Redemption of a Fallen Woman Page 0,82

came to the street in question and found the house. It was unremarkable and, like all the others, its lower windows were shuttered and barred. A stout wooden gate gave on to the roadway. When Harry knocked, the sound echoed behind it. At length an elderly woman appeared. She was clad all in black. The dress had seen better days but the wearer contrived to look neat all the same. When she asked the visitors their business her tone was polite.

Harry gave his name and asked for Sanchez. The old woman nodded.

'You had better come in.'

They followed her into a small courtyard and thence into the house where they were shown into a small parlour. Although sparsely furnished it was spotlessly clean and smelled of beeswax polish. The old lady excused herself and left them alone. Harry listened to the sound of her retreating footsteps and then low, urgent voices, hers and a male's.

A few minutes later the door opened again to admit a man of middle years. He was of average height and stocky frame, his lined face homely rather than handsome, and framed by greying brown hair. Dark eyes surveyed the visitors with wary interest. His gaze passed over Jack and came to rest on Harry, taking in every detail of his appearance. As he did so his eyes widened a little.

'You will forgive the lack of ceremony, my lord. I was not expecting so exalted a guest.'

'I am not here to stand on ceremony,' said Harry. 'I am come to seek Senor Sanchez.'

The older man frowned. 'I am he, but I fear you have the advantage of me.'

'Senor Xavier Sanchez?'

Understanding dawned in the man's face. 'Xavier is my nephew, but I regret to say that he is from home at present.'

Harry's heart sank. 'May I ask when he will return?'

'I do not know. I have not seen him for some time.'

'This is most unfortunate for my business is pressing and I have travelled a long way to find him.'

'May I ask the nature of your business?'

As Harry gave him the gist, the older man listened carefully, his expression indicative of concern.

'This is indeed a matter of importance.'

'It could not be more so to my family.' Harry paused. 'I wonder, might it be possible to get a message to your nephew?'

'As I said, I don't know his exact whereabouts.'

'But you do know those who might.'

For a moment his gaze locked with that of Sanchez. The latter nodded slowly.

'Perhaps.'

'I'd be much obliged if you would make enquiries.'

'I'll see what I can do.'

'I know that my late brother was involved in matters of a sensitive nature, and that this might make your nephew cautious. He has no need to be. My enquiries relate only to the circumstances of my brother's death.'

Again, Sanchez nodded. 'If you will leave your direction I will send word when I know more.'

'I thank you.'

Harry suspected that the man already knew more than he was prepared to say at this stage, but could understand the reasons for reticence. In the Intelligence Service discretion was of paramount importance: careless talk could and did cost lives. At the same time it was frustrating to be so near his goal and yet still be denied the proof he sought. For now though, he accepted that there was nothing else to be done. It would be folly to alienate the uncle and jeopardise all chance of finding the nephew. Harry had always known something like this might happen but, all the same, the sense of anti-climax was strong. He saw the same emotion in Jack's face. For the first time the thought occurred that Xavier Sanchez might not wish to be found. Harry paused, framing his next words carefully.

'If...when...you get word to your nephew, tell him also that I am not come to apportion blame.'

The dark eyes never wavered but their gaze softened a little. 'I'll do that, my lord.'

'Then I hope to hear from you soon.'

Harry offered his right hand and, after a brief hesitation, the other man took it, his grip sure and strong. Then he smiled faintly.

'Vaya con Dios.'

Harry and Jack left the house a short time later and retraced their steps to the inn. For a little while neither one spoke. Then, eventually, Jack threw his master a sideways glance.

'He'll get word to his nephew, I'm thinking.'

'Yes. I imagine he won't find it too hard.'

'He knew a lot more than he was letting on. I'd like to have searched t'rest of t'house.'

'That thought was in my