‘Very well then. You can’t just abandon the poor devil because you’re afraid of getting involved in something unpleasant. All I want you to do is go and see Sismondi.
‘Find out what he knows. Evidentally he thinks you’ve got something he wants. Play on that.’
I remembered the silky tone in which Sismondi had offered me that bribe. Hell! It wasn’t my pigeon. ‘I’m sorry,’ I said. ‘I don’t want to get mixed up—’
‘Damn it, Farrell, don’t you realise Tucek’s life may be in danger. Listen! This is the second time in two months that somebody important has come through from the other side and then disappeared here in Italy. There have been others, too. Our people have been offered information that could only have been brought through by people who have completely disappeared. They’ve had to pay through the nose for it. Now do you understand? The man’s life is at stake.’
‘That’s your affair,’ I answered. ‘You and Maxwell were organising the thing. It’s up to you to see that he’s safe.’
‘All right,’ he answered in a tone of sudden anger. ‘I’ve slipped up. I admit it. Now I’ve come to you. I’m asking you to help me.’ He was forcing his voice under control, suppressing his anger, trying desperately to assume humility.
‘I’ve given you all the help I can,’ I answered. ‘I’ve told you everything that’s happened. I’ve given you a complete account of my telephone conversation with Sismondi. It’s up to you now. Go and see him. Batter the truth out of him.’
But he shook his head. ‘I’ve thought of that. It wouldn’t work. Sismondi won’t be the man we’re looking for. He probably knows very little. But if you were to suggest that you had the papers they’re after—’
‘No,’ I said. ‘I’m through with that sort of game. You should know that better than any one,’ I added in a tone of sudden bitterness.
‘Then you won’t help?’