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He had waited
until the old Frenchman had turned into the first villa before reversing direction and heading
straight for the main complexAs he had done so many times over the past thirty years, he was
forced to think quickly on his feet?usually running feet?building plausible explanations that
would support a number of obvious possibilities as well as others not so obviousHe had just
committed an unavoidable yet stupid error, unavoidable because he was not prepared to give
Tranquility Inn?s desk a false name in case identification was required, and stupid because he had
given a false name to the hero of FranceWell, not stupid; the similarity of their surnames might
have led to unwanted complications where the purpose of his trip to Montserrat was concerned,
which was quite simply extortion?to learn what so frightened Randolph Gates that he would rolex gmt part
with fifteen thousand dollars, and having learned it perhaps collect a great deal moreNo, the
stupidity was in not taking the precautionary step he was about to takeHe approached the front
desk and the tall, slender clerk behind it
?Good evening, sir,? fairly yelled the inn?s employee, causing the judge to look around, grateful
that there were very few guests in the lobby?However I may assist you, be assured of my
perfection!?
?I?d rather be assured of your keeping your voice down, young man
?I shall whisper,? said the clerk inaudibly
?What did you say??
?How may I help you?? intoned the man, now sotto voce
?Let?s just talk quietly, all right??
?CertainlyI am so very privileged
?You are??
?Of course
?Very well,? said Prefontaine?I have a favor to ask of you??
?Anything!?
?Shhh!?
?Naturally
Robert Ludlum ?? THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
86
?Like many fake cartier watch men of advanced age I frequently forget things, you can understand that, can?t
you??
?A man of your wisdom I doubt forgets anythingI?m traveling incognito, you do know what I mean
?Most assuredly, sir
?I registered under my name, Prefontaine??
?You certainly did,? interrupted the clerkMy office and those I?ve told to reach me expect to ask for a ?MrPatrick,?
my middle nameIt?s harmless subterfuge to allow me some much needed rest
?I understand,? said the clerk confidentially, leaning over the counter
?You do??
?Of courseIf such an eminent person as yourself were known to be a guest here, you might find
little restAs another, you must have complete privvissy! Be assured, I understand
? ?Privvissy?? Oh, good Lord
?I shall myself alter the directory, Judge? I said nothing about being a judge Consternation was apparent on the man?s
embarrassed face?A balenciaga giant brief bag slip born of wishing to serve you, sir
?And of something else?someone else
?On my word, no one here other than the owner of Tranquility Inn is aware of the confidential
nature of your visit, sir,? whispered the clerk, again leaning over the counter?All is total
privvissy!?
?Holy Mary, that -bleep- at the airport??
?My astute uncle,? continued the clerk, overriding and not hearing Prefontaine?s soft monotone,
?made it completely clear that we were privileged to be dealing with illustrious men who required
total confidentialityYou see, he called me in that spirit??
?All right, all right, young man, I understand now and appreciate everything you?re doingJust
make sure that the name is changed to Patrick, and should anyone here inquire about me, he or she
is to be given that nameDo we understand each other??
?With clairvoyance, honored Judge!?
?I hope gold chanel jewelry not
Four minutes later the harried assistant manager picked up the ringing telephone?Front desk,?
he intoned, as if giving a benediction
?This is Monsieur Fontaine in Villa Number ElevenI wondered if you might help meI met a charming American on the path perhaps a
quarter of an hour ago, a man about my own age wearing a white walking capI thought I might
ask him for an ap?ritif one day, but I?m not sure I heard his name correctly
He was being tested, thought the assistant managerGreat men not only had secrets but
concerned themselves with those guarding them?I would have to say from your description, sir,
that you met the very charming Mr
?Ah, yes, I believe that was the nameAn Irish name, indeed, but he?s American, is he not??
?A very learned American, sir, from Boston, MassachusettsHe?s in Villa Fourteen, the third
west of yoursSimply dial dior messanger bag seven-one-fou
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