It was difficult for the gatekeepers, the officers in daily contact with the prisoners, so they profiled them, selected the most exemplary. It was unusual to have such a disciplined grassroots man as Owens have such independence of thought. He lit a cigarette. Leant back on his chair. He could hear him coming. He inhaled deeply and rested the cigarette in the ashtray. Narrowed his eyes as the knock came.

‘Enter.’

He had decided not to let him sit. He watched him come in, close the door behind him. He picked up the cigarette once again, inhaled. Took his time. Let him stand until he was ready to speak.

‘Your conduct was irresponsible. You could have killed him.’

Owens smiled. ‘It was nothing to do with me,’ he said, his voice controlled, ‘it was all Adley.’

The Lieutenant Colonel fixed a steady gaze on him. ‘Was it, now?’

‘And anyway, I think you’ll find that it’s you who’s managed to kill him,’ he answered.

The Lieutenant Colonel let the words hang between them. ‘If you think that you could expose this and be believed, you’re very much mistaken.’

Owens squared his shoulders. The Lieutenant Colonel regarded him. Didn’t hurry.

‘I have your record here.’ Owens’s smile faltered. The Lieutenant Colonel retrieved the new file he had compiled from the drawer of the desk. Flicked it open. Took his time. ‘I think you’ll find that you’re not very well liked amongst your colleagues. There have been a few … misdemeanours.’ Owens scoffed. The Lieutenant Colonel looked up sharply. ‘I don’t know what’s so funny.’

‘I have nothing on my file.’

‘That’s strange, because according to this you do … assault … failing to report for duty … sailed quite close to the wind on several occasions.’

‘Those are lies.’

‘Are you saying I’m seeing things? It’s right here in black and white.’ He pushed the file towards him. Owens refused to look down. ‘The thing is, Prisoner B was a figment of your imagination. What proof have you got that he even existed?’

‘You can’t do that.’

‘Can’t I?’ The Lieutenant Colonel closed the file. Steadied his voice.

‘What about the Doctor?’

‘He’s not going to speak now, is he? Neither is your friend Adley. Now …’ The Lieutenant Colonel leant forward, intertwined his fingers. ‘Here is how this is going to work. You will carry on with your duties as usual. Forget about everything. And who knows? Maybe your record will improve. Or you can make this difficult for yourself, and with your little file here, you wouldn’t be doing yourself any favours. If I flag any of these “infringements”, you’ll be on your way to Colchester for a little holiday.’ The Lieutenant Colonel observed him coolly. Owens had clenched his fists unconsciously, his jaw setting. ‘Now, I think you’ll agree with me that this matter is closed.’