The Dragon and the Needle

by Hugh Franks

  ‘Yin and Yang,’ Mike said, ‘the law of the opposites.’

  ‘Yes,’ she smiled briefly, ‘you’re learning. Now listen! While I was in China I learnt of the inner struggles of the people, and of the agents sent in by the West to split and divide them. The leaders were determined to preserve unity, to achieve victory for the way of life, for the Tao, for China.’

  ‘But to the West, the Tao is surely a sign of backwardness.’

  ‘But not to the East!’

  ‘So where is this leading us, Eleanor? What has all this to do with Professor Dorman and ENDS?’

  ‘This is where the Oriental mind has more depth than we often imagine it has … they would probably say that the mouse does not come out at the invitation of the cat. When the United Nations, America and its allies, took the tough line with China, they only succeeded in forcing the Far East to close their ranks against the rest of the world.’

  ‘That’s history now,’ Mike said. ‘Are you suggesting that Oriental medicine is what we should be worrying about?’

  ‘Not just worrying about it, but understanding all its implications!’ Eleanor exclaimed. ‘And as far as I’m concerned …’ she paused as two people strolled past them, then she said, ‘as far as I’m concerned, even a bodyguard won’t be of any help to me.’

  Mike was shocked. ‘What exactly do you mean by that?’ he asked.

  She paused again, answering slowly, ‘I mean that if you imagine for one moment you can use anything I’ve spoken about here, like for instance telling the police or anyone, they will find out and kill me.’

  It was almost more than Mike could stand. It had stopped raining. Pale sunshine was shining through a nearby window and the shadows cast by the ancient figures around them added to his anguish.

  ‘They will kill you,’ he said. ‘I don’t think that I’m going to let you out of my sight ever again!’

  She smiled, and spoke with care, saying, ‘You must promise not to repeat to anyone what I have said so far!’

  ‘Of course, I promise.’

  ‘Or for that matter,’ she added, ‘anything else I might say.’

  ‘Agreed,’ Mike said.

  At that moment, she felt the clouds around her had lifted. At last she could unburden herself to the man she loved.

  ‘And I promise you, Mike, to help you all I can in finding the causes of ENDS.’

  Mike took her hand in his. ‘So you better tell me everything, everything,’ he repeated.

  Any remaining barriers between them dissolved as they began to talk freely to each other.

  Mike arrived at the Ministry of Health at close to half-past ten. He had telephoned the Minister earlier saying he had overslept and would be about an hour late for his appointment. The Minister had sulkily replied that the delay was annoying. Mike had swept the Minister’s attitude aside by telling him that he had something of great importance to discuss. That was enough for the politician: had Mike got on to a new approach? Would Question Time in the House be easier for him as a result?

  Since his meeting with Eleanor in the Oriental Gallery of the British Museum, Mike had changed. Now the problems were not only ENDS and Dorman’s murder, but also the need to protect Eleanor. He had spent most of the night trying to work out in his mind what to say and, even more importantly, what not to say to the Minister. As he walked thoughtfully down the long corridor towards the Minister’s office, he knew he was ready to put forward his next moves.

  He sat down and faced the Minister. He was determined to keep control of events. Mike needed that determination, for the Minister from the outset adopted an aggressive attitude, leaning forward with his elbows on the desk and speaking quickly.

  ‘I’m disappointed you’re late, Doctor. I’ve got a hell of a day ahead, there’s not much time I can spare. So keep it short. What progress have you made?’

  The tactlessness behind the question was enough to make Mike even stronger. He controlled himself and replied, ‘You don’t seem to realise, Minister, that what I have to say is in no way determined by what you call progress. As I said to you on the phone, I have something of great importance to discuss with you.’

  ‘In other words, that you’ve made progress?’

  ‘You can put it like that if you wish.’ Mike paused for effect and went on, ‘And if you really want effective progress you must trust me to go my own way.’

  ‘I’m not interested in what way you go and …’

  Mike cut in, ‘I think it wise for you to listen to what I have to say.’ He looked hard at the Minister and went on, ‘I propose to work alongside a colleague, following a possible link with the Far East. Any discussion as to the details cannot be divulged to you and …’

  The Minister’s face went red at these words. He pushed his writing pad forward, interrupting Mike, saying defiantly, ‘I would like to remind you, Doctor, that you are supposed to report your progress to me!’ His voice got higher. ‘What exactly is it that you are unable to divulge to me?’

  ‘I cannot say any more than I have told you. And I do not have to report anything to you. Your job is to keep what I am doing out of circulation and to keep the politicians quiet. That is the thing of great importance that I came to tell you. I’m surprised you haven’t heard from someone else already.’

  ‘Are you trying to bully me? To threaten me? And what exactly do you mean by “someone else”?’

  ‘I can give you a number to call, if you so wish.’

  ‘What sort of number?’

  ‘Very high level.’

  The Minister sat very still at his desk, staring at Mike. Was the doctor trying to bluff him? Who the hell did he think he was? The more he stared at Mike, the more he noticed that the doctor appeared restless. At this moment, Mike did indeed feel disturbed. His head was hot and he felt slightly giddy. His restlessness was not lost on the politician who thought perhaps the doctor was losing his grip on events. For a brief period Mike had wondered what was the matter with himself, but as suddenly as his giddiness had appeared, it disappeared.

  ‘Minister!’ Mike spoke the word sharply. ‘You can call this number.’ He handed the Minister a card. ‘I am surprised they have not called you. Please do that. Now!’ Mike stood up and walked over to a window, then turned around to face the Minister who had not moved. The colour was rising again in the politician’s face as Mike called across to him. ‘Will you please do as I tell you? Or shall I do it for you? It might even help you in terms of what you say to the House.’

  The Minister made the call. The more he listened on the telephone, the more his attitude changed. Mike returned to sit down opposite him, and he saw a vain, ambitious man assume an air of cooperation. He was adept at survival. Mike watched to see how he would handle a very awkward position. Considering his embarrassment, Mike thought the Minister behaved tolerably well.

  ‘I understand now, Doctor,’ the Minister said. ‘At least, I know the important part I have to play in all this.’ He smiled and finished by saying, ‘It might even be enjoyable in the House: especially, I think, hoodwinking the Opposition, knowing that I’m doing it with official blessing.’

  As Mike left, the Minister shook his hand warmly and said, ‘Good luck! Perhaps, one day, the world will be grateful to you.’

  Back in his flat Mike felt strangely comforted, as if the future was more hopeful. He now had more control of events that lay ahead. Then suddenly, the giddiness began to return. He hurried across to his sofa and lay down just in time. Thoughts rushed through his mind half-subconsciously, as he recovered his strength of will and purpose. What the hell is wrong with me? he thought. He was always fit, with no health problems. The giddiness gradually disappeared as he took deep breaths and exhaled slowly. He knew that severe tension can have a serious effect on the lungs, sometimes lowering their ability to take in sufficient air and oxygen. He was under a great deal of tension. Perhaps all he needed was paracetamol and rest for a while?

  As he sat up, his telephone rang. Eleanor�
�s voice was the best tonic Mike could have had at that moment. But as he spoke to her she knew from the tone of his voice that something was wrong.

  ‘Mike, I’ve got a lot to tell you. We must meet soon, but you sound different. What’s the matter?’

  ‘It’s nothing. I’ve been feeling strange.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Probably need a short break. Tension, that’s all,’ and to take away her anxiety about him he added, ‘Probably worrying about you too much. A paracetamol will sort me out.’

  ‘Have you taken one yet?’

  ‘No, I was just about to have one … hold on a moment.’

  ‘Mike!’ She spoke loudly to hold him on the line. ‘Don’t take one.’

  He laughed. ‘Why not?’

  ‘Look, Mike, are you OK to come over to me now? I’m in my office.’

  ‘Yes, of course I am.’

  ‘Then come across immediately. If I can’t help you, then you can take the damned paracetamol.’

  Mike laughed again. ‘Good God!’ he exclaimed, ‘are you going to needle me?’

  ‘Probably. It depends on what I find.’ And with impatience she added in a firm tone of voice, ‘Stop wasting time. Come over now!’

  There was a short pause and then he said, ‘OK, I’ll be with you very soon.’

  Mike entered Eleanor’s reception room followed by his bodyguard.

  Julie welcomed him by saying, ‘Dr Clifford? Yes, of course you are.’ She pointed to Eleanor’s consulting room and said, ‘Please let yourself in. Dr Johnson’s waiting for you.’ She turned to the bodyguard with the words, ‘Can I help you, sir?’

  Mike introduced him as a friend, then crossed to Eleanor’s door, tapped on it and entered. Seeing her made him feel better. She was sitting behind her desk, and she was beautiful. Then they were standing close together, their faces almost touching.

  He whispered, ‘I think I have to kiss you.’ Then he did. As he gently pulled away from her he saw the look of concern in her eyes.

  He smiled and said, ‘You’re worried about me?’

  ‘Of course I am. Even more so now … after that.’

  ‘Yes. I just had to kiss you. I’m sorry.’

  ‘Don’t say that. I’m glad you did.’

  ‘Somehow we’ve got to keep the right balance,’ he said. ‘There’s too much at stake, isn’t there?’

  ‘Yes. And Mike, you’ve just used the right word, “balance”. Perhaps yours is knocked about at the moment. Sit down and let’s talk.’

  ‘Is that where we begin? By talking?’

  ‘Yes.’ Her pen was ready and hovering over her pad on the desk.

  ‘Age?’ she asked.

  ‘Twenty-five.’

  Eleanor looked up and smiled, ‘But not for long.’

  Mike laughed and said, ‘No. Going on thirty-seven.’

  ‘That’s more like it. Any serious illnesses or operations?’

  ‘None whatsoever.’

  ‘Do you ever have any reactions, mental ones that is, after periods of tension?’

  ‘I don’t think I can bear this,’ he replied with a smile. Then he added quickly, ‘When can we kiss again?’

  She smiled back, put her pen down, and pointed to her patient’s couch, saying, ‘Over there, Mike, and lie down.’

  As he lay down, he turned to her and said, ‘For a kiss?’

  Then she was by his side, not for a kiss, but taking his right wrist in her hand began feeling his pulses.

  ‘They’re racing, aren’t they? Your touch does something to me.’

  Now she looked serious and ordered Mike to stop talking. He obeyed her. He decided that he did feel more relaxed. Is that what happened when the pulses were handled like this? For she was checking them on both wrists. He found it so soothing that he closed his eyes until some minutes later, when she released her hold on his left wrist. He opened his eyes again as she spoke.

  ‘Do you only need to take paracetamol from time to time?’

  ‘That’s right.’

  ‘Put your tongue out, Mike.’

  He smiled and obeyed. He pushed himself up to rest on his elbow and said, ‘So? What happens next?’ He was smiling like an open piano.

  Eleanor frowned. ‘Mike,’ she said in a serious tone of voice, ‘Your energy patterns are haywire. You’re heading for problems – health problems. Thank God you’ve come to me.’

  He reached out and touched her cheek. ‘Look here, Eleanor,’ he said softly, ‘I don’t have health problems and I’m a great survivor and …’

  ‘Stop, Mike. Listen to me. It’s nothing I can’t sort out. And quickly, too. Just believe me.’

  ‘My pulse rate was absolutely normal on the way here, I checked it!’

  ‘I’m not talking about pulse rates! I’m talking about your energy patterns, a totally different concept of acupuncture.’

  For the moment, she became the stronger character. Her confidence was infectious and he began to feel strangely comforted. She told him to strip down to his underpants. He obeyed, and then asked, ‘What’s the next stage?’ But this time he did not laugh.

  ‘It’s best that you relax,’ she said firmly, yet softly. ‘Don’t talk. Please, Mike, do as I say.’

  He smiled his reply, lay down again, and closed his eyes, finding it difficult to relax as thoughts of the future crossed his mind. These unexplained deaths were now becoming so widespread that they could only be defeated by a massive effort of … he paused in his thoughts as his mind cleared for a moment … an effort of the Western world. Then, as quickly, his mind changed to thoughts of a worldwide effort, East, North and South in addition to the West. What was he doing here in Eleanor’s hands? Was this going to lead to a vital contribution to the massive effort required?

  Then he heard Eleanor say soothingly, ‘Relax, Mike.’

  He opened his eyes once more and then quickly closed them. He did not want to watch Eleanor’s next move, as he had seen her poised and ready to commence his first acupuncture treatment, holding in her hand a very fine, and, he hoped, sterilised and unbreakable needle.

  With his eyes closed he said, ‘OK, but I’m crossing my fingers that it won’t be too painful.’

  Then, instead of pain, he did feel a definite sensation: he was aware of the needle being inserted above his left eyebrow, near the top of his head. He heard her say gently, ‘OK, Mike?’

  He opened his eyes and said, ‘No problem.’

  ‘Good. So don’t close your eyes. I want you to form a ring by joining the middle finder of your left hand with its thumb.’

  As he did so he smiled, saying, ‘That’s the “no good” sign in France.’

  She closely inspected the ring formed by his finger and thumb, and said, ‘Yes, you’re right there. But not in acupuncture … here I’m right.’

  ‘What are you right about?’ he asked.

  ‘I’m right about the depth of the needle insertion.’

  ‘What’s my finger and thumb got to do with the depth of the needle?’

  ‘Everything, Mike. Just stay still for a while, don’t talk, then I’ll tell you.’

  Eleanor began testing his pulses again. Now his eyes were wide open, looking at her, with a slight smile on his face. He remembered being told once that the Chinese had developed diagnostic techniques which gave important indications of the nature, location and seriousness of disorders. Why had he remembered that?

  Without looking at him she said quietly, ‘It’s getting better, Mike. The flow of energy in your Yang meridian is balancing itself very nicely.’

  Ten minutes later she was able to say to him, ‘I’ve got you in time. You’re going to be in good health again sooner than I thought.’

  What could he reply? He was already feeling much more relaxed. He decided to remain quiet. Eleanor inserted more needles. He counted five. Once he said ‘Ouch’, and winced slightly. All he got in return for that reaction was a smile from Eleanor.

  She went across to her desk and began wr
iting.

  ‘What are you up to, my dear?’ he asked.

  ‘Quiet, Mike, please,’ was her only reply.

  When she returned to his side, he had nearly decided to call her ‘darling’ … much less formal than ‘my dear’. Then he thought, no … too soon, too much at stake at the moment … personal relationships must be kept under strict control and …

  She cut in on his thoughts. ‘Relax, and close your eyes.’

  Then, before she told him the treatment was completed, removing the needles, and whilst he was still lying on the couch, she explained two of the basics of acupuncture. ‘Firstly, Mike, the foundation of acupuncture rests upon the relationship that exists between a specific point on the surface of the skin and a specific organ. Secondly, relying totally on anatomical designations, that point on the surface of the skin was discovered and has been used for thousands of years and is plotted onto charts. The depth to which the needle is inserted varies according to the patient’s physical make up, or size, if you like.’ She stopped speaking and smiled, adding, ‘I’m sure you understand that.’

  ‘Perfectly,’ he smiled. Then, ‘Not really,’ he said, ‘but I’m feeling very relaxed.’

  ‘Good … and better?’

  ‘Now you’re trying auto-suggestion.’

  ‘You think so?’

  He grinned, sat silent for a moment on the side of the couch and then said with a touch of surprise in his voice, ‘What I do know at this stage is how much better I feel. I really do. It all seems so simple.’

  Eleanor smiled with relief and said, ‘The Chinese say “Simplicity is of all things, the hardest to be copied”.’

  ‘That’s a very profound thought,’ he said. ‘But why the circle you asked me to form with my finger and thumb?’

  ‘It’s a unit of measurement used to locate the points exactly. I can’t go into precise details,’ Eleanor smiled, ‘you can learn those gradually. It’s very hard work because they have to be memorised.’

  Mike was thinking, with memory flashes as quick as lightning, of his work at Sussex University. When could he return to that important task? Although he worked hard, long hours, at least there were off-duty hours when he was able to think, relax and catch up on private matters. Then he thought, luckily for him, in the midst of all this drama, he had met Eleanor. Her voice interrupted his thoughts.