Jane was slathering marmalade on her toast. ‘Anyone know what they’ve got for us today?’

‘I can’t wait to see what they come up with next,’ said Luke, pouring everyone coffee. ‘Although I fear it’s going to be tough for them to top the rabbit.’

‘Good morning,’ said North, appearing at their table. Behind her stood a tall, dark woman with full, red lips and large, blue eyes.

Luke sat up straight immediately.

North was speaking. ‘As you know, this team has been a man down since its inception. It hasn’t been a problem so far, but as your missions become more complex, it might be. This is Sarah Smith, an experienced officer, who will be joining you. Effective immediately.’ She paused and then said, ‘I’ll leave you all to become acquainted.’

She walked away.

Both sides stared at each other for a moment and then Luke stood and pulled out a chair for her.

Smith flashed him a brilliant smile, and sat down.

Jane had no idea why, but a cold feeling was creeping around her heart.

‘Hello, everyone,’ said Smith. Jane wondered if her voice was naturally husky or whether she was just going down with a bad cold. For some reason, the hairs on the back of her neck began to lift.

‘I’m Smith and I’ll be the fourth member of your team from now on.’ She laughed throatily. ‘Makes me sound like a waitress, doesn’t it? Anyway, we’ve not come across each other before – I’ve been away on one of Major Callen’s recruitment drives and only got back last week. I’ve been reading your reports and Major Ellis has done an excellent job bringing you to this point.’

No mention of North, thought Jane. And who is she to pass judgement on a senior officer?

‘Now I know late assimilation can be a little difficult, but I don’t want you to worry about me. I’m very easy to get along with.’ She was looking at Luke as she said it and then those blue eyes slithered to Matthew, who stared solidly back again.

‘Officer North has scheduled us a get-to-know-each-other session this morning.’ She slid her eyes to Luke again. ‘I’m sure we’ll all have many questions for each other. Briefing Room 2.’

She hasn’t even looked at me, thought Jane.

Another dazzling smile. ‘So, finish your breakfast – no need for haste.’ She looked at her watch with the air of one already in charge. ‘I’ll meet you there in, say, twenty minutes.’

Luke watched her walk away. ‘Like jelly in a sack,’ he said, dreamily.

Jane stood up abruptly. ‘I’ll see you there.’

She did, arriving exactly on time, only to find the other two must have turned up some considerable time before her because the get-to-know-each-other session was already well under way.