‘That’s quite soon, isn’t it? Not long since the last one.’

‘This is an emergency one to take stock of resources in case the Treasury cut up rough. We didn’t go as far as worst-case scenarios this morning. With luck we won’t need to, so don’t put it in their diaries as a firm booking, just check for dates when they’re available and when they’re not. If it’s difficult we can have a partial board, doesn’t have to be a full one. In the next week, if possible.’

‘If it’s that soon you’ll probably end up with a meeting of two.’

‘The fewer the better so far as decisions are concerned.’

Michael Dunton rang from Thames House on the secure line. ‘Your note on Sarah’s godson has caused a flutter in the hen coops here. I’ve got the desk officer with me. No one’s questioning your overall assessment of him as probably harmless but there’s concern about the knives you say he’s bought. It coincides with an odd conversation he’s had with someone from this dodgy mosque group he’s in with. Bit of an imposition, I know, but any chance you’d be able to pop over and listen to it? I would suggest Sarah too but our lawyers say we’re not allowed to share such product outside the intelligence community, even for a Mrs C. Also, the team concerned want to take a closer look at her godson, technically closer, if you see what I mean, and it would help them a lot if you and Sarah could advise on arrangements.’ Michael chuckled. ‘Not sure whether I should apologise for distracting you with casework details or offer it as a chance to escape back to your operational past. Though you never had much luck with tech ops, if I remember rightly.’

‘Always willing to revert to type and try again, so look at it as the latter. Anyway, it’s not the only bit of casework around at the moment.’

‘We owe you one, Charles. The desk will be in touch.’

Later, when he had the results of Jenny’s diary research, Charles rang Sonia. ‘Looks like Gareth’s intending to go next Wednesday. It’s the only day next week when he is completely unavailable. His diary is blanked out from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning with no explanation, which is unusual. Usually, whenever he has a Timber Wolf meeting he describes it as “Brussels Brexit briefing”.’

‘So if you’re going to spring a surprise on Timber Wolf you’ll have to see him before that, in time to stop Gareth going.’

‘Or let him go, depending on what Timber Wolf reveals. Is Cheltenham ready with their box of tricks to turn me into Gareth, electronically speaking?’