Bodie pried the last bar from the window and handed it to Thea. She hid it with the others under the big office desk, then got a broom and swept up the plaster from the floor.

"Good Lord, I didn't think of that," said the CI5 officer.

"Men never do think of the mess they make," said Thea. She looked at Bodie sternly but her lips twitched in a failed attempt to hide a smile.

He smiled back. "Can you make it through the window now?"

Thea grasped the sill. "I can make it."

"Wait." Bodie went over to the desk for paper and pencil. "I'm going to write down a phone number for you to call. The man you want is Major George Cowley. Tell him 3-7 and 4-5 need assistance at this address." He handed over the paper. "Before you go, I need to talk to Doyle."

Doyle was surprised when Thea came out of the office. One of the gunmen intercepted her and she spoke rapidly to him, then came over to the CI5 officer's table. "Uncle Ray, your friend is in a bad way. You must go to him."

The man with the gun shrugged when Doyle looked at him. "You may see your friend if you wish."

Apprehensive, Doyle hurried to the office, followed by Thea and the stranger. Bodie was lying on the couch, covered with tablecloths, rolling his head back and forth and moaning. Doyle sat next to his partner and took his hand. "Bodie? How are you, mate?"

For a moment there was no response, then the dark-haired man slowly opened his eyes and whispered, "Ray?"

Doyle cast a look over his shoulder. The gunman leaned against the doorjamb, Thea in front of him. "I'm right here."

Bodie's mouth moved as if he were trying to say something, but no sound came out. His partner bent over to hear him better, and he said softly, "I took the bars out of the window so Thea can go for help. Anything you want her to know, tell her now."

Doyle sat up and looked at the gunman. "He's not going to make it if he doesn't get to hospital soon. Just how long is it going to take before you're done here? Are you waiting for a special reservation?"

Thea paled as she realized the strangers were here for her father's friend, Demetrius Mirakis, but she immediately controlled herself. The gunman said coldly, "It is of no concern to you what we are here for. We will be gone soon. Your friend will have to wait."

Doyle's jaw tightened but he didn't argue. Bodie lay unmoving now and Doyle said to Thea, "Keep him warm and get me if he needs me again." He went out of the office without a backward look, and the stranger closed the door behind him.

Bodie sat up. "What was that about a special reservation?"

Thea wrung her hands. "My father's oldest friend is coming at nine o'clock."

"Is he important?"

"He is Demetrius Mirakis, the Greek ambassador!"

Bodie went over to the window. "That leaves us half an hour. Better be on your way, luv."

She gulped. "Mr Bodie, if those men come back and find me gone…" She couldn't complete the sentence.

"Let me worry about that," he said easily, giving her a boost through the window.

Thea bent down and kissed Bodie on the cheek. "God bless you." Then she was gone.