A Spy by Nature [antikvár]

1An Exploratory ConversationThe door leading into the building is plain and unadorned, save for one highly polished handle. No sign outside saying FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, nO hint of tOp braSS. There is a small ivory bell on the right-hand side, and I push it. The door, thicker and heavier than it appears, is opened by a fit-looking man of retirement age, a uniformed policeman on his last assignment.'Good afternoon, sir.''Good afternoon. I have an interview with Mr Lucas at two o'clock.''The name, sir?''Alec Milius.''Yes, sir.'This almost condescending. I have to sign my name in a book and then he hands me a security dog tag on a silver chain, which I slip into the hip pocket of my suit trousers.'Just take a seat beyond the stairs. Someone will be down to see you in a moment.'The wide, high-ceilinged hall beyond the reception area exudes all the splendour of imperial England. A vast panelled mirror dominates the far side of the room, flanked by oil