As one of MI5’s specialist accountants, he’d been investigating the two business accounts of Bourne and Sons and the personal accounts of Bourne and Ridgeway. That morning, just a matter of hours before Prince had been summoned by Gilbey, he had followed Prince into his office looking almost excited.

‘Mind if I pull up a chair?’

He noisily dragged one across the floor and sat slightly closer than Prince felt comfortable with. Despite the heaters being on, and everyone else in shirtsleeves, Slater was wearing a heavy suit and a thick pullover. Prince couldn’t help noticing that his nose had a perpetual drop hanging from the end of it, which he occasionally wiped with the cuff of his shirt.

‘I think we may have a development.’ He coughed and laid some curled sheets of paper on the desk.

Prince glanced at them and told Slater it might be easier if he explained.

‘You remember that our examination of the various bank accounts – business and personal – associated with Bourne and Sons was not fruitful? Well, we have been keeping an eye on all four accounts, and the people with whom we liaise in those banks know to contact us as a matter of urgency if any approach is made from their clients or if there are any unusual transactions.’ Slater paused and coughed noisily before pulling a large handkerchief from his top pocket.

‘The London clearing banks have to adhere to wartime regulations, which are still in force. For cash withdrawals over twenty pounds, one full working day’s notice is required in writing, along with the name of the person who will be making the withdrawal. That person is required to bring their national identity card and further proof of identity. For withdrawals over fifty pounds, the requirement is for three working days’ notice. However, there is an exception to the latter requirement…’ Slater shifted his chair even closer to Prince and licked his thumb prior to turning over one of the sheets of paper. ‘If the withdrawal is to be made from the main branch of a bank in the City of London, then only one day’s notice is required, whatever the sum.

‘Last Thursday, the main branch of Martins Bank in Lombard Street was informed that a Miss Myrtle Carter would be making a withdrawal of one hundred pounds in cash from the Bourne and Sons account the following day. Unfortunately, by the time we were informed of this, that withdrawal had already been made. As a consequence, we contacted the Midland Bank, who hold the other Bourne and Sons account, and instructed them to be especially alert to that account. Just fifteen minutes ago, I received a telephone call from our contact at the bank to say that a request had been received for a Miss Myrtle Carter to withdraw the sum of one hundred pounds in cash from their Threadneedle Street branch tomorrow.’

Slater looked pleased with himself and leaned back in a manner inviting a gesture of gratitude from Prince.