She spooned tea into the pot, arranged milk and sugar and two cups on a tray, then carried it through to the parlour.

‘And shall I fetch some biscuits, too, Mr Young? I have rich tea or digestives.’

‘Ah, digestives, yes please! Haven’t had them in years, Mrs V. Tell me more about this safe house.’

‘Oh, everyone in Harkham knows about the place, Mr Young. I have a very old friend in the village, and she couldn’t resist telling me about it when we met up for the carol service last year. It’s by the church and it’s called the Old Rectory – you can’t possibly miss it. The secret service boys are in and out all the time and they’re convinced no one knows, but of course they do. Everyone in the village does. And people do tend to tell me things, you see. They say I have a kindly, trustworthy face.’

‘Indeed you do, Mrs V.’

‘Appearances can be deceptive, can’t they. Do I surprise you, dear?’

She was pouring the tea, but looked up at him with a quizzical smile.

That was when he saw through her. That sly smile. It told him everything he needed to know about Felicity Vickery. This little old lady was the same as him. Exactly the same. She would kill her dearest pet or her best friend with that kindly smile fixed to her face.

‘Yes, I was a little surprised.’

‘Good. And that’s just the way it should be if I am to go about my important work on behalf of the Führer. I am English through and through, but I have been a disciple for more than ten years now and have spent many happy holidays in Germany. Those Nuremberg rallies! That’s where I met Herr Bormann. Such a lovely man – even back then I knew he was going places. The Führer is very lucky to have him. Just a shame we had such second-raters in our own Blackshirts. As for Mosley, what an absolute disaster.’

Jung nodded. ‘I’ve heard of him – vaguely.’

‘Silly, posturing ass – a pale imitation of a strong leader. Anyway, Mr Young, we’ll have the real thing soon. Look.’ She went to the sideboard and opened a drawer. ‘Herr Bormann gave me this – a Party badge. I’ve never shown it to anyone in this country until now. But I felt so proud, so honoured when I received it.’

‘It is a fine thing.’

Jung had never bothered with such baubles. He had joined the Party as a necessity, to ensure the continuation of his trade and make life in general easier. And because Bormann told him it was a good idea.

‘I believe you have a radio transmitter.’