‘That won’t be necessary. Now, let me explain what’s going to happen. The men in your apartment work for us. We’re going to ask you some questions. And you’re going to give us the answers.’

‘I ain’t saying shit to you poofs. Not to you,’ he said, meeting Mallet’s gaze, ‘or to no fucking computer screen. For all I know, this is some wind-up.’

‘We’re not playing games,’ Mallet said. ‘You’ll do as we say, Davey Boy.’

Lang eased back in his chair and chuckled. ‘Or what? You and your mates will scare me to death? Is that it?’

Mallet glared at him with a look that could skin an animal.

The Voice said, ‘It’s in your interest to cooperate with us, David. We already know you’re planning to meet with the Russian ambassador and Sergei Galkin in Antibes today, at midday.’

‘It’s a free country, last I heard. I can meet with mates. That’s none of your business.’

‘You’ve arranged a meeting with two well-known Kremlin associates behind our backs. We know you and Seguma both wanted to keep this meeting a closely guarded secret. That’s why you conspired to send a body double to the royal wedding.’

Lang said nothing.

‘You’re trying to pressure Seguma into changing allegiance,’ the Voice went on. ‘That’s the real reason for this meeting with the Russians, isn’t it? To persuade him to abandon his alliance with us and bend the knee to Moscow.’

Lang’s shoulders heaved up and down as he let out a dirty laugh. ‘You people don’t know shit.’

Mallet gave him a menacing stare. ‘The game’s up, pal. You’ve been caught red-handed. Tell us what the plan is.’

‘Fuck off.’

‘We’re doing you a favour, you idiot,’ Bowman said.

‘You stuck a gun in my face, son. I’d hardly call that good manners.’

The corner of Mallet’s mouth teased upwards. A wicked glint flashed in his eyes. ‘Tell me something. When was the last time you spoke to your twin brother?’

‘A few days ago. Why?’

‘You should treasure that conversation, Davey Boy. It’ll be the last time you ever speak to him.’

Lang’s expression darkened. ‘The fuck are you talking about?’

‘Freddie was poisoned,’ the Voice said. ‘Last night. At the royal wedding.’

They gave him an abbreviated version of events. Freddie’s collapse and confession, the strong evidence linking Moscow to the attack. His brother’s critical status in an intensive care bed, his dire prognosis. Lang listened in stony silence.

‘You’re lying,’ he said after a long pause. ‘Nah, you lot are playing mind games. This is some sick tale you lot have cooked up.’

‘It’s all true,’ Mallet insisted.

‘No. The Russians wouldn’t do that. Not to Freddie. They ain’t got no fucking reason.’