Jo and Lucas waited until the travel agency was almost empty before they entered and moved in her direction. As she looked up, astonishment then confusion briefly showed on her face before she was able to collect herself.
Jo spoke first as they sat down on the chairs in front of her desk, "Hi. My boyfriend and I wanted to book a holiday in Spain."
"Yes, of course. When did you want to go?" Ruth knew this wasn't any ordinary booking, and was taking care not to draw unwanted attention from her colleagues.
"We've only got a very short break. I've written the dates down," Jo handed over a folded piece of paper as she looked Ruth directly in the eyes, "Do you think we could leave them with you and call back later?"
"Sure, that'd be fine. How about this evening? 5.30?"
"That would be great. Thanks. See you then." Jo smiled, and Lucas led the way silently out the door.
"I hope she understands," said Lucas.
"Oh, she does," Jo was confident, "She'll be there."
*****
Later that day Lucas and Jo were seated drinking at a table in Mackenzie's pub, when Ruth arrived and ordered a sandwich. All around them the tables were quickly filling with people who were busy eating and drinking, completely ignorant of their neighbours.
Ruth took a seat at their table and smiled nervously at Jo, "Hello. What's wrong?" she asked.
"It's Harry," Jo replied, watching Ruth's face fill with concern, "He's missing, and we're pretty sure the Russians have him, but we can't find any trace of where they've taken him."
"What do you want me to do?" Ruth asked, looking first at Jo and then Lucas. Jo realised Ruth didn't know him and made a quick introduction.
Lucas smiled at Ruth and took control of the conversation; first he gave her some of the background about the Connie saga, then explained what they wanted, "We'd like you to find out whatever you can from the Russians. They must have him, but they're just not giving anything away."
The whole situation was totally unexpected. Whatever she may have daydreamed, Ruth never really thought she would have the chance to work with MI-5 again, and certainly not under these circumstances. She looked down at the table and back up again, nodding, "Okay. Where are we going to do this?"
"Back in London," Jo grinned, "And, if anyone else can help you with the Russians, Lucas can."
"Oh?"
"Five years after Harry recruited me, I was captured while undercover in Russia," said Lucas answering her almost silent question, "I spent eight years in a Russian jail."
Ruth nodded again and stood up, "Hadn't we better get started?"
