The Pimpernel Plot (TimeWars 3)

“That’s right,” said Cobra. “There’s every reason to believe that at least one member of my team here is awaiting orders to that effect.”

“Jesus,” Finn said, “you’ve got a problem. What are your people into that they’re running so scared?”

“I honestly don’t know,” said Cobra. “If it becomes my job to find out, then I will, otherwise I’d just as soon remain ignorant. It’s safer that way.”

“What the hell do you expect me to do?”

“My problem is my problem,” said the agent. “With a little luck and some cooperation on your part, it won’t become your problem, as well. I don’t want to push Mongoose into doing anything foolish. If I can find him and talk to him, I can make him understand what the situation is. Perhaps I can even convince him to lay low and refrain from any further interference in your adjustment until it’s over, I don’t know. What I’m asking you to do is back off.”

“What do you mean, ‘back off’?” said Finn.

“Just what I said. Give him room. Don’t try to go after him on your own. I know how you feel about him, but I’m asking you to leave him alone, so long as he doesn’t actively endanger the adjustment.”

“How am I supposed to determine that?” said Finn.

“I’m asking you to trust my judgment. I need to stall for time, at least

until it becomes clear which way the power play will go. When the situation gets finally resolved, I’ll know. I don’t want to have to go against my own people if I can help it. By the time it gets resolved, this adjustment might be over and then you’ll be out of it. If I take Mongoose before it all gets settled, they’ll try to hit both him and me, just to be on the safe side.”

“And you said that this might not be as serious as I think?” Finn said. “This isn’t only serious, it’s turning into a full-fledged disaster!”

“It doesn’t have to,” Cobra said. “All I’m asking you to do is to continue playing your part and to leave Mongoose alone. Let me handle it. It doesn’t have to involve you.”

“Brother, I can’t get any more involved! Do you realize what you’re asking us to do?”

“I know,” said Cobra. “I know how it sits with you and I know that it’s not going to be easy, but I’ve got to make you understand that the alternatives are far less attractive.”

“Is that a threat?”

“I sincerely don’t want it to be,” said Cobra.

“Suppose I refuse?”

“It would not be in your interest. Your job is to insure temporal continuity. Mongoose has thus far shown no inclination to interfere with that aspect of your job. He’s not out to create any disruptions, only to prove himself superior to you. You have my personal guarantee that I will back you up in every way possible in order to help you complete your mission. But I know that you’re itching to get your hands on Mongoose, to settle both this score and an old one. I’m asking you to forget about it.”

“If I don’t?”

“Then I’ll be forced to run interference for him to make sure that you don’t get him,” Cobra said. “I don’t want to have to do that, Finn, believe me. Mongoose is not your job; he’s my job. Your job is to play Percy Blakeney. All I’m asking you to do is to do your job and to let me do mine, in my own way, in my own time.”

“I know you didn’t have to tell me any of this,” said Finn. “I appreciate your candor.”

“Figure I owed it to you.”

“What makes you think I won’t go to Fitzroy with what you just told me?” Finn said.

“You could,” said Cobra. “I wouldn’t try to stop you. But if this conversation goes beyond the two of us, especially to Fitzroy, you’ll be signing his death warrant and mine, as well; possibly, even yours.”

“Yes, I can see that.”

“So what’s it going to be, Finn? Do we work together or at cross purposes?”

“You’re backing me into a corner, Cobra.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I have no choice.”

“I’ll let you know. How do I get in touch with you?”

“You don’t. I’ll get in touch with you. You’re going to confer with Priest and Cross?”