Enigma

maliciously. The spectacles flashed gain. 'Incidentally, might I ask how you know she didn't come home?'
    He had learned it was better not to lie. 'Because I let myself in and waited for her.'
    'So. A housebreaker as well. I can see why Claire wants nothing more to do with you.'
    To hell with this, thought Jericho.
    'There are other things you should know. A man came to the cottage last night while I was there. He ran away when he heard my voice. And I just called Claire's father. He claims he doesn't know where she is, but I think he's lying.'
    That seemed to impress her. She chewed on the inside of her lip and looked away, down the hill. A train, an express by the sound of it, was passing through Bletchley. A curtain of brown smoke, half a mile long, rose in percussive bursts above the town.
    'None of this is my concern,' she said at last.
    'She didn't mention she was going away?'
    'She never does. Why should she?'
    'And she hasn't seemed odd to you lately? Under any sort of strain?'
    'Mr Jericho, we could probably fill this bus shelter -no, we could probably fill an entire double-decker bus—with young men who are worried about their relationships with Claire Romilly. Now I'm really very tired. Much too tired and inexpert in these matters to be of any help to you. Excuse me.'
    For the second time she mounted her bicycle, and this time Jericho didn't try to stop her. 'Do the letters ADU mean anything to you?'
    She shook her head irritably and pushed herself away from the kerb.
    'It's a call sign,' he shouted after her. 'Probably German Army or Luftwaffe.'
    She applied the brakes with such force she slid off the saddle, her flat heels skittering in the gutter. She looked up and down the empty road. 'Have you gone utterly mad?'
    'You'll find me in Hut 8.'
    'Wait a moment. What has this to do with Claire?'
    'Or, failing that, the Commercial Guesthouse in Albion Street.' He nodded politely. 'ADU, Miss Wallace. Angels Dance Upwards. I'll leave you in peace.'
    'Mr Jericho . . .'
    But he didn't want to answer any of her questions. He crossed the road and hurried down the hill. As he turned left into Wilton Avenue towards the main gate he glanced back. She was still where he had left her, her thin legs planted either side of the pedals, staring after him in astonishment.

4

    Logie was waiting for him when he got back to Hut 8. He was prowling around the confined space of the Registration Room, his bony hands clasped behind his back, the bowl of his pipe jerking around as he chomped furiously on its stem.
    'This your coat?' was his only greeting. 'Better bring it with you.'
    'Hello, Guy. Where are we going?' Jericho unhooked his coat from the back of the door and one of the Wrens gave him a rueful smile.
    'We're going to have a chat, old cock. Then you're going home.'
    Once inside his office, Logie threw himself into his chair and swung his immense feet up on to his desk. 'Close the door then, man. Let's at least try and keep this between ourselves.'
    Jericho did as he was told. There was nowhere for him to sit so he leaned his back against it. He felt surprisingly calm. 'I don't know what Skynner's been telling you,' he began, 'but I didn't actually land a punch.'
    'Oh, well, that's fine, then.' Logie raised his hands in mock relief. 'I mean to say, as long as there's no blood, none of your actual broken bones—'
    'Come on, Guy. I never touched him. He can't sack me for that.'
    'He can do whatever he sodding well likes.' The chair creaked as Logie reached across the desk and picked up a brown folder. He flicked it open. 'Let us see what we have here. “Gross insubordination,” it says. “Attempted physical assault,” it says. “Latest in a long series of incidents which suggest the individual concerned is no longer fit for active duties.”' He tossed the file back on his desk. 'Not sure I disagree, as a matter of fact. Been waiting for you to show your face around here ever since yesterday afternoon. Where've you been? Admiralty? Taking a swing at the First Sea Lord?'
    'You said not to work a full shift. “Just come and go as you please.” Your very words.'
    'Don't get smart with me, old love.'
    Jericho was silent for a moment. He thought of the print of King's College Chapel with the intercepts hidden behind it. Of the German Book Room and Weitzman's frightened face. Of Edward Romilly's shaken voice. 'My daughter's movements are as much a mystery to me as they seem to be to you.' He was aware that Logie was