As soon as people started appearing at the top of the museum’s entrance stairs, the row of engines turned over and cars began jockeying to be the one who could get to the bottom of the steps first. Rykov followed the other dinner guests, who were hastily pulling coats over their suits and uniforms. But when he spotted his driver he signalled for him to pass him an umbrella through his window then follow him as Rykov crossed the path to where another figure, sheltering under a tree and their own umbrella, was watching the departing quests.

‘I’m sure I could have arranged an invitation for you,’ he said to Yegerova.

Her jacket and skirt were dry, but Rykov could see her shoes were soaked through from standing in the rain.

‘I’m not here for this,’ she said. ‘I’m here for you.’

Rykov smirked, thinking she probably wouldn’t have enjoyed spending the night in the museum anyway—she would have found it far too extravagant, the seven-course meal that had been laid out for them over the course of three hours positively debauched.

‘Then let’s take a walk,’ Rykov said, moving away from the museum entrance and out onto the pavement of Ulitsa Volkhonka. ‘We don’t want people to gossip.’

‘Perhaps they should,’ Yegerova said, watching Rykov’s car creep past her.

‘What can I do for you on such a lovely evening?’ Rykov asked as he stepped round a puddle.

‘Two of my agents were killed in London today,’ Yegerova replied.

‘That’s terrible, but it’s got nothing to do with me.’

‘They were trailing an asset the Americans were handing over to the British. A missing MI5 officer.’

‘How did they die?’ Rykov’s voice was still flippant, but the question was direct.

Yegerova stumbled over her reply. ‘We don’t know. They were watching MI5 headquarters, they followed their target, then they vanished.’

Rykov smiled again. ‘So they may have just disappeared off into the sunset. I’m surprised you noticed. You have so many operatives swarming over London you’re bound to lose a couple from time to time.’

‘Your senses may be dull from too much vodka, but the Soviet Union is surrounded by enemies on every side, and they are all working against us. The only way to guarantee our safety is to be constantly on guard.’

Rykov sidestepped another pool of water. ‘I’m fully aware of our need for eternal vigilance. But I’m not the one who’s been misplacing agents.’

Yegerova stopped, forcing Rykov and his car to pause as well.

‘The missing MI5 officer is called Jack Williams,’ she said.

Rykov looked confused, but not surprised. He’d spent a long time training himself to never look surprised. ‘Should that name mean something to me?’

‘Yes, because he’s your asset. The one you lost in Santo Domingo.’