“I don’t recall, but he was middle-aged and had a very handsome military mustache.”

“Yes, that would be Major St. George, who is the only physician based at Station Two.”

“Rose said she was doing a locum there.”

“That term would be used only if she were replacing another doctor who was away from the station. Clearly, Major St. George was present.”

“Clearly.”

“Was Brigadier Fife-Simpson present in the ward at that time?”

“Yes, he came in to yell at me for wrecking your car—at least, I think that’s what he was yelling about.”

“Had you seen Rose before that meeting? In the dining hall, perhaps, or on the grounds?”

“No.”

Felicity was silent for a moment. “I am inclined to think that Dr. McGill is a creature of the brigadier’s,” she said.

“Have you known the brigadier for long?”

“I had met him once or twice in passing, but I had never had a conversation with him until I drove up to Station Two in my erstwhile Aston Martin. Oh, incidentally, its replacement arrived this morning, a bit ahead of schedule, and it is indistinguishable from its predecessor. I thank you for ordering it.”

“I trust the MOD paid?”

“Astonishingly, they did. I was prepared to do combat with them over that.”

“Felicity, what am I to do about Rose McGill, if that, indeed, is her name?”

“Do you have her address and phone number?”

Stone thought about that. “No.”

“Well, there doesn’t seem to be anything you can do.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“If you hear from her again, see if you can worm that information out of her, then I can investigate further. For the present, I think all this is best kept between us. I shall not mention it to the brigadier until I am on firmer ground. Now, I must run to a meeting on the Muddle East.”

“Thank you, Felicity.” Stone hung up and turned to Viv. “Rose McGill does not exist,” he said, “at least, not for MI-6.”

“I had rather thought she might not,” Viv replied. “Shall I ask my people to track her down?”

“Maybe later. Right now, let’s let Felicity deal with the situation.” His breakfast arrived, and Viv made to go. “I’ll be going up to London tomorrow morning,” she said. “May I have a ride to the station?”

“Of course.”

15

To clear his head, Stone ordered up the gelding and went for a ride. Dino and Viv declined to join him. He walked, then trotted the horse to warm him up, then eased into a canter. As the stone wall grew nearer he spurred the animal into a gallop. Clearly, the horse knew what was expected of him and he soared over the wall and ran until he was reined in.

Back at the house, Stone found his book in the library, then read until everyone was assembled for lunch.

“You’re looking a bit more clear-eyed,” Viv said.