See Charlie Run by Brian Freemantle

bringing an encounter to a close with a gesture of politeness, Charlie said: ‘Would you like another drink? Maybe something stronger? I’m going to have the last one.’ As he turned to catch the waiter, Charlie saw that the smiling girl on the adjoining table was deep in conversation with a blonde-haired man who used his hands a lot when he spoke. Lucky bugger, Charlie thought: she looked like she might have been a goer.
    â€˜What do you want?’ demanded Fredericks.
    â€˜I thought I told you,’ said Charlie. ‘I want to see Kozlov and satisfy myself. And then – myself, again not through you – I want to arrange a meeting with the woman and be satisfied about her, as well. And I want you and I to get together and go through everything you’ve done, from the very first moment of contact. And when I’m satisfied about that, we’ll start making plans …’
    The waiter’s return prevented Fredericks’ immediate reaction, which was probably fortunate. This time he ordered whisky – imported, not local – and when they were alone he said: ‘I know all about you: what you did. I don’t buy that crap, your getting even, for being set up. You cost us a director and your people a director. In my book, that makes you a traitor. I don’t know how – can’t believe how – you managed to convince your own people you’re loyal. You haven’t impressed us. We think you should have stayed in jail and rotted there …’ The drinks came and the American had to stop. ‘I did everything I could to stop your coming,’ resumed Fredericks. ‘I don’t want you to be a part of anything …’
    It was impressive bluster, but Charlie guessed he’d won. He said: ‘You got a point?’
    Fredericks’ face stiffened, realizing his early advantage had gone. Striving to regain it, he leaned across the table towards Charlie and said: ‘You listen and you listen good. We’ve got a hell of a file on you so I know all about the act, too: the fuck-everybody-I’m-the-best routine. And I don’t buy that, either. You’re a jumped-up jerk and if you try anything clever – anything at all – it’s going to be your ass. That’s a personal promise. You understand?’
    He’s a big bastard, thought Charlie, letting the silence grow between them: probably thinks he could do it. Charlie said: TU be careful crossing roads.’
    Fredericks’ face grew taut once more, at the open mockery. ‘Yes,’ he said, with soft-voiced sincerity: ‘You be very careful.’
    â€˜Haven’t we sidetracked a little?’ It was good to be in control, Charlie thought. It had definitely been careless, earlier, though. He promised himself he wouldn’t make another mistake like that: he couldn’t afford to.
    â€˜What?’ demanded Fredericks.
    â€˜You’ve got a contact procedure?’
    â€˜Of course.’
    â€˜Use it, to set a meeting up for me. Alone.’
    Fredericks shifted, uncomfortable at Kozlov’s reaction the last time. He said: ‘He expects the crossing details at the next meeting.’
    â€˜Before anyone’s met the woman!’ jeered Charlie. ‘You just answered a question. The guy’s not professional and the whole thing is a load of balls. No one in their right mids would move, at this stage. He should know that. So should you.’
    Fredericks was sweating, angry at being so easily exposed. He said: ‘He’s frightened. Wants things to happen as quickly as possible.’
    â€˜I’m frightened,’ said Charlie. ‘Too frightened to move things more quickly than they should be moved.’
    â€˜He’s very cautious, too,’ said the American. ‘I’m his contact. He won’t make a rendezvous with anyone else.’
    â€˜Meet him first then,’ agreed Charlie. ‘Tell him the reason. I