The Principal's Daughter Read Online Free PDF Page B

attachments and sat down to study the information. He had only 48 hours to get into the head of his client. The job would start on the weekend.
    The rocking motion of the train carriage was strangely soothing as the verdant green English countryside rushed past. Richard was still studying the file sent by Steve. He was surprised at how young the client looked to be a diplomat. The only sign that he was more advanced in years than he looked was the greying hair at his temples. His wife and daughter were accompanying him on his two-year posting to the English capitol. His wife looked a very elegant woman from the photograph. The daughter, on the other hand, appeared to have that look that young college girls have. There was a hint of mischief in her eyes. Although she gave the impression of innocence, there was something about her.
    Richards's train of thought was broken by an announcement that the train was arriving in Kings Cross Station. He closed the lid to his laptop and placed it in its bag. Rising from his seat, he pulled the briefcase off the luggage shelf above his head. Making his way to the end of the carriage, he collected his suitcase from the luggage compartment. Standing in the space between the two carriages, he waited patiently for the train to slow and finally stop. The button for the door release changed from red to green, and he pressed it to release the door.
    Stepping onto the platform, he entered into the throng of already-bustling commuters heading for the exit. Navigating his way through the crowds, he exited the station and looked right to see a line of black London cabs. Leaning into the window of the first cab, he gave the address in Belgravia. The cabby told him to jump in, and he stowed Richard's suitcase in the rear, placing his briefcase on his lap.
    The taxi headed out of the station and onto the main road that ran east to west across the city. The sights and sounds of the capital were alien to Richard; although he had visited many times, it would not be his wish to live there. He, like many people from the north, did not like Londoners. They had little time for one another, all too wrapped up in their own little lives. The cab continued to head west and then swung left onto the main route heading south. Richard knew that this would take him past Hyde Park, and not far from the US Embassy.
    "Can we make a slight detour, mate, and go via the US Embassy?" he asked knowing the request was moot, as the cabby would take him anywhere he wanted as long as he paid.
    ,"No problem mate," came the curt but friendly enough reply.
    Richard settled back in his seat and contemplated his meeting with his new client. He was due to arrive at lunchtime, but looking at his watch, he saw that he was way ahead of schedule. It seemed like a good time to check out the area surrounding the Embassy.
    As the vehicle rounded Speakers Corner on the north-eastern edge of Hyde Park, Richard recalled the many times he had paraded there with other members of the combined cavalry regiments. Turning left onto Upper Grosvenor Street it was a short distance to the embassy building. The taxi driver slowed and came to a halt outside the building itself.
    The structure was white in colour and was nine stories in height. Richard had studied the plans and knew that although only six were visible there lay another three underground. In the centre of the building at the very top, it was adorned by a gilded bald eagle with outstretched wings. It sat under the Stars and Stripes flag of the United States of America, looking down like a silent sentry. The building had been in use since 1960, and was the hub for all events taking place in the capital. Security concerns in the 1980's and 90's had meant that access was not allowed to vehicles. Richard sat for a moment, studying the layout.
    "Okay buddy, you can drive on now," Richard said leaning forward. Happy that he had satisfied himself of the lay of the land.
    Continuing to travel south,