FROM INDIA WITH LOVE Part 7 section B

The wine arrived and Crown said just to pour it.
Lana asked, Why plenty of French bread?
The mussels are combined with onion, butter, white wine, whipping cream and herbs. Usually thyme, parsley, bay leaves. The bread is used to mop up the juices.
Sounds delicious said Lana. I can't wait to try it. She emptied her glass of wine and Crown refilled it. Are you trying to get me tipsy Mr Crown?
The food arrived and they began to eat in silence.
This is really tasty. A good choice said Lana.
The main course arrived and they chatted about various situations in their work, but without focusing on the issue that was to dominate their time together. Perhaps they didn't wish to spoil the evening.
Crown noticed two men sitting opposite each other at the far side of the room. One of the men would frequently gaze in Crown's direction. Lana said she needed to go to
the ladies room. As she walked away, one of the two men left his seat and made his way quickly in her direction. He said something which made her turn around. They had a brief conversation before she continued her journey. A few minutes later she returned.
What was that man saying to you? asked Crown.
They are Russian security guys from the Embassy. They wanted to know about you.
What did you tell them?
Only that you worked for a communications company and I was interested In your work. He seemed to accept my story.
The waiter appeared and asked if they wanted a dessert.
Crown suggested to Lana to try the peaches poached in white wine and citrus fruits.
She agreed and it was ordered.
Dessert came and was enjoyably refreshing. It's difficult to talk here. said Crown. We need to meet up somewhere else, perhaps tomorrow. Any ideas where?
How about the beach near where you are staying?
Yes. I could make it for 6pm after getting home from the Embassy in Delhi. There's a rocky section on the left and I could take my colourful blue and white umbrella so you can identify me.
That's agreed then.
Shall we leave now and I'll get you home?
Crown paid the bill and they left the cafe. Siddique was waiting outside. Lana gave directions and they departed. On arrival at Lana's address, She turned to Crown and said how much she enjoyed the evening. She leaned towards him and kissed him on the cheek. She lingered for a moment and Crown resisted the strong temptation to return the kiss, with passion. I'll see you tomorrow Teen at 6pm.
He watched her climb the steps to her property and turn to blow him a kiss.
As Siddique pulled away he mentioned to Crown that they had been followed since leaving the cafe. He said it was a black Mercedes saloon. The occupants had come out of the cafe just after Crown.
Crown looked out of the rear window. Sure enough it was there. Ok Siddique, shall we have some fun?
Yes sir. Glad to oblige. I know those two guys. They use my taxi and never pay. Because they are Russian security, they think they can do anything.
Put your foot down and try to out manoeuvre them. The taxi picked up speed and the black saloon pulled up alongside the taxi. A window opened. A gun poked out. Crown shouted, Break Siddique! The taxi stopped. The Mercedes carried on past. Now reverse and turn left. Siddique did so and continued down another street. The black saloon reversed so quickly that smoke and a screeching sound came from the wheels.
It began to follow them again. Try to go as fast as you can Siddique and then do a sharp left turn. He carried out the instructions and when doing the turn, the rear end swerved to the right. The Mercedes tried to copy, but in doing so balanced on two wheels before somersaulting and ending up with wheels in the air. Smoke and steam appeared. An arm reached out of one of the car's windows. The door was jammed. A flame flashed upwards followed by a ball of fire. Crown and Siddique looked at each other. Crown said, Looks like they had a turn for the worse. We'd better get out of here. Take me home.