The Oslo Affair (Shadows of War, #2) by CW Browning (read after .txt) 📗

my source gets delayed, it will be a quick trip.” Evelyn stuck to her cover story for her trip to Oslo. “I’m meeting someone in the city who has exclusive information for me.”

Anna smiled faintly.

“Then I’ll have to show you as much of Oslo as possible while you are here,” she said decidedly as a waiter approached the table. “We’ll start with a drink. Since this is your first time in Norway, shall I order for you?”

“Why not?” Evelyn said with a laugh. “I’m always ready for an adventure.”

Anna grinned and turned to the waiter, ordering their drinks swiftly. Evelyn gave up trying to understand what she was saying after the first few words and instead turned her attention to the other patrons in the restaurant. A single man sat at a table nearby, his head bent over a book while he waited for his dinner. She watched him for a moment, noting the cut of his jacket and the way he squinted at his book. He was a man used to spending more time with books than with people, she thought, and one who either didn’t know or didn’t care that his jacket was two seasons out of date.

“Now, tell me what it is you’re looking for?” Anna said once the waiter had departed for the bar.

Evelyn brought her gaze back to the woman across from her. “Pardon?”

Anna smiled and her eyes seemed to look right through her.

“I know you’re not just looking for a news story,” she said calmly. “And I know you didn’t come out tonight for our exciting nightlife. So what are you looking for? Perhaps I can help.”

Evelyn stared at her for a moment, her heart pounding. Was it that obvious? Had she made some kind of terrible mistake? How did Anna, who had been in her company for all of an hour, know that she wasn’t a journalist from London meeting a newspaper source?

“Don’t look so startled,” Anna said with a laugh, “and don’t worry. You didn’t give yourself away. Daniel Carew did. He sent me a message before Josef did.”

Evelyn felt her mouth drop open and she sat back in her chair, stunned.

“You...how do you know Mr. Carew?”

Anna eyeballed her for a second and then pulled a cigarette case out of her bag.

“Do you smoke?”

Evelyn nodded mutely and Anna held out the open case.

“I suppose we haven’t been very fair to you,” she said. “I work as a secretary at a law firm.”

“Yes, Else told me.”

“Yes, well what she didn’t tell you was that the law firm works closely with the French and the English embassies.” Anna tucked the cigarette case back into her bag and watched as Evelyn lit her cigarette. “I’ve known Mr. Carew for almost a year now. When he needs a translator, or a courier, I’ve been known to assist from time to time.”

“Then you know who I really am?”

“I know you’re not a journalist, and I don’t think your name is Maggie, is it?” Anna held up her hand. “Don’t tell me your real name. We’ll stick with Maggie. There are some things I don’t need to know.”

Evelyn couldn’t stop the short laugh that escaped.

“No, it’s not Maggie. I don’t look much like a Maggie, do I?”

“Not very.” Anna tilted her head to the side and considered her. “You don’t look anything like other agents Daniel’s had to visit either. I’m hoping you’re not like them. They were all rather stupid, to be honest. At least, the ones I met.”

“Have you met many?” Evelyn was getting over the shock now, and she even managed a smile for the server who came to the table with their drinks. “Oh lovely!” she added as a glass was set before her. “What is this?”

“Aquavit with lime cordial,” Anna said, smiling in thanks as a glass of wine was set in front of her. “Aquavit is Norway’s specialty. You really must try it while you’re here. I think you’ll like it. I’m partial to it with the lime cordial.”

“What is it?”

“It’s like a schnapps.” Anna held up her glass and smiled brightly. “Here’s to new friends and many adventures!”

Evelyn held up her glass and took a sip. Her eyes widened as the strong liquor hit the back of her throat and Anna grinned.

“It’s got a kick to it,” she said. “I forgot to warn you about that.”

“Forgot?” Evelyn repeated, her eyes watering.

Anna laughed. “Perhaps not,” she admitted, her eyes dancing. “Are you very angry?”

“Not in the slightest.” Evelyn set the glass down. “It’s very good. And I’m definitely more alert now.”

“Fantastic! Now tell me what we’re doing here tonight.”

Evelyn took a deep breath and looked across the table. It was clear that Anna knew much more than she’d been led to believe. Whether or not she could be trusted was another story. However, there could be no harm in telling her what she’d probably already guessed.

“Daniel said that there is some kind of convention in Oslo,” she said slowly. “He thought I might be able to gather some information from some of the visitors.”

Anna nodded briskly. “Ah yes. The Germans.”

She lowered her voice as she said the word and cast a quick glance around. Evelyn nodded, following her gaze. No one was paying them the least amount of attention and she exhaled.

“You say it as if it’s common knowledge,” she said, putting out her cigarette.

“Oh but it is! They make sure their presence is well-known, I assure you.” Anna took a sip of her wine. “They are not known for their humility, the Germans. The conference is a scientific symposium. It’s drawn scientists not only from Germany, but also from Sweden, France, the United States and Russia. It’s become something of a competition this week, almost like the Olympics but for smart people. It’s all in the newspapers.”

“The Soviets are here too?” Evelyn asked. “How intriguing.”

Anna grinned. “I’m glad you think so. Do you know anything about science?”

“Only what I learned at school. It wasn’t my best subject.”

“Nor mine. Pity. If one