Debut for a Spy by Harry Currie Page A

unnamed, it was a jet which took off and landed vertically or with a short run, and then converted to conventional flight as a fighter. Under development by Hawker Aircraft, it promised to revolutionize air warfare, especially in the close support role.
    Philip explained that the principle of rotating jet nozzles was called 'vectored thrust', and Hawker was leading the world in VTOL aircraft. The technology was a closely guarded secret.
    I thought about it for a moment, throwing out a question.
    “What about the Russians? Have they been working on anything similar? If we're this far advanced, I'd be surprised if they weren't watching every step of the way.”
    “ We've heard rumors about a VTOL program in Russia, but nothing concrete. France is the closest – Dassault has a program based on one of the Mirage fighters. But they're all trying to use separate engines for the take-off and landing, with a conventional jet for horizontal flying. This way the vertical engines become dead weight during normal flight, and it severely limits the aircraft's performance. We seem to be the only ones who have mastered the 'vectored thrust' principle, and that's why the technology is top secret.”
    “ I hope they're minding the store,” I commented. “If the Soviets want something they go after it. All these defectors haven't exactly instilled confidence in British security.”
    Philip became a bit defensive. The defections of Burgess, MacLean, and the others had embarrassed Britons to the core, apart from the damage they had done through their espionage.
    “Not to worry, old chap. I'm sure as far as the P1127 is concerned they've got it tightly battened down. Ivan will never get his hands on those documents – you mark my words.”
    We continued talking about flying for the rest of lunch. I hadn't flown in over a year, and I was beginning to realize how much I missed it. Philip offered to take me up in his Cessna, and we parted like old friends, promising to keep in touch.
    I was wondering what to do for the afternoon – I had my tux with me, and it seemed pointless to drive home, sit around for a couple of hours, and then drive back for the concert.
    Archie settled it for me, appearing at my elbow as I was thanking the commandant for his hospitality. Marijke was with him.
    “David, if you've got nothing pressing this afternoon, I wonder if you could run Miss Templaars back to her embassy and return her here for the concert? There are some papers which I'm going to need sooner than we had anticipated. We've had to move the date of our Moscow visit up considerably. I'd do it myself, but I've got a meeting with the examiners which I can't put off.”
    I looked at Marijke, receiving a smile of reassurance, and that was enough for me. “Sure, Archie, I'd be happy to.”
    I smiled at Marijke, and she returned it with warmth.
    “I can use your phone, Colonel Mowatt? I make sure these papers are ready so we don't must wait. David, you are sure it doesn't give trouble for you?”
    I assured her it did not, and she touched my arm as Archie led her to the phone. I strolled into the museum to look at some of the wonderful collection of ancient instruments while I waited, and, in a short while, Marijke found me there.
    “David, I telephone to Vladimir Nalishkin that you drive me to the embassy, and he say he likes to see you for a few minutes when we are there. Is it permissible with you?”
    I loved her turn of phrase.
    “Of course it is. Are you ready to go?”
    “ Yes, only for one thing.”
    With that she leaned over and kissed me – not wanton, but not chaste – It lingered for a mo ment. She drew back and smiled.
    “ There,” she breathed, “now I claim my rain check.”
    “ Yes, you have,” I quipped with a grin, “and now I'm sorry I didn't give you two rain checks to claim.”
    “ But you didn't, David Baird,” she said softly. “Yes, I think I like you very much.” She paused, and the mischievous smile returned.