His only hope was Tilly Knight. George had told him he trusted her. She’d said she’d call back in an hour and he’d suggested Skype. He wanted to see her face. Speaking to somebody about something as grave as his situation wasn’t something he wanted to do without feeling a connection. He was taking a huge risk and he wanted to get to know her a little.

He thought about his colleagues. They’d always promised to keep the lab a secret, and Alex tried to think who else knew about it. The only thing he could come up with that might be vaguely important was the letter George had received from Ravensword reminding him of his employment covenant, which stated he shouldn’t engage in work elsewhere. They’d discussed it and George had reassured them that he’d sort it. When asked if anyone at Ravensword knew about the garage, he had told them no. But did they? Then there was the funding. Only George knew where it came from; could that have been important? But why would the person who gave George money kill him?

Alex’s head hurt, which was why he’d come to the beach. He’d made the call as he walked along the warm sand. June was a beautiful month on the island: not too hot. It was difficult to believe that he was in the middle of such a crisis. He was at a loss and didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t hide for ever.

No matter how much his mind went round and around in circles, he knew that Ravensword must be involved somehow. He’d have to prove it before even thinking about handing himself in. He was aware that he was a plausible suspect, and that was why he’d fled. Nothing and no one could protect him in London; only the mountains and hidden beaches of his beloved island could do that.

He knew it was only a matter of time before the British authorities would impose enough leverage to get him sent back, and then he was as good as dead. His mother still thought he was avoiding a clingy girlfriend – hence why she’d hung up on the British woman – but she was also thrilled to have him home, and he was constantly pampered. It had crossed his mind that anyone who was able to take out three of his colleagues without trace was also capable of boarding a BA flight to Larnaca, but he tried not to think in those terms.