Boerman slid the M60 under the bed and stood up to go.

‘It’s there, liefie. And I know you will find it.’

‘Thank you, Jaap.’

Sura rarely used his name, especially not affectionately, and the familiarity hurt more than the ball of Libyan shrapnel working its way out of his left trapezius. Their relationship only existed behind closed doors, and Boerman’s conversion to the faith, which he’d done for her, had changed nothing. As a bule – a white man – he had never been accepted. He was just the muscle who got to screw the goddess when no one who mattered was looking.

Godver doem dit.

‘Jaap.’

Seeing that sultry look in her eyes fired his blood and he could barely get his pants down quick enough.

‘No, no,’ she chided when he reached for her. ‘Let me.’

Gratefully he surrendered to her skilful ministrations and was almost ready to blow, when suddenly, there was a rap at the door.

‘Apa yang terjadi disana?’

Boerman gave a piteous moan. ‘Fucking Goki.’

‘One minute!’ Sura called out, before whispering to Jaap saucily, ‘Your day just got better.’

With a wink she plunged her mouth down to receive him.

Goki’s eyes were flat discs when Sura opened the door.

‘When I knock, I expect your door to open.’

Sura crossed her arms. ‘Oh, really?’

Boerman was not quite ready to fight, but he mustered a growl.

‘We are all adults here. Why don’t you mind your own business?’

The commando stepped inside and closed the door, filling the cabin with his clove stink and menace.

‘Already you risk our security, Sura. Do you think these troopers are blind to your charms? Do you think they cannot hear, or smell, what you are up to?’ His nose crinkled with distaste. ‘This is a delicate operation involving two countries. It requires discipline and tact, all right?’

‘Would that be the same discipline which cost us our source?’ retorted Sura.

‘You are a stupid and spoilt child.’

‘And you forget yourself.’ Sura flushed angrily. ‘My father will hear of this.’

‘Indeed, he will.’ Goki’s voice was silken. ‘Do not forget your father put me in charge to safeguard his interests. From now on, you will conduct yourself professionally and modestly.’ He turned to stare at Boerman, ‘And you will keep that dick in your pants, or I’ll cut it off and use it to shut your big mouth. That scene tonight with Nash was not only pathetic – you risked our mission before it has even started.’

Boerman was itching to go for Goki’s throat, but Sura blocked his path.

‘You’ve made your point, Sergeant. Please go.’

Goki gave Boerman a final dark look.

‘I’ll see you in two minutes.’

When he stalked away, the hilt of a commando knife protruded above his belt and Boerman knew it was a message.