FROM INDIA WITH LOVE PART 10B The Orient Express

Crown arranged with the taxi driver to be picked up in 2 hours time and to be taken to Santa Lucia station. This would allow time to take shower and food. Gerard had left the two of them to use the hotel facilities. This was also an opportunity to update Noon at HQ. The message read:-
RN
Director of Operations
PRISM
Have partner with goods. In Venice. Two interested parties seriously failed in bid. Will take OE to Paris. Today.
BLUE9
After refreshments and a change of clothes, Crown and Lana thanked Gerard for his hospitality. The taxi was waiting and after loading their luggage, they departed. The Orient Express was due to depart at 11:30 leaving half an hour to board the train and be escorted to the cabin booked by Casey,
Mr and Mrs Crown. This is your a accommodation for the journey. I hope everything is to your satisfaction. My name is Pierre. Please ask if you need anything.
Looks really nice, said Lana. We'll have to check out the rest of the carriages.
Yes, Mrs Crown. Whatever you say, replied Crown with a smile. But first I must give you a hug. After all you are supposed to be my wife.
Well, ok. If you insist. I suppose I'd better do as you say. She laughed.
They embraced and kissed as the train started to slowly edge its way out of the station.
There was a knock on the door. Crown automatically withdrew his gun from its holster and held it behind his back as he partially opened the door.
I'm just reminding people that lunch is available now, said Pierre. And I have a letter for you which was given to one of the guards at the station.
Thank you, Pierre. Crown sat down and opened the letter. He remained silent for a while.
What's it say? Asked Lana.
It's from Captain Gerard. He says that when we left the hotel, he noticed a car begin to follow us. He became suspicious and noted the registration number. Dan Casey was contacted to identify the owner. Apparently, it was a hired vehicle. Rented by a man called Sergei Asimov who was known to the CIA as a leading figure in the Special Eliminations Force ( SEF), a branch of the Russian intelligence service. It may well be that he is on this train. Take every precaution.
I knew it, sighed Lana. There's no escape from these people.
Well, we'll just have to be very aware of those around us and always keep this door locked. At some point, if he's on board, he'll make a move to locate us. Let's get some lunch and be around other people. I'll keep the cypher bag with me at all times.
They left their cabin and found the restaurant car. Crown encountered Pierre and asked him if there were any Russian passengers. He was intending to meet an old friend. Pierre agreed to check. Crown and Lana took their seats and examined the menu. Lana wore a fawn two piece suit with a coffee coloured silk shirt and a string of very small pearls around her neck. The dark hair rested on her shoulders. By the way, you look wonderful, said Crown.
Why, thank you, Mr Crown. If you keep saying things like that, I may get to like you.
In that case, I'll keep saying them. Who knows what might happen.
Lana reached out her hand and placed it on top of Crown's. You know how I feel about you. When we've had lunch, let's forget about the difficult situation we're in and make the most of our time here.
The waiter came.
Crown ordered the smoked salmon with eggs, followed by fraises des bois with plenty of cream.
Same here, said Teen.
A dry Martini with mine. How about you Lana?
I don't drink normally, but will try a Martini.
That's two dry Martinis, made with Gordon's gin and Noilly Pratt vermouth. slice of lemon.
The drinks came.
Lana took a large gulp of her drink. Wow! This tastes good.
Crown smiled. Be careful. You're not used to it.
I don't care. She finished off the remainder.
Crown ordered two more.
Are you trying to get me drunk, Mr Crown, so you can have you're way with me?
Of course not, he replied.
Well, you don't need to. I've already planned our after lunch activity.