As she hurried packed her things, athere was a series of loud knocks at the door, “Telegram for Miss Veil”
She opened the door, after assuring herself it must be important. She was correct, for the text read:
Cynthia:
Agent in peril; has been duped into assignment by fellow named Waddlesnot, known enemy agent STOP.
Try to intercept agent at DENVER Station. STOP
Arrives today on Centennial Starlight. Best of luck. If trouble call Washington exchange, ask operator for Ivanhoe 4-0989
Heidelberg END
She looked up from the message, unaware the messenger had been silently standing there the whole time. He extended his hand, causing Enigma to growl.
“Easy girl, he just wants some money. People like money, girl”
She walked to the table, and fetched her handbag, and turning curtly slapped some change in his palm.
“Thank you very much, now I must go” she said as she smiled and walked him back to the door, “Thanks again” she said as she slowly closed the door. As he descended the stairs she could see and hear him, looking at his palm “Oh, you are so wel-come... mam. Thanks a lot!”.
The sarcasm of his tone was not lost on her, but it surprised her. Why does hotel staff always think they have more coming that she was willing to pay, especially for such meager service?
She scooped Enigma from the floor, and with her free hand grabbed her overnight bag.
At the hotel desk, she stopped to say good bye, and the manager leaned across the counter “Miss Veil, you’re always welcome” he assured her.
“Tell it to your saucy bellman” she replied, nodding her head towards the young man who had brought her the telegram.
She could only smile as she heard him yell “You there, HERE….now PLEASE!” while walking out the turnstile doors.
Her route back to Denver was the most direct, for she had to arrive when the train did, or miss making the now urgent rendezvous. When she stopped for petrol, she used the pay phone, to call the number “Heidelberg” had included.
“Ivanhoe 4- 0989, to whom can I direct you call? “
“Heidelberg please”
“One moment…here it is, I’ll connect you”
“Heidelberg here”
“Cynthia, errr…agent…I don’t know”
“OK Agent I don’t know, you have a dog, what’s his name?”
“Her name is Enigma”
“Cynthia, It’s good to hear from you, but you must be in trouble, whats going on?”
“I wanted to make sure the agent has not changed plans. I can meet the train on time, I need to know more about how to recognize him”
“Stout, about 5’11”, graying hair in a pompadour. Should be wearing a wide brim fedora, with a worn out gray suit and well worn Thom McCanns. Anything else?”
“No, thanks”
“Remember, he is unaware of who you are…when you approach him, tell him you are his assistant’s cousin, sent to help him…her name is Curvey Kellie.
I am told she sort of looks like Ann Baxter
Now get going!”
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