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The Red Lion Pub

Parliament Street, London

Tuesday, late afternoon

“Okay, if you say so. Do you know Benbett taught me to drive?”

“The butler taught you to drive?”

“Benbett was a fan of the race car circuit when he was young. He was an amazing teacher. He taught Tommy too.”

“That was the hope way back when, but the government always needs more money, so any excuse will do. But it makes you wonder what it would be like in London if it didn’t cost so much to drive here. We’re nearly there. See the white building on the corner of Parliament Street? That’s the Red Lion Pub. It’s the second-oldest pub in London, here for over three hundred years.” She gave him a sideways grin. “Older than the United States.”

He grinned. “And what’s the oldest?”

She laughed. “Welcome to England, Rome.”

“Thank you. I certainly hope so.”

As soon as they sat, a cheese plate and tea appeared. And a fourth plate and cup. Rome would have preferred coffee, black and strong, but after adding some lemon, it was quite good.

John said, “How is your mother coping?”

“She seems all right, given the shock and terror of it all. It will take time.”

Rome said easily, “Actually, Elizabeth helped save herself. She knows how to do that now, sir, as you already know.”

“I do want to hear more about your three months with Hurley Janklov.”

Rome rose, shook his hand. “It’s a pleasure, Mr. Aziz.”

Elizabeth cocked her head. “Mr. Aziz.” There was a clear question in her voice. He offered his hand and she shook it.

John looked around and lowered his voice, though conversation in the pub was at crowd level. “Of course you’re wondering what Khaled has to do with your situation. As I said, he’s been undercover at the South London Mosque for the past six months working to gain the trust of the new imam, Ali Ahmad Said, and more recently, the trust of his younger sister, Adara Said. I will let Khaled tell you why I brought you here, what it is Adara said to him at lunch today.” He nodded to Khaled.

He nodded to them and left. Like Khaled, his umbrella was ready for the elements before he reached the door.