girl. She repeated the order. 'Right away.'
'Thank you.'
'You're welcome.'
Bond grinned to himself.
'The condemned52 man made a hearty53 breakfast,' he reflected. He sat down by the window and gazed up at the clear sky, into the future.
Up in Harlem, at the big switchboard, The Whisper was talking to the town again, passing Bond's description again to all Eyes : 'All de railroads, all de airports. Fifth Avenue an' 55th Street doors of da San Regis. Mr. Big sez we gotta chance da highways. Pass it down da line. All de railroads, all de airports…'
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1
wilted
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| （使）凋谢，枯萎( wilt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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swilled
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| v.冲洗( swill的过去式和过去分词 )；猛喝；大口喝；（使）液体流动 | |
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dilute
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| vt.稀释，冲淡；adj.稀释的，冲淡的 | |
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swollen
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| adj.肿大的，水涨的；v.使变大，肿胀 | |
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crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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Undid
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| v. 解开, 复原 | |
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percussion
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| n.打击乐器；冲突，撞击；震动，音响 | |
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apropos
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| adv.恰好地；adj.恰当的；关于 | |
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bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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lurid
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| adj.可怕的；血红的；苍白的 | |
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ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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13
chauffeurs
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| n.受雇于人的汽车司机( chauffeur的名词复数 ) | |
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14
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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15
detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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dent
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| n.凹痕，凹坑；初步进展 | |
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dame
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| n.女士 | |
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commissioner
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| n.（政府厅、局、处等部门）专员，长官，委员 | |
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advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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chuckled
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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exhaustion
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| n.耗尽枯竭，疲惫，筋疲力尽，竭尽，详尽无遗的论述 | |
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23
chatter
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| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
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supervisor
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| n.监督人，管理人，检查员，督学，主管，导师 | |
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consignment
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| n.寄售；发货；委托；交运货物 | |
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promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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tangled
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| adj. 纠缠的，紊乱的 动词tangle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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28
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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exasperation
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| n.愤慨 | |
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32
snarls
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| n.（动物的）龇牙低吼( snarl的名词复数 )；愤怒叫嚷（声）；咆哮（声）；疼痛叫声v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的第三人称单数 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
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brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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jot
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| n.少量；vi.草草记下；vt.匆匆写下 | |
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phantom
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| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
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compartment
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| n.卧车包房，隔间；分隔的空间 | |
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luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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39
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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40
fawn
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| n.未满周岁的小鹿；v.巴结，奉承 | |
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41
sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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42
caverns
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| 大山洞，大洞穴( cavern的名词复数 ) | |
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descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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janitors
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| n.看门人( janitor的名词复数 )；看管房屋的人；锅炉工 | |
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45
pricked
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| 刺，扎，戳( prick的过去式和过去分词 )； 刺伤； 刺痛； 使剧痛 | |
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46
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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47
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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48
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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49
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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50
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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51
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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52
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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53
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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