‘Don’t worry, Eric, go on.’ Eric was a lugubrious figure nearing retirement, not over-endowed with imagination or subtlety but solid and reliable. He was often uneasy in meetings and Lesbian, Gay and Transgender rights was a subject he found particularly awkward, shifting in his seat as he struggled with the conflict between his natural openness and a newly imposed bureaucratic culture.

‘Well, it’s – one of them, the latest person to declare that he or she is – is one of them, has said he or she – they – want their security pass to have two photos on it, one as a man, one as a woman, so that she – he – can choose whichever identity they want that day. We have had the same request before, once or twice, and we’ve said no but now I wonder – I don’t know what the latest . . .’

Pauline, head of HR, turned to Charles. ‘I think what’s at stake here, CSS, is the question of whether the person’s human rights are infringed by the denial of gender recognition, which would imply denial of gender choice.’

‘What do the lawyers say?’ No one knew. ‘See that they’re consulted, Pauline, and then we’ll discuss again.’ He turned to Eric. ‘Thanks for raising it, Eric. Quite right to do so. Until we’ve had a chance to discuss again, carry on as you were.’

‘Just say no?’

‘Just say no.’

‘There’s also been a request from Stonewall,’ continued Pauline. ‘They’ve asked if we would like a representative on our board so that we can demonstrate that we’re a fully inclusive employer. MI5 have one.’

‘I think that’s one for my successor,’ said Charles. ‘Whoever that may be.’

Back in his own office Jenny said that Michael Dunton wanted him to ring urgently on the secure line.

‘He’s disappeared, buggered off,’ said Michael. ‘Your young man, that is. You remember you said he was going home to hand himself in after leaving your place last night?’

‘I thought that was what he was going to do – it was the impression he gave. It’s what I advised him to do.’

‘Well, he hasn’t, I’m afraid, so there’s now a hue and cry and his parents’ place is being searched and her parents’ place. The police will probably want to interview you and Sarah, too, since you seem to have been the last people to see him.’