“I’m serving as this agent’s case officer,” Yardley said, “and you would serve as a companion of sorts.”
Tar drummed his fingers on his knee. “Her code name is Diamond. She could be extremely useful—a continental socialite who would be embraced at the highest levels of society. The Abwehr hopes to use her charms to learn our military plans. And we hope to base her at Portsmouth where she can workher way into naval circles. We have great plans for her. If we can control her.”
Cilla could already picture Diamond. “Control her?”
Tar sighed. “She’s given us quite a bit of trouble. She’s temperamental and spoiled.”
“Diamond needs a feminine touch, but not any feminine touch—yours.” Yardley flicked his chin to Cilla. “I’ve seen how you work with people. When I’m too brusque with her, you’ll be able to soothe her. When she mopes, you’ll encourage her. And when she’s petulant, you’ll be firm.”
Cilla would rather soothe and encourage and be firm with Lachlan, who had never once been petulant or spoiled. A rush of grief, but she kept her expression neutral.
Tar grinned at Cilla. “You also demonstrated talent in storytelling and creating fictional subagents. You could assist Diamond in that regard.”
“This is her case report.” Yardley slid the folder to Cilla. “Transcripts from our interviews with her and all the information we have on her from various sources. All very hush-hush, of course.”
“Of course.” Cilla stroked the dossier.
“This folder must not leave this room,” Yardley said. “Stay in here this morning to read it through and memorize pertinent details that will help you understand her.”
Cilla gave him a sly smile. “Control her.”
“Diamond will need both understanding and control.” Yardley rose to his feet. “Now if you’ll please excuse us, I have another meeting.”
“Thank you, gentlemen.” Cilla smiled at them. “My work here has been satisfying, but this truly sounds fun.”
Yardley smiled in his wry way. Her fun didn’t concern him in the slightest. “More importantly, you would be performing a valuable service.”
“Thank you, sir.”
After the men left and shut the door, Cilla opened the case report. She was living in a vibrant city, and she could soon explore Portsmouth as well. She was reunited with her aunt and cousin. She had a new assignment which would use her social abilities, her propensity for spinning stories and creating characters, and even her newfound familiarity with naval matters.
Learned from her naval officer.
She could almost hear Lachlan’s voice, feel his devotion and kindness and steadiness as if he were present in the building.
If only ...
Cilla huffed out a breath and focused her eyes on Diamond’s case report. She had far too many blessings to dwell on what could never be.
48
The address on Lachlan’s orders matched the street address—58 St. James’s Street—but the modern white building looked like a hotel and bore no signs. He’d been surprised not to be sent to the Admiralty buildings in Whitehall, but wartime did require expansion into new facilities.
On the surface, Lachlan’s new duties didn’t feel as vital to the war effort as directing a destroyer’s guns or supervising base defenses, but pushing papers was indeed vital. Paperwork organized the flow of men and money and matériel, and without that flow, the whole system fell apart.
Supported by his cane, Lachlan opened the door. At least he could take comfort in knowing the first Churchill Barrier had broken the surface at Scapa Flow. And at least he could still serve and wear the uniform of the Royal Navy, even with his physical limitations.
Inside, a middle-aged woman in a brown civilian suit sat at the front desk. Not a Wren? He frowned at his orders.
“May I help you, sir?”
“I’m sorry. I have the wrong address. I’m looking for 58 St. James’s Street.”
“That’s correct.” She held out her hand. “May I see your orders?”
How unusual for a civilian to request orders, but Lachlan complied.
She raised a bright smile and rose to her feet. “Ah yes. Lieutenant Mackenzie, we were expecting you. Please come with me.”
