The Last Conflict 25 5 An unlit car coasted into Edward Hurst’s drive and came to a stop inside the front gates. Its occupants were four Special Branch agents led by Senior Officer Border. For some hours this team had kept the house under surveillance and were satisfied that Hurst was on his own and working in a study at the front of the building. Border stepped from the vehicle, squeezed the door shut and made last minute adjustments to the receiver he kept hidden under his coat. Although the house and its grounds were surrounded by a high wall, for premises that included a small observatory, Border was surprised at the lack of security Avoiding the gravel drive, he walked quietly over a lawn towards the large front door and rang its bell. After some time, the door opened. Against the background of light, the figure of Hurst was framed in the doorway. Border noted a tall man, well over six feet, with an athletic build, and giving an impression of fitness. In spite of Hurst’s age, it was clear to Border that if it came to an arrest, Hurst would be capable of strong resistance. Border asked. “Mr, “Yes.” hope you’ll forgive the intrusion, sir, and my unexpected visit, “I but I was hoping we could have a chat.” chat,” said Hurst, about?” ‘A “what your work...” ‘About work do you mean?” “What
The Last Conflict 25 5 An unlit car coasted into Edward Hurst’s drive and came to a stop inside the front gates. Its occupants were four Special Branch agents led by Senior Officer Border. For some hours this team had kept the house under surveillance and were satisfied that Hurst was on his own and working in a study at the front of the building. Border stepped from the vehicle, squeezed the door shut and made last minute adjustments to the receiver he kept hidden under his coat. Although the house and its grounds were surrounded by a high wall, for premises that included a small observatory, Border was surprised at the lack of security Avoiding the gravel drive, he walked quietly over a lawn towards the large front door and rang its bell. After some time, the door opened. Against the background of light, the figure of Hurst was framed in the doorway. Border noted a tall man, well over six feet, with an athletic build, and giving an impression of fitness. In spite of Hurst’s age, it was clear to Border that if it came to an arrest, Hurst would be capable of strong resistance. “Mr, Border asked. “Yes.” “I hope you’ll forgive the intrusion, sir, and my unexpected visit, but I was hoping we could have a chat.” ‘A chat,” said Hurst, “what about?” ‘About your work...” “What work do you mean?”
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