Had the AC divined his disappointment?

‘As it is I dare say they’ll expect you to go, which will probably make it tougher for Stephens here. But they’ll have to learn to get on without our celebrities — obviously, you weren’t going to remain a CI for ever. So, if you’ll just give Stephens a little off-the-record briefing, we’ll leave you in peace with the unlamented James Fisher.’

‘I wouldn’t have minded…’

The words stuck in his throat, but somehow he felt that he had to get them out.

‘The way things are going… Pagram can probably manage. Though I don’t want to stand in anyone’s way…’

The AC looked at him in mild surprise, his spectacles dangling from his hand. Hadn’t it really occurred to him that Gently might want the case, that he was loathing every moment of his office-bound routine?

‘Well, in that case, Gently, what can I say?’

He shot a glance at Stephens, who was standing by impassively.

‘I quite agree that the Fisher business is falling into place, and if you’re agreeable, you’re the very man for the other. Am I to understand that you’d like to have the case?’

As though he needed to ask it! Gently nodded dumbly.

‘In that case it’s yours — oh, and you’d better take Stephens with you. I know that Dutt is your regular man, but I think that Stephens will be of more use to you.’

It was a judgement of Solomon, and Gently was in no mood to question it. Neither, it seemed, was Stephens, who swallowed but said not a word. The AC handed them a folder containing a copy of the report, then dismissed them with a perfunctory ‘Good night’ which still contained a note of surprise in it.

Closeted with Gently in his office, Stephens became apologetic. He had an uncomfortable feeling that he had made a gaffe and created a bad impression with Gently.

‘I can’t say how glad I am that you’ve taken it. I was dreading having to go there, treading in your footsteps…’