The Big Breach - Index of

The Big Breach; From Top Secret to Maximum SecurityCompliments of http://www.192.com11. THE AGREEMENTMONDAY, 25 MARCH 1996LAVENDER CAFE, KENNINGTON ROAD, LONDONI wasn't surprised that PD/PROSPECT was late. Mike Timpson asked me tomeet him at two p.m. in the Lavender Cafe‚ off the Kennington Road, astone's throw from my flat in Richborne Terrace. It was Monday, 25March 1996; the clocks had been put back one hour over the weekend toBritish Summer Time, and it normally took the office a day or so tochange all the wall-clocks. I supposed that Timpson would appear aboutthree, so ordered another coffee and reflected again on the events ofthe past four months.It took the IST until 12 March to uphold MI6's dismissal. Although theverdict was not unexpected, nevertheless it was a crushing blow seeingmy final chance for legal redress disappear. Until that day, Iabstained from accepting MI6's help in finding alternative employment.It was a matter of principle. Accepting their offer would be aconcession in the battle against unfair dismissal. I'd had a fewinterviews. Patrick Jephson, Private Secretary to the Princess of Walesinterviewed me to work in her office, but no offer materialised. I wentalong to some private-sector interviews but my lack of enthusiasm forthat sort of career must have been plain. The lack of a regular salaryfor eight months decimated my savings and even cut-backs on expenditureand some casual work as a motorcycle dispatch rider left me with a bigoverdraft. Eventually there was no choice except to swallow my prideand accept help from Vauxhall Cross.Timpson walked into the wine bar at ten to three, imagining himself tobe in good time for the meeting. I had met him a couple of times andliked him. He had joined late in his career, after working as an aidworker in Africa. He remained an Africa specialist - unusual in MI6where specialism is frowned upon - rising eventually to head the Africacontrollerate. His career stalled there, perhaps due to his lack ofexperience outside the dark continent, but probably also because he wasno thruster.`Thank you for agreeing to meet me,' he said cautiously as we sat downwith our coffees, careful not to sound sanctimonious that I had notcontacted the office sooner or triumphant that I had finally beenforced to accept their help. `I've just finished reading a book whichmade me think of you. It was about a young chap called ChristianJennings who was in a desperate state like you - broke, no job, losthis home. He went off and joined the French Foreign Legion, then wrotea book about his experience called A Mouth Full of Rocks. Anyway,things turned out right for him in the end.'`What, are you suggesting I join the Foreign Legion?' I asked.page- 149 - To purchase the original limited edition hardback version of this bookplease call 08000 192 192 or go to http://www.192.com