‘Don’t get muddled up and drink it yourself, will you,’ said Margot.
An unnecessary comment which Fitz decided didn’t even merit a reply. She ignored Margot and addressed Philippe.
‘And a car will be waiting outside soon after that?’
‘Tell Hoffmann you are going to take him to Madame Mimi’s,’ said Margot. ‘I’m sure you can use your imagination about what happens at her house. Men are all the same. Governed by what’s between their legs, rather than the brains between their ears.’ She glanced at Philippe. ‘It’s true.’
It was Philippe’s turn to ignore Margot now. ‘Be outside at quarter to twelve. The car will be there.’
Margot spoke again. ‘And then once in the car, you will have to keep him occupied. Make sure he doesn’t look out of the window. I’m sure you can think of a way to do that.’
‘Of course I can,’ replied Fitz. ‘What about the checkpoint on the bridge?’
‘Don’t worry about that,’ said Margot. ‘There will be distractions for the guards. Some very pretty ones.’
‘Are you sure that will work?’ Fitz wasn’t convinced that the lure of a female was enough to take a guard away from his post.
Margot made a huffing noise. She looked incredulously at Philippe. ‘Did you hear that? She is questioning me?’ Philippe gave a philosophical shrug as Margot turned back to Fitz. ‘Not that I need to explain to you, but I will, purely to stop you asking any more stupid questions.’ She paused and when Fitz didn’t reply, she continued. ‘Two female agents have been working towards this point for the past ten days. Very soon they will arrive at the bridge with alcohol and promises. They are not just flirting like you. They are actually prepared do everything necessary to make this plan work. Am I making myself clear?’
‘Margot, please,’ said Philippe. He made a shushing noise.
‘I will not be quiet. She needs to know she is not the brave one. My girls are.’
Fitz felt suitably admonished. She didn’t want to argue with the woman. ‘They have my utmost respect for what they are doing,’ she said. ‘But please be assured, I too am willing to give everything I need to, in order for this mission to succeed.’
‘Let’s hope you mean that,’ said Margot.
‘There is one thing you must do for me, though,’ said Fitz.
Philippe frowned. ‘What?’
‘You must ensure Yvette is waiting on the other side of the bridge.’
‘What are you talking about?’ said Philippe.
‘It’s impossible,’ said Margot.
‘I am not leaving without Yvette,’ insisted Fitz. ‘She comes with me. That’s the deal.’
‘This was not part of the plan,’ hissed Philippe.
‘Make it part of the plan,’ said Fitz. There was no way on earth she was leaving Yvette here to be dumped on a couple who didn’t even have any children. How would they look after her when all they wanted was an extra pair of hands to help around the house? No. She wasn’t leaving Yvette to that fate.
‘And if we don’t?’ asked Philippe.
‘Then I am not going anywhere, either.’
‘But you will be arrested and interrogated,’ said Philippe.
‘And then she will talk,’ said Margot. She glared at Fitz. ‘Maybe we should leave you to Engel. I am sure he will be happy to question you. Then what will happen to Yvette?’
‘I would have thought your main concern should be what will happen to the network?’ said Fitz, standing her ground.
Philippe held up his hand to silence the women. ‘The child will be there but after that she is your responsibility. If this goes wrong and something happens to her, then it will be down to you.’
Fitz nodded. ‘Thank you.’
As they went into the reception room, Fitz was well aware of the responsibility she had just committed herself to.
