Text 4 a matter of honour

By Jeffrey Archer

Jeffrey Howard Archer (b.1940) – an English writer and former politician

(The hero of this 1986 novel, Adam Scott, has a letter bequeathed to him by his father, telling him to acquire a precious Orthodox icon which used to belong to the Russian tsars. Hidden in the icon is the document that proves that Russia did not sell Alaska to America but only leased it for 99 years. So now Adam is followed by all the secret services of Europe and the USA.)

The cinema door opened on to the busy pavement and Adam slipped into the main stream of commuters who were now returning home for dinner. As he kept walking he made certain of as little head movement as possible, but his eyes never stayed still, checking everything within 180 degrees.

He safely reconnoitered the crowded crossing, but once his foot touched the far pavement, he froze on the spot. Just ahead of him in the fast, jostling crowd stood a man in a raincoat. He was continually looking around. Was he one of Rosenbaum’s men, the police, or even British? There was no way of telling whose side he was on.

(10) Adam switched into a side road and almost knocked over a boy selling papers. “Le soldat anglais toujours à Genève” the headline blared.

He stared at the building in front of him but he knew there would be no point in his trying to hide there. He started to move away as a large, empty touring coach drew up and parked in front of the block. Smart blue lettering along the side of the coach proclaimed “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra”. Adam watched as some musicians walked out of the front door and climbed on to the coach carrying their instrument cases.

Adam decided he wouldn’t get a better opportunity. He walked quickly forward and stepped into the middle of them.

(20) He then continued past them through the open hotel door. The first thing he spotted in the crowded lobby was a double bass leaning against the wall. He glanced at the label around the neck of the case. “Robin Beresford”.

Adam walked to the counter and gestured to the clerk. “I need my room key quickly – I’ve left my bow upstairs and now I’m holding everyone up.”

“Yes, sir. What room number?” asked the clerk.

“I think it’s 312, or was that yesterday?” said Adam.

“What name, sir?”

“Beresford ['berizfəd] – Robin Beresford.”

The clerk handed him key 612. His only comment was, “You were three floors (30) out. ”

“Thank you,” said Adam. < …>

Adam woke with a start. Looking down at him was a girl who held a double bass firmly by the neck with one hand and a bow in the other.

“Who are you?” asked Adam, startled.

“I’m not Goldilocks, that’s for sure,” parried the girl. “More to the point, who are you?”

Adam hesitated. “If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me.”

“I can’t imagine why not,” she said.

“I am Adam Scott.”

(40) “Am I meant to swoon and run to your side, or scream and run away?” she enquired.

Adam suddenly realised that the girl couldn’t have watched television or read a paper for at least two days. He switched tactics. “I thought my friend Robin Beresford was meant to be booked into this room,” he said confidentially.

“ And so did I until I saw you on my bed.”

“You’re Robin Beresford? But Robin?”

“It’s not my fault my father wanted a boy,” she said. “And you still haven’t explained what you’re doing on my bed.”

“I should have a seat if I were you,” said Adam.

(50) “I’ll remain on my feet, if you don’t mind,” said Robin.

“Suit yourself. What would you like first? The good news or the bad news?”

“Try me on the bad news,” said Robin.

“The Swiss police want to arrest me and …”

“What for?” interrupted Robin.

“Murder,” said Scott.

“What’s the good news?” she asked.

“I’m innocent.”

NOTES
a commuter – one who travels regularly between two points, usu. home and workplace, маятниковый мигрант
the far pavement – the pavement on the opposite side of the street

a side road – a small road that is connected to a major road

“Le soldat anglais toujours à Genève” (French) – “The English soldier is still in Geneva”

a double bass [ə dʌbl 'b ei s] – a large musical stringed instrument

were ( three floors) out – your calculation was not correct

with a start – with a sudden movement because you are afraid or surprised

to swoon – to fall into a state of hysteria, rapture, or spiritual ecstasy

And so did I – here: and I thought so too

EXERCISES

I Find out who was Goldilocks.

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