‘Do you think I’ll be able to take the pictures correctly?’
‘You will be using a special high-speed film, so you’ll just need to remember to put the pages under some sort of light source, like a table lamp. Do you know where the documents will be?’
‘They should be in either Doug Green’s office or the cashier’s office at the auction house.’
‘How will you get in to take the photos?’
‘I’ll just go to the office on some pretext, close to closing time, and hide. When everyone is gone, I’ll find the information, photograph it, and let myself out. Then, I’ll come around here, and I’ll help you develop it.’
‘You’re going to help me develop it are you?’
‘I certainly am, and this time I’m going to dress appropriately for the heat in there.’
‘And what would be the appropriate attire?’ asked Robert.
‘As little as possible, and probably nothing,’ smiled Jade.
‘That certainly conjurers up a pretty picture ... I take it that I’m expected to remain fully clothed?’
‘Not likely. I want to be able to see all of you bathed in that red glow in there.’
Robert laughed, and kissed Jade, who returned the kiss with passion.
‘I suppose I’d better get you home,’ said Robert reluctantly.
‘What for? There’s no one to miss me if I don’t go.’
‘What about Rani?’
‘Since she opened the clinic down the street from the Golden Stag, she’s had to spend nearly all her time there. During the day she gets patients from all over the area, and, because the street girls operate at night, she stays open for them. Most nights she’s too tired to make the trip home, and sleeps down there. So, my love, unless you want me out of here to entertain some other woman, I’m here to stay.’
‘Oh dear! It seems I’m destined to completely ruin your fine reputation,’ he said, as he reached down, and caressed an exposed nipple.
‘Yes. You’ll definitely ruin me.’
‘How could I make it up to you?’
‘Well, I suppose you could make an honest woman of me.’
‘Would you really want to be an honest woman?’
‘Only to the right man.’
‘And you think I’m it?’
‘I’ve been positive of it, since our first dance.’
‘You realise, of course, that it’s supposed to be the man that asked?’
‘I’ve already been asked by a man. I didn’t find it to be a very edifying experience. So I thought I’d better do the asking, to make sure I get the right one.’
‘What if I say no?’
‘Then you’d be lying to yourself. You want me, as much as I want you.’
‘Well as soon as we get your assignment completed then we’ll make the arrangements.’
‘So you will marry me!’
‘Of course. I would have asked you in more romantic surroundings, if I had been given the chance.’
‘What could be more romantic than this?’ asked Jade, as she rolled onto Robert’s chest, and began kissing him.
Robert could feel himself respond, and knew that she had made the right decision for them both.
* * *
Jade’s first experience in the world of espionage took place the following evening. She advised Peter Haskins that she had to leave the warehouse a little early, as there were some goods in the auction room she wished to inspect, prior to sale.
‘I’d like to bid on them, but I’d like to check them out properly first,’ she lied.
‘That’s fine with me,’ said Peter.
Jade arrived at the sales room about five minutes prior to their closing, making her way between the rows of goods, looking for a place to hide.
A large wardrobe, almost as big as her own was propped up against a far wall. Jade checked the area to make sure no one else was around, before slipping inside, where she settled down, awaiting the right moment to emerge.
After an eternity, that her watch insisted had lasted just an hour, Jade pushed the door slightly ajar, and found the room in darkness.
Slowly, she climbed out of her hiding place, and made her way down silent aisles, to the office area, being sure to keep out of sight, just in case there was someone still present. Jade was almost disappointed to find herself alone. The job was proving to be no challenge at all!
Her only hurdle came when she tried to locate the purchase ledger. After going through Doug Green’s desk, she could turn up nothing of significance, except a bottle of whiskey in the bottom drawer.
However, the cashier’s office was more fruitful. There on the shelf above the desk, quite clearly marked, was what she sought. Opening the book on a desk, she turned on the desk lamp, and began searching through the journal entries for purchases made in the previous twelve months. Taking the camera from her pocket, Jade began taking photos of each of the large pages, most of which contained at least twenty entries.
She had to place new film in the camera a couple of times, but, before too long the job was complete.
Replacing the journal, and turning off the light, Jade made her way to the front door, but found it locked. Of course it is, you idiot! Did you think they’d just leave the place open for you! thought Jade. I’ll have to use a window.
Luckily, there was a window opening onto a rear laneway, from Doug Green’s office. It too, was locked, but from the inside. Opening it, she scrambled out, skinning her knees on the rough bricks. She looked up at the open window, and realised that she wouldn’t be able to climb back up to close it again. There’s nothing missing, so they’ll just think someone forgot to lock it, Jade thought, as she tried to walk as casually as she could, down the lane, and onto the main street.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Jade hailed a taxi, and gave Robert’s address, as she settled back in her seat.
Robert opened the door before Jade could knock. He had been anxiously waiting by the window, and had seen her arrive. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her deeply, and she responded.
‘How did it go?’
Jade took the camera, and films, from her pocket. ‘It was just too easy. I’ll have to bring the subject of security up with Peter. Anyone could have done what I did, and robbed them blind.’
‘Well let’s go to the darkroom and see what you’ve gotten for us.’
Three hours later, the pair celebrated a successful evening, by making love. The first time rather excitedly, in the darkroom, and the second time, at a much more leisurely pace, in Robert’s bed.
The following morning, Jade left to return home and change, while Robert retrieved the now dry photos, placing them in a folder, and setting out for his office, where he, and other analysts, could assess the information.
* * *
That evening, Robert met Jade for dinner.
‘Well? How did it go?’
‘Very well, actually. We were able to crosscheck many of the names with passport records, and have been able to make up a list of persons from overseas that have sold goods to Haskins and Green. Then we were able to determine, from the quality of the goods sold, who out of the names on the list, would most likely to have been in some important position, before they defected. Those are the people