“A little hasty and unskilful,” went on that sugary voice. “Neumann would have done much better. But it will do.”
“I only hope,” said the Saint, “the practice will come in handy when I have the chance to do the same to you.”
Julius sniggered delightedly.
He turned to Neumann.
“Take him back.”
Simon felt for his pack of cigarettes. There were only two left in it. He chose one with exaggerated care. For once in his life, his hands were unsteady.
Neumann and the other man were untying Morland and dragging him away. There was no one to be seen in the lighted window any more. Julius was speaking to Valmon.
“I shall leave you to begin explaining things to Miss Morland, while I finish with Mr Templar. Eberhardt and I can take care of him... You will not need to make any apologies for what Mr Templar has just done. You understand? Mr Templar is one of our best allies.”
Into Valmon’s dark face came a thin thread of white, the spreading gleam of his teeth.
“I get it.”