A Matter of Honor

Adam put a finger to his lips. “No one else knows about that, not even Lawrence.”

“That may be wise,” Heidi whispered. “He will only expect you to invest all the money you make from the sale in his boring bank.”

“What makes you think I’d sell it?” asked Adam, trying to discover how much she had worked out.

“If you own a Rolls-Royce and you are out of work you do not then go and hire a chauffeur.”

“But I’ve only got a motorbike.”

“And you’ll have to sell that as well if the icon turns out to be worthless,” she said, laughing.

“Would you like a coffee to follow?” asked the waiter, who was already clearing their table in the hope of fitting in two more customers before the night was out.

“Yes, please. Two cappuccinos,” said Adam. He turned his gaze back to Heidi. “Funnily enough,” he continued as the waiter retreated, “the only time I’ve ever rung Lawrence at the bank the operator couldn’t immediately locate him.”

“What’s so surprising about that?” asked Heidi.

“It was as if they had never heard of him,” said Adam, “but perhaps I was imagining it.”

“A bank that size must have over a thousand employees. You could go years without knowing everyone who worked there.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Adam said, as two coffees were placed in front of them.

“When do you plan on going to Geneva?” Heidi asked, after she had tried a sip of the coffee and found it too hot.

“First thing Wednesday morning. I hope to be back the same evening.”

“Considerate.”

“What do you mean?” asked Adam.

“To choose my one day off to fly away,” she said. “Not very romantic.”

“Then why not come with me?” he asked, leaning across the table to take her hand.

“That might turn out to be more significant than sharing your sausages.”

“I would hope so, and in any case, you could be most useful.”

“You do have a way with words,” said Heidi.

“You know, I didn’t mean it that way. It’s simply that I don’t sp

eak German or French, and I’ve never been to Switzerland other than on a school skiing trip—and then I kept falling over.” Heidi tried her coffee again.

“Well?” said Adam, not letting go of her hand.

“The Swiss speak perfect English,” she said eventually, “and should you have any problem with the bank, you can always get in touch with Lawrence.”

“It would only be for the day,” said Adam.

“And a waste of your money.”

“Not very romantic,” said Adam.

“Touché.”

“Think about it,” said Adam. “After the cost of your round-trip flight I will be left with only £19,969. I don’t know how I’ll get by.”