Chapter 8 Chapter 5 Royal Feast
As far as the happiest day in Ryan's life was that day, that was probably except for John four years ago.Today is the day after little Sally was born at Hopkins Hospital.But today's day was really tough, he waited and waited until it was almost six o'clock in the evening before everything was sorted out.It took a bit of skill to get clothes to fit on one's own casted arm, and it wasn't easy to fall headlong into a wheelchair that had been prepared.For this wheelchair, Ryan complained for a long time before. However, despite his opinion, it seems that there is no difference in British hospitals and American hospitals. This rule cannot be broken because of him: since it is Patient, how decent it is for you to walk out of the hospital by yourself, and others will think you are fine.A well-dressed British policeman pushed him out of the ward and finally came out, Ryan thought.He didn't look back again.
In the corridor, probably everyone on this floor of the hospital is ready, the doctor, the nurse, and for the past week and a half, he walked along the half-lit corridor with his plaster arm raised at a ten-degree angle. When practicing walking, all the patients I know are lined up.A burst of applause rang out at the same time.Jack blushed instantly.When several familiar patients enthusiastically approached him to shake hands, he was even more embarrassed and didn't know what to do.God!It's not like welcoming the Apollo astronauts back to Earth, Wren thought.Aren't people here in the UK always quite reserved?How come they all look like western cowboys.
As the host, Nurse Katie gave a small emotional speech in front of everyone.She praised Ryan for his seamless cooperation over the past three weeks, and also said that she had never taken care of such a good model patient.God!This time I have become a role model for patients again, really.Ren blushed again.When the emotional speech came, Nurse Katie presented another large bouquet of roses, saying that it represented everyone's heart, wishing him a speedy recovery, and asking him to forward the flowers to Kathy.Lady Wren, at last she stooped again and kissed Jack on behalf of all.Jack held flowers in his hand, and faced this battle for the first time in his life, he really didn't know what to say, so he stood up and kissed Nurse Katie back, besides this, he really didn't know what else he could say What, what else can I do.In good conscience, Katie was a very nice nurse, young and pretty.Nurse Katie reluctantly hugged Jack's flower, plaster, and Jack together, and she couldn't help but shed tears after that.Tony standing behind Nurse Katie.Wilson winked quietly at Jack, obviously the kid wished Katie had kissed himself.The police behind pushed the wheelchair forward slowly, Jack shook hands with everyone one by one, and then got into the elevator amidst the sound of farewell.
Next time you see me shot down in the street, Ryan said, don't save me, just let me die there!
The policeman behind laughed, look, your kindness is really unrewarding!Is it all our fault after all?
makes sense.Ren shook his head and sighed.
When the elevator descended to the first floor where the lobby door was open, Ren breathed a sigh of relief. Except for the queen's husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and a group of security personnel, there was no lively scene on the seventh floor in the main hall of the hospital.
Hello, Your Majesty!How dare you work? You said that Ryan tried to stand up from the chair, but the Duke of Edinburgh waved his hand to signal him to sit down.
Sit down, Jack!How about it?how are youSaid the two shook hands.Seeing Mr. Queen approaching and holding out his hand, Ryan was almost worried that he would come to push the wheelchair to call him out. If so, it would be a crime. Fortunately, after the two shook hands, the police behind continued Slowly pushed the wheelchair forward.The Duke of Edinburgh walked towards the main entrance with the wheelchair beside him.Looking at the main entrance of the hall ahead, Jack pointed his finger there.
His Majesty!You know, if only I could get out of that door, I'd be half as good again.
That's right, you must be hungry!
You mean hospital food feeds people?God!If you bring a horse with you to play polo with, I'm afraid I can eat one in one go.
Mr. Queen smiled, and we will handle this, so you won’t be so hungry that you will eat horses.
There may be a dozen or so security personnel in the hall, surrounded by Mr. Queen and Renn.A Rolls-Royce was parked in the driveway outside, along with at least four other sedans.Look at the way the people nearby are dressed, they are definitely not ordinary idlers.It was already dark outside, and it was hard to see if there were people walking around on the top of the hospital building and several nearby buildings, but Ren knew that there must be people there.That’s okay, Ryan thought, the British police should at least be more careful when it comes to security, but I’m really ashamed to think about it. Doesn’t it mean that those terrorists have already prevailed.If the social order, which was supposed to be safe and sound, changed a little after they disturbed it, even if it was only a little change, it would mean that they had already won.What a group of guys who should be killed.Thinking of this, Ren couldn't help but sighed.When he got out, the wheelchair was pushed all the way to the front of the Rolls Royce.
Can I finally get up now?Said Renn took a step forward.As a result, he probably got up too quickly, or he didn't estimate the weight of the plaster cast well. He just got out of the wheelchair when he stepped on the ground with one foot and the other foot was still standing still, but the whole person staggered and almost fell. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and supported the opened door frame with one hand. Fortunately, he didn't make a big embarrassment, but he scared the guard who came up to him to help him.Ren shook his head angrily, blaming himself.He stood in front of the door for several seconds.His left arm, which was covered with plaster, was bent upside down and raised halfway upwards. His stupid appearance was very similar to that of a violinist performing on stage, except that he didn't have a violin under his jaw.He hesitated for a while without moving. It turned out that he was researching, trying to choose a good way to get into the car.After struggling for a long time, he finally figured it out. If he wanted to go in with his current state, his plaster arm had to go ahead. Got into the car.The Duke of Edinburgh also bypassed the car body and sat in the car on the right side. The arrangement of the two of them on the left and one on the right is also suitable for Ren's left arm, which was cast.After sitting down, he took a private look.This was the first time in his life that he sat in a Rolls-Royce, and it didn't seem as spacious as he had imagined.
How about it?Are you still sitting still?
Well, I need to be more careful before this ghost pokes a hole in your car window.Speaking of which, Ren leaned back in the chair, shook his head in satisfaction, then closed his eyes comfortably and smiled.
It looks like you really wish you could leave the hospital one day sooner.
Your Majesty, you are right, and this time, this is the third time I have entered the factory for maintenance and overhaul!Even an iron car would be enough.The Duke smiled and then signaled to the driver ahead.The convoy drove slowly out of the hospital and onto the street, with Rolls-Royce in the middle, guarded by two cars at the front and rear.By the way, may I ask Your Majesty, is there anything else to do tonight?
Oh, I forgot to tell you, it's really nothing, it's just a small party, it's kind of a welcome to leave the hospital, we invited some good friends to have dinner together.
good friend?some good friends?Jack thought to himself, I don't know how much these represent?Is it twenty, fifty, or one hundred?have dinner?Dinner with Mr. Queen of the British Empire?That would be in God!What do these Brits think of themselves?Your Majesty, I'm afraid this is too much trouble for you. I feel that I have disturbed you too much, but you really don't have to.
Tsk!Tsk!What are you talking about?Jack, don't say we owe you a debt and we can't repay it. Even if you are a guest in England, after three weeks in the ward, it is time for you to come out and meet new friends.You know, I just finished your last book on Sunday night, it was really good, don't forget to send me your next book when it comes out.By the way, you know, the queen and your wife get on really well too.It's really enviable to say it!Being able to find such a good wife and giving birth to such a well-behaved daughter, she is like a piece of precious jade, which makes people like it when they see it. She is really a cute little angel.
Ren nodded.Speaking of Kathy and Sally, he sometimes feels that he is really lucky. Hearing from Kathy, she has seen almost all the castles here. Speaking of which, I have to thank you again. You really took the trouble to help her I made such a good arrangement, thanks to being accompanied by such a good guide, otherwise I would not know how to go, let alone see so many places.
The Duke of Edinburgh waved his hand indifferently, obviously this matter was nothing to him.By the way, how is your progress with this book now?Wouldn't it be delayed by calling the hospital once?
How come, Your Majesty.I am having a great time writing it.In fact, if you just look at it from a writing point of view, Ren’s hospitalization this time really did him a big favor. At least during the three weeks in bed, he took the opportunity to sort out all the details carefully. Once again, if it was different, he would have such a good time to do this. Therefore, in the past three weeks, almost two hundred pages of content have been loaded into the memory of his laptop computer. is an added bonus.Not only that, but he also took advantage of this rare gap to think about other things.I think this lesson has taught me at least one thing, that is, facing the computer keyboard boringly typing keys all day long is much better than facing a gun, both of which have to be forced You decide what to do, but the latter is obviously more difficult, and you are not allowed to make mistakes.Speaking of this, Ren sighed, it seems that he also expressed his feelings!
The Duke of Edinburgh patted Ryan's right knee understandingly, you can't live in the shadow of the past, Jack, in fact you didn't do anything wrong.
maybe!But who knows?When the gun is pointed at you, you can only react subconsciously based on instinct. As for whether it is wrong or right to do so, I can’t predict it. If I knew in advance that I would do this, if I made a wrong decision instinctively , so what should I do?As he spoke, he unconsciously turned his head and looked out the window, think about it!I'm sitting here at this meeting and I look pretty confident. I've studied history, and I've done some work on naval warfare in particular. My research is on how people make the best decisions under pressure.But you see, when it was me, I didn't know how to make this decision or whether it should be done well, really!I was discouraged after thinking about it.Speaking of which, Jack turned his head and looked at the Duke of Edinburgh, Your Majesty, no matter what you say, you just can't kill people casually, and no one can do it, no matter how good your reason is.
You shouldn't be thinking about it too much, Jack.This thing is over.
Yes.Your Majesty, I know.Ren said and turned to the window again.The queen's husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, looked at him like his own father, and that was many years ago.It's just that conscience and conscience are the manifestations of morality, and morality and courage are symbols of civilization.My dad used to say when he was alive that many of the criminals he saw had no idea what a conscience was, let alone morality and civilization, and I guess that's the difference between all good guys and bad guys, or good and evil.
That's right, I think your introspection and self-control are quite good. It's a good thing, but don't overdo it. It's the same as everything, Jack. If the best thing is over The head will have the opposite effect, really don't continue to think about it.As far as my impression of Americans is concerned, it seems that you would rather look forward than recall the past, and it seems that you are quite an exception.If you really can't control yourself to think objectively, at least you should also think on the bright side.
OK!His Majesty.I understand what you mean, and thank you for worrying about my affairs.It's just that it's not easy for me to forget these things. In the past twenty days, Jack has hardly slept at night. Every time he recalls the shocking scene on Moore Street, he can't help but hear the echo of gunshots and explosions again.It has been three weeks since the incident happened, but the scene at that time is still vivid. This is something that has never been mentioned in the police shootout movies on TV. It is one thing to ask you to kill one with a gun Afterwards, it was another matter to recall this scene over and over again. Recalling the horrible facts in his mind was always impressive and obvious. He really hoped that one day he could really forget about it.
The convoy turned left onto the Westminster Bridge and stayed in the hospital for three weeks. Jack only knew that it was St. Thomas Hospital, but he had no idea of the location of the hospital. He only heard the sound of trains and Westminster Abbey all the time The bell that struck the hour every hour, he had privately estimated, should be not far from the railway station and Westminster Abbey.He looked up at the famous pointed-vaulted Gothic building of Westminster Abbey.You know, Your Majesty, when I come to England this time, apart from doing some research for writing a book, I really want to take a good look at your England. It seems that I may have to save this wish for another time.
Hey!Jack, do you really think we'll let you go so easily and let you go back to America?Speaking of which, the Duke of Edinburgh couldn't help laughing at his own words. We in the UK have always been famous for our hospitality.of course!It's not all the tourists who come here to walk around and see, so you can rest assured.They will make arrangements for themselves.
oh!I don't think I can say thank you any more.
Through the car window, Ren looked at the surrounding environment in private. He wanted to know where they were at this time, and at the same time, the convoy was heading in that direction.It seems that as far as he can remember, the street map of the city of London in his mind has gradually become a little outline. After crossing the Westminster Bridge, it seems to be Bokai Road. Isn't it only a few steps away from the scene of his injury?Just turn around the street ahead!Isn't this the lake that little Sally pointed to that day?Ahead, through the shoulder of the security officer in the left front seat, he could vaguely see Buckingham Palace.Looking at this appearance, it is obvious that the motorcade is going back to the palace. It is one thing to know that you are going, but when the magnificent Buckingham Palace is in front of you, the uncontrollable excitement makes Lei Eun is a little fidgety.
Sure enough, the convoy entered Buckingham Palace, and they turned in through the northeast gate.The word Buckingham Palace is no stranger to Ryan. From media reports or pictorial calendars, he has often seen the palace, but he has never seen it so close, let alone being in it. .From what I saw just now, the guards around the palace do not seem to be as heavily guarded as imagined, but it is absolutely impossible for outsiders to know exactly what is placed in such a large square palace.Look at this formation, maybe it can accommodate the next battalion, who knows?Perhaps a battalion of the Welsh Guards was quartered there.Of course, there must be a lot of electronic detection equipment here, but ordinary people can't see it.Based on the past experience of the British royal family and the current accident, the security in the palace is not as high as that of the White House in Washington DC, and it may be even stricter than the White House, at least the space around the White House is not as large as here.
It was completely dark now, and the surrounding scenery was not very clear. I just felt that the Rolls-Royce seemed to pass through an arch, and the cars in front and behind the convoy had disappeared at some point.The car slowly drove into a large courtyard, followed by passing through a canopy. Ren saw a guard of the Guards armed with a gun, and saluted the car with a sharp movement. After a few steps, the car After stopping, a servant in uniform stepped up and opened the door lightly.
The action of getting off the car is much easier for Rennes than getting on the car just now, you just need to follow the reverse steps when getting on the car just now.I saw that he turned half a circle clockwise with ease, then backed up and stepped out of the car door, and then took back his plaster arm, and it was done!This will come out.The servant at the back quickly reached out to support his arm.Jack wanted to thank the other party for his kindness, but it seemed unnecessary to thank him on this occasion.
It seems that you can get on and off the car a few more times and you will be familiar with it.The Duke of Edinburgh on the side said something jokingly.
You say so, Your Majesty.Jack followed Mr. Queen to the gate, and behind the gate, he bowed to the servants again.
I remember something, Jack remembers the first time the Queen and I went to see you in the hospital, it seemed like you were more comfortable with the Queen than with me, what happened?
oh!this!Your Majesty, have you not served in the Navy?
True, but what does that have to do with it?Mr. Queen turned to look at him curiously.
Ren smiled, Your Majesty, you know that I teach at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, where all you see is the Navy all day long, but you probably forgot that I used to be in the Marine Corps, you You know the holidays between the Navy and the Marine Corps in our place?In the official school, I was alone and weak, but here, we were evenly matched one-on-one.So if our Marine Corps knows that I have hooked up with an old navy and become good friends, I will be surprised if they don't send someone to tear down my class and dismiss me.
oh!Unexpectedly, you are really a Marine Corps for a day, and a Marine Corps for life!The Duke humorously recited a slogan of the Marine Corps, and the two laughed out loud at the same time.
Before entering the palace, Ren had already mentally prepared for the magnificence here, but after seeing it with his own eyes, he still couldn't help but hold his breath and praise secretly, because the scene after entering the house is really amazing Four words to describe.Think about it, it is here, almost half of the earth was under its command and rule in the past, not to mention the antiquities it possessed during the one or two hundred years of the heyday of the British Empire, even if the whole world once went here The scale of the ceremony of paying tribute to the court is staggering.After entering the door, in the wide corridor along the way, there are all works of art as far as the eye can see, whether it is hanging oil paintings or placed sculptures, the number is so large that it may take a long time to count it.The four walls are almost entirely decorated with ivory-colored silk brocade, and the pattern on the top is also glittering with yellow gold threads. As for the feet, there are scarlet-colored handmade carpets that represent imperial power. Heads are either high-end marble or mahogany floors.Jack secretly calculated the value of these things in front of him from the perspective of a broker in the stock market in the past. After blinking his eyes, he stuck out his tongue again. Today, he has seen the meaning of the words priceless.Not to mention anything else, just these authentic oil paintings hanging on the wall, if they are sold at a price outside the market, I’m afraid the art world won’t be turned upside down; just look at the gold plating on those picture frames, Ren Shaking his head, it's a pity that he hastily scanned and didn't have time to look carefully one by one, even if he lived here for another three to five months, he wouldn't be able to see all the treasures in the palace.He looked around stupidly with his eyes, and almost missed the pace of the Duke of Edinburgh. The more he walked back, the more embarrassing and embarrassing Ryan felt.For the Duke of Edinburgh beside him, this is just his home. Maybe he didn't take these things into his eyes at all.Home is the place where you live, so what’s so special about it? The oil paintings signed by Rubens and Monet beside him are nothing more than decorations in the room to the Duke, just like the paintings under the glass of anyone’s desk. Just like the photos of the wives and children under pressure, they are just a part of normal life.But for Ren, the impact of this completely different environment is beyond what an ordinary person can bear.From the time he entered the door, what he saw in his eyes shocked his heart again and again. These were all symbols of wealth and power, and they were too far away from him.He doesn't belong here, and this is not the place he should come to, he couldn't help having the idea of running away, so impulsive that he almost wanted to pull back.On Moore Street the day of the accident he had tried his luck anyway, in the Marine Corps, after all, he had learned how to deal with that sort of thing but now?What should he do.
run away!Jack.Just turn around and walk away, he told himself secretly, this is a place only for royal nobles, and you are nothing.But no, even though he thought so in his heart, his steps still followed the Duke of Edinburgh involuntarily. This is the feeling given to you by the royal nobles. You should admit defeat and surrender!Thinking of this, Ren felt more and more uncomfortable. The conceited and self-respecting side of his nature was almost completely disintegrated by the scene in front of him.
Well, here we are!Here it is.The Duke of Edinburgh led him to turn right and enter a door, which is the piano room in the back hall.
The house in front of him was almost twice the size of Ren's own living room plus dining room. This was the first time after Ren entered the palace, he saw a place comparable to his home worth 300,000 US dollars.The room had a high raised circular vault, and was decorated with gold leaf all around.Looking around, there are already about thirty people scattered around, sitting or standing.After the Duke and him entered the room, the lively conversation suddenly fell silent. It should be true that everyone turned around to look at Ren, because they must have seen the Duke of Edinburgh, perhaps at his left arm. That weird plaster cast on it?The thought of running away just now came again.He needs something to drink to calm down.
You just sit down for a while, I have to take a break for a while, and come back to greet you later.
thanks!Ryan thought.It's rare for you to let me relax by myself.Still, he nodded politely to the Duke.Now it's time for the fun!How should I act?
Is it Sir Wren?How are you?A vice admiral in uniform came over to say hello.Finally, someone came to make a rescue, and Ren tried to pack up the uneasiness in his heart.The visitor obviously saw a little bit of Ryan's embarrassment, and Jack only realized afterwards that he was not the only one among the people in the room entering the palace for the first time.For visitors who are invited into the palace for the first time, the British royal family has always had a set of procedures for receiving and taking care of them, and there are many people who cannot adapt to the atmosphere here.While holding the other party's outstretched hand, Jack took a careful look at the other party, as if he had seen him there before, with a vague impression.My name is Beth.Charleston, said the other with a smile.
Oh no wonder!thank you!How are you too?Ryan remembered that during his first week at the CIA Langley headquarters, he had seen the general in front of him. The CIA operative who accompanied him at the time had mentioned this person to him inadvertently. He was the director of the British Secret Intelligence Service. It is called MI｜Sixteen's unit outside, similar to the CIA in the United States, responsible for all British foreign intelligence work.why are you here
It looks like you must be thirsty too, and another man with champagne came over and interjected.Are you OK?My name is Bill.Hermes.
Ren thanked him and took the wine from the other party. Are you two together?He took a sip of the sparkling champagne.
Judge Moore was right when he said that you are good at reading people and things.It was Ser Basher who spoke.
I'm sorry, what did you say?What judge is this?
Well done, Dr. Lane, Bill.Hermes hurriedly interjected again, followed him with a smile and raised his head to drink the wine in his hand.I heard you played soccer before, not of course I mean American football.Playing for a college team, right?
I have played on both the school team and the representative team, but that was all when I was in high school. After I entered college, I couldn't do it anymore. I don't have the physique to play on the college team.Ren answered the other party politely, but secretly muttered in his heart.A heart also jumped up and down wildly.The term "college team" is quite sensitive, and it was also the code name of the project that Ryan was invited into the CIA for research.
So you probably don't know the gentleman who writes research reports on organizations and institutions?Ser Basher said with a pun-like laugh.Jack shuddered when he heard that.
Report to the general, I'm afraid I can't do this without permission
The photocopy of No. 16 is on my desk. It was your old judge who asked me to tell you that everything is fine. You can feel free to talk to me about blindfolding.
After hearing these words, Ryan let out a sigh of relief. It seems that the words Sir Bessie used must have hit James.It's from General Grey.
When Jack asked the Deputy Director of the CIA James.When General Gray proposed the Butterfly Net Project, the Deputy Commissioner had joked about the merits of the plan, and the Deputy Commissioner had used the same words that Sir Besser had just said.In this way, there is no problem with the other party's identity, and I don't have to worry about it anymore, but it's hard to say. In the confidential lectures I received at the CIA earlier, there was no mention of today's episode.
sorry!General But I'm afraid I can't tell you more, because I don't have a real order from above.
After hearing what Ryan said, Beth.Charleston's expression suddenly turned serious.You don't have to say sorry, kid.In fact, you are right to do so.Handling confidential matters should be like your attitude. I have read the research report you wrote earlier. It is really well written. I think you must have heard of it. In our intelligence community, similar reports like yours The problems mentioned in the article are not uncommon. Let’s take us as an example in the UK. The headaches are no less than those of General Grey. The crux of the problem is that we have collected so much information, but we want to analyze it in detail. It is not easy to come up with a reason, so your research report on organizations and institutions is really valuable in our opinion. It points out the crux of the problem and provides a solution. It is really a rare article.There is only one thing I don't quite understand, that is, when your judge mentioned the butterfly net to me, what he said was not clear, but he said that this case has to be explained by yourself It's best to explain it yourself.Sir Besser said this in one breath, followed him by raising the empty wine glass in his hand and beckoning to the distance.A uniformed servant hurried over with a tray full of cocktails.As for my identity?I think you should already know.
Yes, General, I saw you at Langley headquarters last July, in the hallway on the seventh floor, when I was coming out of the deputy director's office, and you happened to be coming out of the elevator on the seventh floor. A colleague mentioned you to me.
That's good, so you know that everyone is your own.Well, what the hell is going on with this project called Butterfly Nets?
Well, it's actually nothing.You must know that some secrets in the CIA are always leaked inadvertently, and there are quite a few such things after careful calculation, so when I finished the research report, I thought I should do something to prevent him.
We have also thought about this kind of thing, and in fact the intelligence community has taken the necessary precautions for many years.It was Hermes on the side who added, as long as one or two punctuation marks are deliberately misplaced on the document, and if the outside press takes it without knowing it, as long as he uses the original copy, I can know who he is. It's not aimless but someone leaked the secret, so it shouldn't be too difficult.
That's right!You are right, the problem is that regardless of the media reporter, if he publishes the leaked news, he will not be so stupid that he does not know these old tricks of the intelligence community, so they will not put the original original The information is reproduced.Do you think there are still such stupid journalists?Ren continued to explain, so I came up with a way to make a small change to the confidentiality procedures you mentioned just now. Let’s take the organization and institution I wrote as an example. The report has a total of There are four parts, and each part also has a segmented summary, and the method of summarizing the writing, I use a more dramatic style of writing.
Yes, I noticed that too.Sir Besser said, when I read the report, I felt that it did not seem to be written by someone from the CIA, but a bit like it was written by our people.Because here we still use human beings to write things, unlike the CIA, where computers are used.Sorry, please continue.
oh!Yes, thank you, General.As I said just now, although there is only one summary for each part, I deliberately designed six additional articles with different contents.In this way, for any uninformed person, there will be twenty-four summaries in each chapter of the original report for him to choose, of course, it depends on whether he knows which one is the original document and Those six copies depend on the fake things designed, otherwise, when there are no clues, each summary may be the original, or it may be the summary of any chapter, so there are 24 copies of the two things. Fourteen possibilities.Under this kind of permutation and selection of collocations, he will have thousands of combinations.But in fact, there are only ninety-six possibilities for the real thing, and we know that only four of them are originals.At the beginning, I was so tireless, or perhaps it would be better to say that I went crazy to design such a huge combination possibility. The purpose was to prevent any journalist from copying a paragraph or a paragraph without copying the original. As long as he copied something, we would It is not difficult to find out who leaked out from the numbered originals, and then follow the registered document number.Speaking of which, my method is just a prototype. As far as I know, the CIA has a better way to deal with it. Now they use computers to do the rewriting of the original. Word software program, it will automatically find a lot of synonyms for the vocabulary used in the original copy, so that each of your original copies will have a unique fake copy, and each The counterfeit documents are different. From the eyes of outsiders, no matter which one he got, that one is the only one.
Um!Has anyone in the CIA ever mentioned to you whether this method works or not?Hermes asked.
This is not true, because I don't know about the follow-up development, and I have never asked about security and confidentiality in the bureau.And thank goodness for not asking.
Um!I know the latter part, and from Judge Moore's account, it works wonderfully.Said Sir Besser paused for a moment, your idea is too simple to believe, but its effect is also too good to believe, it is simply wonderful.Well, we won't mention this part.Let's talk about your research report.Did you know that your research report almost exactly matches the conclusions of a survey we did last year?
I don't know about this, report to the general.As far as I know, the information cited in my report was provided by the Bureau itself.
And then you sort out and analyze these results by yourself?God!There is such a thing.
Yes, report to the general.Am I doing something wrong?Ren asked a little nervously.
Not really, but we think you should work on the South African side.Of course, we should know more about the affairs in South Africa than you. Perhaps it is for this reason that you are a little short of the information at hand.So this is not your fault, in fact we are still closely watching the development there.
Ren drank the wine in his glass in one go. There are actually quite a lot of information about Mr. Martin in the bureau. Did I miss something?Or is there something wrong with the relevant link, I'm afraid it's not convenient for me to ask now.But I can.
But as far as I know, they in South Africa
I think the information that South Africa can give us now is probably not as useful as it used to be. At the same time, Ike.Martin is an indispensable person for them, and they can't blame them at all, you know, after all, they still need to rely on him for the acquisition of weapons, so the government above them will never give him too much pressure.It was Hermes who interjected again.On the other hand, on the Israeli side, there are also some things worth considering, although the Israeli government will always give you some minor situations when it comes to the Middle East issue.However, our CIA and your CIA cannot do without the channel of Israel.Ren listened and nodded.He also knows a little bit about Israel.In order to gain a foothold in the Middle East, Israeli intelligence units have worked hard, and occasionally they will do something beyond the norm, which will cause headaches for Israel's allies, the United States and the United Kingdom.記得馬汀和以色列那兒好像也有一些溝通管道，聽他們這麼一講，可能我的確漏掉了什麼重要東西不過是什麼呢？
我看你就暫時別為這個再煩惱了，貝瑟爵士大概看出了雷恩心裡的念頭，其實我們這也不是在批評，你千萬別會錯意。就一個局外人而言，你那份報告能寫成這個樣子，實在已經是難能可貴了，中情局應該找了你再回去幹的。話說回來，我已經許久沒熬夜看過東西了，下頭人現在寫上來的東西，很少會再有像你這篇報告一樣叫我看了不忍釋手的，要是穆爾法官那實在找不到別的差事讓你幹，至少你也可以教教他們那的研判分析師怎麼寫份好報告。我猜他們一定問過你要不要留下來吧？
沒錯，報告將軍，他們是問過，只是我個人覺得意願不高。
再仔細想想好了。貝瑟爵士善意的建議著他。這個校代表隊其實也是個滿不錯的球隊，大夥都相當向心，有點像七○年代的腦力激盪計畫小組吧！在我們這兒也這麼做經常延攬些學術界的人進公司裡來目的也是希望有些局外人，能從不同的角度替我們看看過去自己不曾發現過的問題，中情局的穆爾法官也就是你們就局長他自己就是個最好的例子，別看他離開局裡這麼些年了，其實在外頭打了一轉之後再回來，倒往往能帶回一些新的觀念，這樣反而更有助於公司的業務。雷恩博士，我看得出來你應該是公司裡面的一分子，你天生就像是個圈子裡的人，孩子。
這個嘛，報告將軍我倒不敢說，您曉得我研究的興趣是在歷史，而且
歷史又怎麼樣？我還不是學歷史的，一旁的比爾．荷密斯說了一句，其實一個人的背景是那一行都一樣，幹情報這一行真正重要的是看你有沒有腦子，因為腦子才是主宰一切的根本，我也覺得你看起來就有這個天份，只可惜是我們收不了你，要是老法官和詹姆士兩個人就這麼放你走的話，我還真替他們可惜呢！再考慮考慮看吧！
I thought about it.不過雷恩嘴上沒說。他若有所思的點了點頭，好像領會了兩人的好意。我當然考慮過，只是我還是喜歡教歷史。
ha!原來是我們今天晚上的英雄主角，身旁又來了個人加入他們。
是你呀，吉佛瑞？剛才還在念到你呢。貝瑟爵士回身打了個招呼。雷恩博士，這位是吉佛瑞．瓦金斯，外交部的同仁。
Hello!瓦金斯先生。雷恩接過對方熱情的手握了一握。
外交部是沒錯，只不過我大半時間卻都在辦內文。吉佛瑞．瓦金斯笑著說。
吉佛瑞是外交部的人，不過他只管負責外交部和王室之間的聯絡，宮裡的大小事像是簡報啦、皇家禮節等等，都由吉佛瑞負責，所以說他是宮裡頭打雜的也沒錯。荷密斯笑著解釋說。這個工作你幹了多久啦，吉佛瑞？
來人皺了皺眉頭似乎在想。剛好滿四年吧，我想，說來還就像是上個禮拜的事一樣，真還是打雜一樣，一點也沒有外人想像的新鮮刺激，每天就拎著公事包到處想找個沒人的地方躲起來喘口氣。雷恩聽了一笑，來人也的確有那麼一點味道。
鬼才相信你說的話，貝瑟爵士哼了他一聲。別聽他的，雷恩博士，他可是外交部上上下下所有人裡腦筋最快反應最好的一個，要不部裡面怎麼會派了他來。
吉佛瑞．瓦金斯擺了個似乎有點難為情的表情，來這兒幹可不是個好差事呢，一天從早到晚地馬不停蹄。
看樣子是真的，是荷密斯接了一句。我至少也有好幾月沒看見你上場打網球了。
雷恩博士，宮裡的所有人都希望我能在看見您的時候跟您致最高的謝意和敬意，您所做的叫我們都不知道該怎麼感激才是，說著他停了下來。吉佛瑞．瓦金斯的年齡大概快四十了，身高比雷恩要矮上一寸，他的外表樣子極為清爽整潔，一頭黑髮修剪得整齊乾淨，兩鬢已帶了點些微灰白，皮膚細膩，看得出是少接觸太陽的關係，他的樣子就有點像外交官，跟人講話的時候他的嘴角永遠彎著，表現出了十足傾心的笑意。看著他臉上那副無懈可擊的笑，雷恩不禁心想，此人一定下過很大功夫對著鏡子練習過，這種笑讓人看了好像隱約中帶有旁的意思，但是你若仔細一瞧，卻又好像什麼意思都沒有，盯著人看的時候，他那雙澄藍的眼珠子裡好像也帶了有幾絲調侃意味，眼睛珠子背後彷彿另有些什麼東西似的。眼前的情形正是如此。吉佛瑞．瓦金斯跟雷恩過去這幾個禮拜以來所碰見過的許多人一樣，似乎每個人都想弄清楚他的底細，每個人也都對他很好奇，類似這種不像有意卻又兜著圈子作身家調查的事，雷恩已經不勝其煩，不過，看樣子眼前這一回，他又只有接受的份了。
吉佛瑞是我們這少數幾個北愛爾蘭事務方面的專家，荷密斯又接了一句。
那算得上是專家，沒有人可以說自己是專家，說著瓦金斯搖了搖頭，只不過我在那待的時間比較長吧，從一九六九年就在那兒待，那是老故事了，話說回來，雷恩博士你覺得愛爾蘭那的問題我們應該怎麼解決比較好？
瓦金斯先生，這問題三個禮拜以來已經不知道有多少人問過我了，我看您是問錯了人，我怎麼會有答案呢？
ha!吉佛瑞，還在想這些麻煩事啊？荷密斯問了他一句。
那當然，有了問題卻沒有解怎麼行，而且我知道一定有人對這個問題有答案。說著瓦金斯眼睛仍然望著雷恩。
那就抱歉了，至少我這兒沒有解。傑克說。說來也有趣，您說會有答案，就算是真有答案吧，您又怎麼曉得誰會有呢？我只會教歷史，相信您一定也知道，教歷史的人談的是過去，他們自個可不會創造歷史。
Um!一個歷史學教授卻能一傢伙撂倒兩個小子？這說來也不簡單。
說的也是，我們方才還正在問他，報上說他在美國中情局工作，不知道是真是假？是貝瑟爵士接了這一句。
傑克聽懂了貝瑟爵士傳過來的訊息。這個叫瓦金斯的顯然不是圈子裡的人，要不就是他的機密等級還不夠高到了解所有事，因此有關他跟公司裡過去那一段來往的事就不該讓瓦金斯知道。當然，該不該讓任何人知道自己的事，本來應該由雷恩自己來做決定的。任何人都應該是他自己的主宰，不能讓別人牽著走，只是規矩就是規矩，這兒有太多規矩，這也就是為什麼我拒絕葛萊副局長的道理，傑克想起了當時的情形。淨是些白癡立的蠢規矩，你得當心你的言行，不可以跟任何人講這個或者講那個，甚至連你的太太晚上睡覺時候的枕邊人你也什麼都不能講。安全保密、保密安全一切都是狗屁！當然他也曉得，有的事你必須防著一點，可是問題卻是，如果事情都不許叫人曉得的話，又怎麼能有人去用它們呢要是一件事情你連知道都不許知道，那它還有什麼用。
諸位，聽你們這麼一講，我倒寧願自己早點回海軍官校去了，至少我教的那些官校學生們他們還把我當老師。
說的也是，瓦金斯點點頭一笑，這麼說，難道方才我們秘密情報局局長是在跟你請教特拉法加海戰的細節囉？你的真正身分到底是什麼，雷恩？自從一九七二年打英國駐愛爾蘭部隊裡退了役之後，瓦金斯就進了英國外交部，這麼些年在外交部服務的經驗，他已經養成那種外交界裡的人所慣有的習性：到底這裡頭有什麼把戲？眼前的雷恩似乎透著一股古怪味，由他身上發出來的訊息叫人有點撲朔迷離，說他是一號人物嗎？他又不像，說他不算是號人物嗎？他卻又有那麼一點味道。看樣子這場遊戲還挺有趣的。吉佛瑞．瓦金斯頂喜歡玩遊戲，不管是哪一種他都喜歡。
correct!老吉。你還沒回答我方才的話呢？最近你都在忙些什麼？是荷密斯問他。
你是說除了每天整整十二小時的工作之外？我倒是回過頭來看了不少過去的老書，這兩天還正打算把福爾摩斯重看一遍。
real?荷密斯說：我上個禮拜也撿了本魯賓遜飄流記重新溫習一遍，成天為了眼前這些事煩惱。我看，最好的解脫之道就是重溫舊夢，一頭鑽回過去的老書裡去。
你也常看一些古典文學嗎？雷恩博士，瓦金斯又回過了身問傑克。
小的時候常看，大了就少了，那還都是教會主日學的功勞呢！他們只許看那些八百年的老書，不過也都是些好書就是。福爾摩斯算是古典文學？傑克心想，它用的既不是拉丁文也不是希臘文，甚至連莎士比亞文學都夠不上。
八百年的老書？God!你可真會形容。說著瓦金斯笑了起來。
你看過維吉爾寫的東西嗎？雷恩脫口而出。
噢，你是說紀元前七十年到紀元前十九年羅馬詩人維吉爾的東西？賜給我力量吧！使我永遠不脫離貧窮。
吉佛瑞跟我在溫徹斯特大學是同學，聽見瓦金斯用拉丁文念起了維吉爾的詩，荷密斯笑著解釋說，賜給我力量吧！讓我永遠也不屈服在霸道和強權眼前。說著，兩位溫徹斯特大學文學院的同班同學一起放聲地大笑了起來。
等一下，這可不公平，雖然我副修過拉丁文，也得了個A，可是我現在卻全都丟光了。雷恩似乎有點難為情的替自己解釋。
哦，這麼說，我們可以原諒這位殖民地來的蠻子了。瓦金斯頗有謔意地補了一句。
剛一開始，雷恩倒並不特別覺得面前的瓦金斯有什麼不對勁，不過這會他曉得自己不會喜歡面前這個人了，顯然，這位英國外交部的官員是處處有意想打擊他一下，然後好生看看他會不會有什麼反應。這種撩人的小把戲雷恩早就已經玩膩了，眼前的他活得好好的，他才不需要一些自以為是的半調子知識分子打著文藝的旗幟來調侃自己，他曉得自己的來處和去處，這些人才傷不了他。
對不起，兩位，不過我想在我們那總會有些事跟在您這兒不太一樣，也許是觀點和認知的角度之間有差距吧！
這個當然，瓦金斯答了一句，臉上的笑始終沒改一點。瞧見他仍然一副笑咪咪的樣子，傑克頗為驚訝，雖然他也不知道自己到底為什麼驚訝。
說到你們那兒，你住的不是離美國海軍軍官學校不遠是嗎？我記得前一陣子好像那兒才發生了一件什麼事，好像還鬧得滿大的，是貝瑟爵士問他，記得彷彿在那兒看過這份報導，也許是報紙上吧，不過當時沒得空仔細看。
oh!您是說那個呀，沒錯，前陣子是出過一次事，不過那跟恐怖分子無關只是鎮上的一些個歹徒鬧事罷了。說來也是巧，早先是幾個官校學生無意間發現了鎮上有人在進行毒品交易，他們也不太敢確定，於是打了電話報了警，結果警察果然逮到了一些混混在吸毒販毒，淨是些安娜波里斯鎮的飛車黨，事情本來過了也就算了，沒想到個把禮拜之後，這些飛車當然竟然想要報復，他們大概打算想教訓教訓官校學生，因此找了個月黑風高的晚上，幾個小子順著南校門不費吹毫之力地就進了校區校區的守衛早先派的都是警察幾個小子一路就混進了班克洛夫樓。他們事先大概也沒打聽清楚，以為班克洛夫樓就像是一棟普通大學的宿舍一樣其實卻大不一樣，這一點大概他們事後才曉得。話說這幾個小子進了班克洛夫樓之後，叫晚上值夜更的官校學生給看見了，值更的學生於是拉響了警鈴，整棟宿舍大樓全都醒了過來，這幾個小子慌亂之中想抽腿，那曉得班克洛夫樓卻像座迷宮似的您知道官校的班克洛夫樓恐怕算得上是全美國最大的一棟學生宿舍了，別看他樓高只有五層，但是它左右前後相通的宿舍區整個加起來怕不有四十英畝面積，單單是整棟宿舍大樓的走廊合起來也快要有五英里長，更別提那裡面住了有四千多個官校學生了幾個小子一陣亂闖更是迷失了方向，最後給學生活活地逮了個正著，這些傢伙大概事先也沒想到他們這犯的是聯邦法，因為官校校舍屬於政府機構，隨便闖進去可是其罪不輕，因此在人證物證確鑿之下，聯邦調查局就接下了這個案子，那幾個小子只怕得有一陣子才能再回鎮上飆車了。這件蓄意闖進校區鬧事的案子發生後不久，官校倒是撈了個便宜，因為上頭基於學生安全的考量，撤回了警察改派了海軍陸戰隊接替校區的警衛工作。不過有趣的是這麼一來，大夥反倒更容易進出校區了。
更容易？How do you say that?是瓦金斯好奇的問，你不是說
Jack laughed.沒錯，自從改了派陸戰隊守衛校區以後，學校反倒多開了幾道門讓大家進出您知道，不管是什麼時候，一個陸戰隊可都要比一道加了鎖的門還要安全得多。
This is true.我具瑟爵士的話才方出口，卻見他眼睛一亮倏然地打住了口。雷恩這會背朝著後頭所以不曉得發生了什麼事，不過他跟著就明白了，因為眼前這三個人的動作等於告訴了他答案。三人裡瓦金斯反應得最快，他連招呼都來不及打就一個箭步跳了開去，倒是貝瑟爵士和荷密斯兩人還略微點了點頭，說聲告退之後才轉身離去。最後才輪到傑克轉過身，他正好看見女王剛自外頭進來，前面引導的也是一位身著制服的僕役。
愛丁堡公爵隨侍在女王身邊，女王夫婦後頭跟著的竟然是凱西，只見她也輕踩著步子，與前頭的女王保持著一段外交禮儀上規定的距離，一行人緩緩地進了屋內。女王一直朝雷恩這邊走了過來。
你今天的樣子看起來好多了，雷恩爵士。
傑克笨拙地彎了彎腰他也不曉得這麼做對不對，只是覺得自己大概應該這麼做，起碼自己從電視電影上看到的印象似乎都是如此說他笨拙其實也不是他的錯，主要還是因為他彎腰鞠躬的當兒，他還得盡力小心自己那隻打了石膏的手臂，免得一傢伙戳了女王一下，那可才是鬧出了世紀大笑話。其實彎腰移動在他來說還不算難，捧著自己身上這個寶貝，最麻煩的時候還是站著不動，因為左半身增加的重量似乎總是想把它往一邊拽，為了要保持自己站的時候平衡，他就得不由自主的盡力往右邊壓，好在這半個月來也在醫院裡已經有過不少回經驗了。
thank you!陛下，我的確是覺得好得多了。您兩位也好嗎？公爵陛下？
即使你閉上了眼跟愛丁堡公爵握手，雷恩心想，你也知道這隻手的主人是個男的，不但如此，他還準是個健康男性。單憑那股手勁，恐怕就會讓許多人受不了。Hi!Hello!傑克，我方才不是說過要不了太久的嗎？你可別太拘束喲，今天晚上全都是自己人聚會，沒有唱名也省了接待，一切外交禮俗全免，就把這給當成是自己家就是。
Yes!陛下。方才喝了些香檳之後感覺好多了。
好極了，是女王接了一句，我想我還是暫時把你交給卡洛琳吧，你們兩個一定有幾句體己話想說。跟著女王夫婦轉身離去。
當心別喝醉了，傑克。穿著一身白色晚禮服的凱西這會看來簡直美極了。俗語說得還真不假。佛要金裝嘛，人也要衣裝。眼前凱西的模樣幾乎叫雷恩忘了問她這件衣服到底值多少錢啦。瞧她的頭髮大概也做過，不但如此，凱西還上了些粧。這兩件事可都是平常穿慣了醫生制服的凱西所極力排斥的，不過不管怎麼說，面前這個大美人可是他的，因為她叫凱西．rennes.傑克輕輕攬著凱西往她臉上飛快地吻了一下，也不管大廳裡還有其他人。
這兒都是人呢
管他人不人的，傑克在她耳邊輕輕吐了幾個字。how are you西西。
凱西眼神帶笑的望著他。不過她的口氣倒是既低沉又無情，懷孕了！
What?妳是說真的什麼時候的事？
這有什麼好假的，傻子！因為第一，你忘了我是幹什麼吃的了？這種事還用別人告訴我？第二，該來的晚了兩個禮拜了還沒來。至於什麼時候？傑克，記不記得我們剛到英國的那天晚上，都是你，把莎麗哄上了床之後說來也怪旅館裡的那些床，傑克，說著凱西握住了他的手，只要一睡那種床就靈得很。
傑克這會可沒得話說了。他用自己還能動的那隻手輕輕摟住了凱西的肩膀，然後朝她肩上微微地按了一按，一切全盡在不言中。如果它已經過了兩個禮拜還沒來這他最清楚凱西了，每個月一回的那種事，在她簡直就跟瑞士名錶一樣準。ha!我就要當爸爸了第二個孩子的爸爸。
這一回希望是個男的。凱西輕輕說了一句。
男的女的還不都一樣，親愛的，妳曉得我才不在乎這種事。
看樣子卡洛琳像是已經告訴你了，女王什麼時候回到他倆身邊的他們都不曉得。至於愛丁堡公爵呢，傑克眼睛略微瞄了一眼，看見公爵正在跟貝瑟爵士兩個人說話，不曉得兩人正在討論什麼？他暗自嘀咕了一句。恭喜你了，雷恩爵士。
Thank you, Your Majesty.同時我也得再謝謝您替我們夫婦做了這麼好的安排，只怕您的盛情招待讓我們承受不起不說，我們也沒法子回報您呢！
老媽媽一般的慈祥笑容又來了，雷恩突然覺得女王的笑就彷彿是聖誕樹上的燈一樣，一忽兒五顏六色燦然開放，帶給人的總是溫馨和喜悅。聽你這麼一說，雷恩爵士，倒叫人不曉得誰是主誰是客了？該回報的恐怕是我們吧，那會由得你來回報什麼呢，要是卡洛琳告訴我的沒錯，我看你這回到我們英國來訪問，至少多了一個美好的紀念和回憶。
紀念和回憶當然有，不過我怕您大概算錯了，那會大有一個呢？起碼得另外再加上三個才是吧。傑克的嘴可是愈來學得愈巧了。
Alas!卡洛琳，他什麼時候變得這麼會講話啦！妳不是說他一向怎麼說來著的，笨嘴笨舌是嗎？
一點也沒錯，陛下，他本來就不會講好聽的話，我看今天晚上他一定有什麼地方不對勁。說著凱西笑了起來，也說不定是進了您的宮裡之後，他也多少從您這兒學到了一點文明和禮儀。
這倒是件好事，雷恩爵士。尤其想想你是怎麼跟我說你的小奧莉薇亞的，說她是個小什麼來著？我簡直不敢相信你會用那三個字，你知道嗎？雷恩爵士，這可愛的孩子每天晚上要是不親了我道晚安，她是絕不上床睡覺的。這麼迷人可愛的小天使，卡洛琳，妳知道嗎？他竟然會叫我防著奧莉薇亞。
傑克輕輕嘆了一口氣，女王方才說的情形他不用親眼目睹也能想像出那個情景來。自己的小莎麗他還會不清楚？在白金漢宮待的這三個禮拜裡，只怕莎麗把人類文明史上最有教養的禮儀全都給用上了。他最清楚自己的女兒會演什麼戲，裝模作樣討好身邊大人的事在莎麗來說簡直是家常便飯，他老爸就是她生平第一個磨鍊演技的對象。
是的，陛下，我想我大概是略微誇張了一點。
豈止是略微誇張，你簡直就毀謗了奧莉薇亞的名譽。說著女王的眼裡又堆起了慈藹和祥的笑。這麼些日子以來，她沒打破我宮裡一件東西一件都沒有。而且我想你也一定樂於知道，她現在的馬術之好，在我們宮裡已經好多年沒見過這種人才了。
What?What did you say?哦，對不起，陛下。
是小莎麗的騎馬課，凱西一旁幫忙解釋道。
騎馬課？妳是說小莎麗在練習騎馬？
難道還會是騎別的？女王饒有趣味的看著他。
是莎麗？on a horse?雷恩回過頭來看了太太一眼。顯然他對於這件事不太以為然。
那當然，而且她騎得簡直好極了。女王看出了雷恩有怪罪凱西的意思。很安全的運動呢，雷恩爵士！你放心好了。在她這個年齡的孩子是學騎馬的最好時機，而且馬術本身也是一種訓練，你還得學著有紀律懂協調和負責任。
那當然，要是你想摔斷孩子頸子的話，騎馬可是個最容易的方法。雷恩心裡想，不過他嘴上倒是沒說什麼。因為他想起了自己這是在跟誰討論事情。女王面前那由得你爭的餘地，尤其這還是在她的屋簷下。
有機會你自個也應該試試看，女王接著又說。卡洛琳就騎得不錯。
你甭擔心，傑克，上騎術課那兒的地方大得很。凱西像是半安慰似的跟傑克說。你去看了也一定會喜歡的。
我只會從馬上摔下來。雷恩垂頭喪氣地冒了一句。
那你就爬起來重新上馬再來一次，一直到你學會坐穩了為止。說話的人這會可不像是位女王，瞧她的口氣倒像是馬術教練似的。這個自然啦！伊麗莎白女王二世已經有五十年歷史的馬上功夫了。
這個我也知道，就像是一個人初學騎腳踏車一樣，只不過從腳踏車上摔下來，可是要跟從馬上摔下來差了一大截，而莎麗的年紀連學騎腳踏車都似乎還嫌早呢！雷恩心裡暗忖。別說騎腳車了，就連莎麗騎著她那輛捷安特小三輪車，在自個家間前草地上橫七豎八的亂轉時，他都擔心得要命。God!這兩個女人是怎麼回事？他們曉不曉自己這是在幹什麼？別說讓莎麗去騎了，以她那副弱不禁風的樣子，只怕她坐在馬身上，馬兒都還不曉得自己身上坐了有人呢。還是凱西看出了他心裡所想的事。
孩子總是會長大的，傑克，你不能成天老是提心吊膽地防著她作這作那。凱西一語道出了雷恩心裡所擔心的事。
Um!我懂妳的意思，親愛的。鬼呢！I can not?我不能才怪，不然當老爸是幹什麼吃的。
一會之後，眾人三、兩成群地開始往屋外走，大概是該用餐了。雷恩和凱西隨侍在女王兩側，一塊來到了西廂的藍廳，然後穿過一道道巨石柱子裝飾的大廳，跟著又經過一重鏡面玻璃門，過了門後就是宮裡的小餐廳。
這兒的裝潢佈置一定出自那位名家之手，雷恩心想。單瞧這一路走來四周圍顏色所給人的感受就可以看出宮裡的非凡氣勢。方才藍廳裡還是片肅穆的深藍，這會餐廳裡卻觸目淨是鮮豔的猩紅，連屋內四壁的牆上掛的都是猩紅的毯子，頭上挑高的圓頂，搭配的是象牙白和金黃，拱起的圓頂高高在上，他看不仔細是什麼材料也沒那個空再去研究了。只見對面牆角座落著一具雪白的壁爐，壁爐上頭懸著一幅其大無比的人像畫不知道畫上的人是誰？雷恩心想，應該是那一位國王吧？可能是十八或是十九世紀的人，瞧他身上穿的那件白色褲襪？還是緊身褲？也不曉得在他們那個年代他們管它叫什麼，是個男的怎麼還會用上吊襪帶？方才進門的時候沒留意，這會才看見原來門上也掛著一幅大人像。這一幅人像雷恩略有點印象，那是維多利亞女王的畫像。乖乖，雷恩暗自咋了咋舌，心想單就是這間屋子裡，不曉得就發生過多少影響世界的重大歷史。
你回頭就坐在我右邊好了，傑克。女王體貼的朝著雷恩說。
雷恩聞言連忙向餐桌上看了一眼，還好，瞧椅子擺的那個寬度，他不用再擔心自己的左手會揮到女王了。這可不是鬧著好玩的。
整餐晚飯吃下來，最讓雷恩覺得窩囊的事，是他竟然連他自己吃的是些什麼都不記得當然他以後還可以問凱西，只是那豈不更顯得自己窩囊。單靠一隻手吃東西在他來說已經不是難事，醫院這三個禮拜以來，他也沒讓別人侍候過自己，只是這會得當著這麼多人面表演獨臂螳螂功夫，他可就忘了事先該在醫院練習練習。糟的是似乎大家都還瞪著自己。當然啦，他們一定覺得看美國人吃飯有意思，即使好端端地坐在那兒的是個兩手都能用的正常美國人，只怕也免不了大家注意。整餐飯裡他不斷提醒自己什麼事都得當心，舉杯的時候可得動作要輕，說話的時候可得注意自己嘴裡嚼的東西，同時還要更當心自己嘴裡說出來的東西。偶而他也會瞄一眼凱西，遠遠坐在桌子那一頭愛丁堡公爵身旁的凱西，好像應付得滿得體似的。發現自己太太竟然比自己還要更能適應這個場面，想到這就讓他憤憤不平。要是問今天晚宴裡那個人最蠢的話，雷恩邊嚼著一樣他從沒吃過的東西心裡邊想，那個人就一定是自己了。從沒見過這種陣仗的他，心裡又開始犯起嘀咕來。要是那天在摩爾街上魯莽行事的換的是一個半調子警察或是那個陸戰隊臭小子而不是自己的話，不知道自己今天還會不會坐在這兒？恐怕不會，他心想。但是為什麼不會呢？他卻又答不上來。他曉得眼前四下這一切代表著名與利的高貴，跟他那美國外表完全不能搭配，可是自從被封上爵士頭銜之後雖然只是個榮譽爵位這件事卻仍然令他十分開心。這兩種互相矛盾的感受讓他難過極了。能夠有幸坐在大英帝國女王身邊一個曾經統治大半個地球的帝國叫這麼多達官顯要望著自己，這種感覺的確叫人陶醉，他心裡暗暗地想。可是要是能遠離這一切回到原來的我又有多好。兩種截然不同的環境簡直天壤有別。假如可能的話自己果真會一走了之嗎？他舉起杯子喝了一口酒。我知道這不是自己習慣的地方，可是我會不會開始喜歡這兒呢？這真是個兩難的問題。下了喉的酒並沒有給他答案，他一定得從那兒找出答案來才是。
雷恩起頭來又看了看對面的凱西，凱西就不像他這副寒酸德性。事實上凱西簡直就像這裡的其他人的一樣，她一點也沒有不自在的感覺。當然這跟凱西的出身家世也有關係，她從小就在跟這兒一樣的氣氛下長大，一個不愁吃不愁穿的有錢家庭、一棟鄉下的大宅院和海邊的別墅，數不盡旳宴會裡賓客們互相告訴對方大家