major and Kimble both turned to look at me. Neither of them looked particularly interested, but they didn’t discourage me, so I ventured on.
I glanced at Uncle Mick, and he gave me a little nod, so I plunged ahead. “I … we happen to know a forger. Someone who could easily duplicate a letter.”
There was a moment of silence.
“You do run with an interesting crowd, Miss McDonnell,” Major Ramsey said at last.
I didn’t bother to deny it. I knew most of my friends were not people of whom Major McDonnell would approve, but this was war and allowances must be made. They’d been made already, so why not go a bit further?
“Ellie’s idea is a good one, Major,” Uncle Mick put in. “It’s the only way to see this thing through.”
The major didn’t answer. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, but at least he hadn’t refused me outright yet. I assumed that he’d do that when he heard the rest of it.
“He’s an excellent forger,” I went on. “He could write something in my hand and make me believe I’d written it myself. I’m sure he would be able to replicate whatever is in Miss Abbot’s note and convince the Germans that the false plans are legitimate. Like Uncle Mick said, it’s our only hope of succeeding.”
“Worth a try,” Kimble said blandly, and I was glad for even this unenthusiastic show of support.
“You can contact this forger immediately?” Major Ramsey asked at last. “We don’t have much time.”
“Yes, I can contact him now.” I drew in a breath and then plunged ahead. “You see, it’s Felix Lacey.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Your gentleman friend is a forger, is he?” Major Ramsey said, his expression inscrutable.
“You’ve already thrown in your lot with criminals, so it’s a bit late to be particular,” Uncle Mick said, before I could respond. “And Felix Lacey is just the man for the job.”
The major considered. “Ring him up,” he said at last. “Ask to meet him as soon as you can.”
I nodded. “What do I tell him about … all of this?”
“Ask him how he feels about doing a forgery job for the war effort. None of the particulars. If he’s interested, you can bring him here to discuss it.”
I nodded. Time was short, and we both knew things would have to fall into place quickly if we wanted to succeed.
I was glad the major was letting me introduce the topic to Felix. He wasn’t the sort of man who would appreciate officiousness. It would be much better if I spoke to him before introducing him to Major Ramsey. I was also glad the major’s previous command, that I stop seeing Felix, was being countermanded. He was a good man to have on our team.
I picked up the major’s phone, feeling a bit self-conscious doing it there in his office with everyone watching. I rang the number, hoping Felix would answer. If he was out and about looking for work, I didn’t know when I might be able to reach him.
To my relief, he answered after the second ring.
“Hello?” A rush of affection went through me at the sound of his voice. I felt, suddenly, that things were going to be all right.
“Hello, Felix,” I said. “It’s Ellie. I … I wonder if you would come around and speak with me.”
“Of course. When?” It was just like him. No questions asked.
“Now, if it’s convenient.”
“Certainly. I’ll be there in half an hour.”
“No … not at my flat,” I said. “Can you meet me at this address?”
I gave him the address of a tearoom not far from the major’s office.
“Is everything all right?” he asked. I looked up and saw the major’s eyes on me.
“Yes. That is, I’ll explain everything when I see you.”
“All right. I’ll be there in a jiff, love.”
I rang off and turned to the men, who were all watching me.
“He’s agreed to meet me.”
“Naturally,” the major said.
I didn’t know exactly what he meant by that, so I thought it best to ignore him.
“What are the odds he’ll do the job?” Kimble asked.
“He’ll do it,” Uncle Mick said. “For Ellie, if nothing else. He’s a bit sweet on her. Always has been.”
“He’ll do it for his country,” I countered, feeling a blush creeping up on my cheeks. “He cares about defeating the Nazis as much as any of us.”
The major’s cool blue eyes met mine. “Let’s hope you’re right, Miss McDonnell.”
* * *
Half an hour later, Felix and I were sitting at a table in the corner of