Roger was looking forward to reporting to Grinning Griely although it had nothing to do with the Chief Superintendent. He wanted to see if Georgina would smile at him again.
He was in the anti-room waiting. He was obviously lost to the world, Georgina touched his arm breaking his reverie, the touch bolstered him.
"Penny for your thoughts," she said.
Roger pictured the knife puncturing Cynthia's breast on its way to her heart, he remembered slicing her, he remembered the vivacious spark snuffed as the life left her beautiful body. Balancing two lives against the crew of a ship. The numbers told the story but these thoughts could not be shared.
"It's the war is pernicious, not the brave people who fight it," Roger said.
He looked away, despite his sadness he was strangely uplifted. It was a story of honor. He'd come to realize the side you backed only controlled the penalty, courage was universal. The Great War, the War to end all Wars, did not and the world was facing this insanity again. Suffering the sad cost of countless lives lain in the path of the juggernaut of man's pride and vanity. The shining light of the brave was too small a boon to mitigate this madness.
"That's a deep thought," Georgina said, "maybe it was worth sixpence, but he wants you."
She nodded at Grierly's door. Roger nodded and entered the office, he encountered a horrific sight. Grinning Grierly was grinning, Grierly's muscles remembered how to express pleasure, how surprising.
Grierly stood offering his hand.
"Your brother briefed me, it was sad outcome but good thinking on your behalf, well done lad."
"Thank you, Sir."
"I've only got a Constable at her apartment you should be able to return the files undetected. I put Inspector Dodson on the case, he's a plodder. He hasn't found the floor safe. I didn't expect him to."
"So when I've put the files back, you'll clear the scene?"
Grierly nodded, "Your brother is handling the surveillance, fortunately. My force is filled with deadheads all the detectives with a sparkle in their eyes have joined up."
"Was that all the briefing, Sir, succinct my brother isn't?"
"No Hoyden, he said you were setting up a brothel, I can think of no one better suited."
Roger wondered if he was being praised, commended or scorned.
"It's a good idea Hoyden. If the files aren't picked up and the trail ends, your brothel will be a shining light to the Germans. You have the bait, just make sure the trap is set."
"I'm glad you are on-side, Sir. I think your experience will be useful."
"Thank you Hoyden. Yes I'll work with you."
Roger continued, "You'll like this... you'll dismiss me for some demeanor that is criminal but not prosecutable, together with any staff I select."
Griely smiled again, he was making a habit of it.
"Hoyden you are right I will enjoy sacking you. I suggest we resume hostilities, it will look better."
He stopped and thought, then added, "Hoyden don't take all the good staff, please. We still have to fight crime, it's not just the Germans."
"Hello Lola, can you spare me a moment. I have a proposition for you?"
Roger's voice immediately captured Lola's attention. She didn't just turn her head but her whole body. She leaned back in her chair, shoulders back forcing her generous breasts forward. Roger's eyes dipped to take in the body he had recently enjoyed. Lola was voluptuous there was no hardness in her, she was all soft curves. Soft curves which drew male attention, eyes and if they were lucky, hands.
"I can always spare you a moment," she winked, "or longer."
Roger smiled and walked away to an office he had commandeered. Roger could tell the seasons by Lola's shoes, Autumn had turned cold she had discarded her peep toed heels for penny loafers but the clatter of her heels betrayed that she was following faithfully.
Roger held the door and allowed Lola to pass him before he closed it firmly. He turned back to the room just in time to catch Lola as she threw herself into his arms.
"I have a proposition for you too, Roger," she said breathlessly, before she found a better use for her lips.
Roger reluctantly peeled Lola off his body.
"We need to talk."
"First," she said, "then..."
"Surely you don't want to loose your virginity yet again?"
"As many times as you want Roger."
He took her hand and led to one of the chairs around the conference table.
"Lola sit here, do not move until I tell you."
She pouted, then her tongue sensuously caressed her parting lips.
"I like dominant males."
"Lola, I am going to be frank-"
"Role play, I like that too."
"Lola!" he said firmly.
She nodded, deciding the sooner Roger finished his proposition the sooner she could fill her own agenda.
"Lola, you are the most insatiable women I know. I have concluded that you are a nymphomaniac, am I right?"
Her eyes drifted up and to the left. She was clearly thinking.
"You know, maybe I am. I only feel worthwhile in someones arms. I think of nothing but sex and I feel complete when I am exchanging fluids."
She leaned forward to stand.