The Invisible Assassin(46)

‘You were talking about the book,’ Jake reminded him.

‘The one you have,’ said Munro, watching him intently.

Jake shook his head.

‘I haven’t got it. You’re right, Lauren and I took it last night, but she and Carl Parsons took it with them. The idea was for Parsons to take care of it because he was less likely to have his flat burgled. Also, he said he could hide it better than either of us.’

‘Do you know where?’ asked Munro.

‘No,’ admitted Jake.

‘A pity,’ sighed Munro.

‘Find Lauren,’ said Jake. ‘She’ll know where it is. She may even have it with her.’

Munro nodded.

‘I still don’t get it,’ said Jake. He waved his hand around at the luxurious offices. ‘All this costs money to keep up. Someone’s got to pay for it. Likewise, searching the world for the hidden texts must cost a huge amount.’ He gave Munro a quizzical look. ‘No matter how much you may care for the “common good”, there’s got to be a reason why you pour so much money into searching for these books. You’ve got to get paid for it.’

A small smile crossed Munro’s face. ‘Money, indeed, Jake. The force that seems to drive the world. But, in this case, not necessarily so. As you rightly point out, the search for the books does cost a great deal of money. But fortunately we are the kind of firm with many very wealthy clients, and not all of them want to keep the money for themselves. I’m sure you know about Bill Gates and Microsoft pumping millions into Third World health charities?’

‘You’re saying he’s one of your clients?’

‘No,’ said Munro. ‘I’m just giving you that as an example. We have many wealthy clients who feel that the hidden texts should be found, and the information and discoveries used to make this world a better place. They channel their money to us to try to make that a reality.’ He sighed. ‘Unfortunately, of course, we are up against very powerful oppositions.’

‘The government,’ said Jake bitterly, thinking about Gareth and the Department of Science.

‘Not just the government of this country,’ said Munro. ‘Other governments, especially those who fear these discoveries could result in dangerous new weapons. And large chemical companies who make millions from selling drugs, just because they hold the patents on them. There are many organisations who want to make sure that these books are never found.

‘There are other companies who want the books so they can patent the sciences in them, and so make massive profits from them. There are also weapons manufacturers and terrorist organisations who would love to get hold of some of the sciences and use them as weapons. Like this El Izmir book on fungal spores, for example. Look what happened to that worker who was contaminated at the site by the spores. Imagine that on a massive scale. A biological weapon that doesn’t destroy buildings. That’s a potential gold mine!’ His tone suddenly became very serious. ‘It also represents a threat of nightmare proportions. That’s why it’s vital that book doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.’

Jake nodded. ‘Yes, I see,’ he said. ‘But I don’t know where I fit in.’

‘Because you have seen the book. You know it exists. And because Ms Graham obviously trusts you. If she is out there and she’s going to get in touch with anyone, I believe that will be you.’ He leant forward, the expression on his face now deadly concerned. ‘You are the key to finding this book. We got you out of jail because we need you to help us find it. For the good of the world.’ His face softened. ‘It’s also what Ms Graham wants.’

‘Yes,’ admitted Jake. It was. Bring the hidden library out into the open, for the common good.

Munro sat back, relaxed.

‘So, can we count on your help?’ he asked.

‘Right now the book isn’t as important as finding Lauren,’ Jake responded. ‘But if finding the book will help find Lauren and get her back safely, and it seems that’s the case, then yes, you can count on my help.’

‘Excellent!’ Munro beamed. He looked at his watch. ‘It’s getting late. You must be tired.’

Yes, I am, realised Jake. I’ve been running on adrenalin ever since those two men tried to kill me in Marsham Street, and now it’s wearing off. I need to sleep.

‘The car will take you back to the apartment,’ said Munro. ‘Get yourself a good night’s sleep, and remember you have an appointment with Ms Clark and the police tomorrow morning.’

‘I won’t forget,’ said Jake.