The Israeli agent also moved fast – the Glock pistol was in his hand in a second and two shots were discharged. The giant ducked the first, but took the next in the chest – it didn’t stop him; in fact, he didn’t seem to feel it, even though there was a smoking hole in his shirt.

He crossed to Baruk in two steps, chopped at the gun hand and struck him under the chin with such force that the agent flew backwards into the wall. Baruk was highly trained and sprang back, shrugging off the hammer-like blow and diving for the big man’s midsection.

The giant clasped his hands together and brought them down like a pile driver between the Israeli agent’s shoulderblades. Matt could feel the impact of the blow right through the soles of his feet and it jolted him into action. He leaped up, dragged his chair with him and broke it over Baruk’s opponent’s head and shoulders. That was his plan, at any rate: it didn’t break like in the movies, it just bounced off as if he’d simply struck the wall.

The giant ignored Matt, reached down to Baruk still hanging on at his waist, and grabbed his head. In one swift movement, he span the skull so quickly and violently that the Mossad agent’s head was now facing the roof.

Matt nearly gagged: Baruk had a startled look on his face as if he suddenly realized he was dead.

The giant held onto the body and turned to the door. “Sir.”

Another man stepped in, flanked by two brutal-looking Egyptians carrying long blades. This one was wearing a tailored suit, his silver hair brushed back in an expensive haircut, and movie-star teeth on display in a wide, satisfied smile.

“You must be Professor Matthew Kearns. It’s truly a pleasure. And I am Charles Sheldon Drummond, a fan of sorts.” He gave Matt a small bow, and then turned to look up at the giant next to him. “Kroen, let’s get ready to receive our visitors.”

Drummond turned back to Matt. “Oh, Professor, did you hear what happened to poor Dr Albadi?”

Matt nodded, wondering what the man was playing at.

“Yes, your Syrian informant wasn’t as cooperative with me, and needed to be punished – in fact, punished to pieces. So, you sit quietly over there and don’t make a sound.” Drummond’s face hardened, and Matt saw something behind the eyes that told him that this suave little man would like nothing more than the chance to punish him.

Matt sat still. I can wait, he thought. Opportunities always present themselves.

Kroen picked up Baruk’s gun and then came and stood in front of Drummond, his huge body effectively shielding the doorway. He pointed to the two Egyptians and ordered them on either side of the door. Their trap was set.

Drummond then looked out at Matt and smiled broadly. “Professor, move to the other side of the room, and don’t say a word. Remember, I don’t want to hurt you, so please don’t make me.”