Page 5 of The Number of Love
“Of course I do. Now.” He reached into his uniform jacket and pulled out a folded paper. “Our sources indicate that the huns will be trying to get their hands on some of the Spanish wolfram.”
“Wolfram.” Drake’s brows furrowed. “That’s a metal used in armoring, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. And as a neutral country, Spain shouldn’t be selling its wolfram to anyone—GermanyorEngland. But of course, that won’t stop the Central Powers from trying to purchase it.” Hall’s eyes flashed. “And if by chance we can catch them taking it and intercept it ... well then, we’re within our rights to confiscate it for our own use.”
Clever. Drake nodded. “If it’s to be found in Bilbao, I’ll find it.”
With a nod, Hall held out the paper he’d withdrawn. “Thoroton’s reports on your work have all been glowing.”
Drake tucked it into his own pocket. It would have what information he needed before meeting up with the head of operations in the Mediterranean, Charles Thoroton, but it would be sparse. Most of the information on the subject would be sent to Thoroton in code, and he’d see each agent had just what was needed, no more.
“Thank you, sir. I’m only glad my mother’s family connections can be helpful.” He’d been a bit surprised when he’d been ordered off theRoyal Oakwithin a month of enlisting, but Thoroton, also known as Charles the Bold, had quickly explained himself. They needed men on the ground in Spain, gathering information, and Drake was a prime candidate. After attending university in Bilbao, he knew each alley and warehouse ... and all the officials, thanks to hisabuelo’s connections. It had been a simple matter of pretending to have changed his focus in university and enrolled in more classes. “I won’t let you down, Admiral.”
With a few rapid blinks, Hall chuckled and turned toward the door again. “You haven’t yet.” He paused with his hand on the door. “If your sister fits well in this position, then perhaps you can tell her in a few months that you are one of my agents. In the meantime, Lieutenant, it is best you simply claim that you’re being sent back to your ship.”
“Not a problem, sir.” He would, in fact, stop on his way out of the city at one of the little closets of a room that Hall rented and exchange his naval uniform for his usual civilian clothes. Drake knew that Hall would continue to route any letters Dot wrote to him on to Spain via Thoroton. And any letter he wrote back would similarly be put in with the rest of the navy’s post so it would work its way to her through the expected channels.
Frankly, he couldn’t imagineevertelling Dot what he really did. She was anxious enough at the thought of his being in the navy. Even prior to that, she’d been worried by all the time he spent at their grandfather’s in Spain. If she realized that their half-Spanish heritage had made him a prime recruit for the Admiralty’sintelligence-gathering operations, she may never be able to breathe normally again.
As his superior exited the room, Drake took one more moment to be grateful. For now, at least, Dot would have a bit of income to support her and a position that would make her feel a part of something. There may even be new colleagues who, with a bit of luck, might become friends.
Maybe he’d return to England next time and find her actually willing to step outside her flat without his having to use a crowbar to accomplish it.
With that happy thought buoying him, Drake slipped out of the room too and found a corner in which he could wait for his sister without being in the way of the men now filing in. Most wore the “Wavy Navy” uniform of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves. The pattern of interlocking rings on their sleeves put one in mind of waves, hence the nickname.
But Drake knew very well these weren’t navy men. They were professors and German experts and bankers and businessmen—anyone with a knack for finding patterns and turning them into words. These were the men making sense of all the German telegrams that were being intercepted. The decrypts from this signal intelligence—SIGINT—were passed not only up the chain of command to Jellicoe, the First Sea Lord, but also along to Thoroton in Spain. And the information Drake and his fellow agents found in the field—human intelligence, or HUMINT—was, in return, sent back here for Hall to use in conjunction with the SIGINT.
It was quite a system they’d built. Drake couldn’t begin to fathom all that went into keeping it running smoothly, but this building gave him a peek. All these chambers with their signs proclaiming them off-limits. The basement below that he knew was filled to overflowing with incoming signals, dark rooms, and storage. Hundreds of people coming and going, men who had left their normal positions to help their country.
A number of women were coming in, too, in pairs or sets. Their heads more often than not were bent together, laughter on their lips.
But he didn’t seeheragain. All of these women had the look of typical English lasses. Not like the dark-eyed girl at all.
He ought to have asked Hall who she was. Then he could have answered her challenge within minutes. Perhaps even found her again and greeted her by name before he left.
Ah well. It hardly mattered. He’d be leaving again tomorrow and would spend this evening with his sister, so he didn’t have time to get to know her better anyway.
Still. He had a feeling those dark eyes wouldn’t leave his memory any time soon.
DID’s office door opened again at last, and Lady Hambro led the way out. She was, praise God, smiling. And even clasping Dot’s hand in her own. “That’s no matter at all, Miss Elton,” she was saying as they stepped into the bustle of the hall. “Many of our secretaries don’t know the first thing about typing when they begin. But I’ll turn you into an expert in no time. As long as you show up in the morning and determine to give your best while you’re here, we’ll get on well.”
Poor Dot. Her smile wavered even as she nodded. “Thank you, my lady. I’ll ... I’ll not disappoint you.”
“Good.” With a brisk motion, Lady Hambro patted Dot’s arm and then released her. “I’ll let you enjoy your day with your brother. Just come in tomorrow at eight-thirty. That room there.” The lady indicated one along the corridor. “Ignore the sign and let yourself in. I’ll be waiting, and we’ll begin your training.”
Dot nodded. “I’ll be there.” She clamped her lips shut, but Drake knew well what had nearly slipped out.I promise. The assurance she always felt she had to tack on whenever she was tellinghimshe’d do something like this.
Worry nibbled away at his relief. What if she couldn’t do it? He knew she’d manage it tomorrow . . . but the next day, and the next, and the next? What if instead of getting easier, it got harder?
Lady Hambro vanished into the room she’d pointed out, and for a moment, Dot just stood there, adrift in the sea of Wavy Navy men streaming by. He could see her struggling for control—her chest heaved with a few breaths, first uneven and thentooeven as shecounted them in and out. In and out. Then, finally, she lifted her chin and looked around for him.
Drake waited until she spotted him before stepping forward. He wanted to help, to rush in to protect or shield as he’d always done when they were children. But he couldn’t do that now. It wouldn’t help her, ultimately. She had to learn to get along on her own.
Blast, but he wished Nelson hadn’t gotten himself killed at the Marne. Wished he hadn’t joined up at all. He should have just stayed at home, married Dot like they’d planned. Then his sister would have had a reason to remain in the house, matters to attend there. And Drake wouldn’t have to worry about her each and every day while he was off in Spain.
She gave him a smile that very nearly covered the panic as she wove her way through the crowded hall toward him. “It went well! I begin tomorrow.”
“Excellent. I knew you could do it.” He took her hand, squeezed it, and tucked it into the crook of his arm as they turned. “This will be good for you, Dot. I bet you’ll soon be writing to tell me about all the new friends you’ve made.”
