The British Ambassador – a tall thin Scotsman from Edinburgh – was always quiet, polite and well-dressed, but she did not always believe what he said. Once – a year ago – he had lied to her and she could never forget that.
But most of all, she disliked them because they were both military and their countries were much bigger than hers. They wanted military bases for their soldiers in her country and she did not want them.
‘So, gentlemen, what can I do for you?’
The American spoke first. ‘Well, ma’am, an American passenger is dead ….’
‘Yes, I know. I am very sorry about that. I hope no more will die.’
‘I hope so too, ma’am. There are twenty-eight US passengers on that plane and my Government wants to keep them alive.’
There are a hundred and seven passengers on that plane, Ambassador, and my Government wants them all alive,’ Helen answered quietly. But the Ambassador did not listen.
‘So the US Government is going to help you, ma’am. We have fifty US Marines at the US Embassy, and they can be here in one hour from now. Then they’ll just take that goddam plane apart.’
