The Thinking Machine Affair (13 page)
Read The Thinking Machine Affair Online
Authors: Joel Bernard
Napoleon arrived in the main area of the Center to find Professor Novak and Vlasta, accompanied by Illya, ready to depart.
"Will you join us, Napoleon?" Illya said. "We've arranged to celebrate the end of the affair in a good restaurant."
"I'd be delighted," he accepted, and turned towards Vlasta: "I'm looking forward to your company away from this place."
"I am sure you will be pleased to know that everyone has been dealt with and everything is under control, Mr. Solo," Major Klima reported.
"I am glad to know it," the U.N.C.L.E. agent returned. "We are about to celebrate the occasion. Would you care to join us?"
"I'm afraid I can't," Major Klima said regretfully. "Duty calls..."
"I hope I shall be seeing you before I leave your lovely city," Napoleon said, sliding his hand under Vlasta's arm as he walked her towards the exit.
They arrived in a Czech State Security limousine at the Acropolis Restaurant and managed to secure a table at this popular establishment. The food was excellent, the wine superb. Napoleon hoped Waverly would agree to his spending a long overdue leave in Prague. He was about to lead Vlasta to the dance floor when the call indicator of the transmitter-receiver in his pocket began to bleep. He could have done without this kind of interruption.
"Excuse me a moment," he said to Vlasta, and took the instrument from his pocket to acknowledge the call.
"Mr. Solo," Waverly said from U.N.C.L.E. Head quarters. "I want you to leave. A plane will be avail able at Prague Airport in an hour."
"Yes, sir," Napoleon consented unhappily. "Is Mr. Kuryakin to accompany me?"
"He will wind up matters in Prague," Waverly said, and closed Channel D.
"I'm afraid, Miss Novak, we won't be able to have another dance, after all," Napoleon said regretfully. "I am leaving immediately."
"A pity," she said. "I enjoyed being with you."
"May I have the pleasure?" Illya stood up and bowed.
"I'd be delighted," Vlasta replied with a smile.
Napoleon was not in the best of spirits as he walked towards the restaurant door. But then he was accustomed to his personal plans being turned upside down. He felt a little better when, next day, Illya was ordered to join him. At least they were in the same boat together—they'd both have to do without Vlasta's company.
Table of Contents
THE VISITOR WITHOUT A CALLING CARD
KISSING CAN CAUSE UNCONSCIOUSNESS
