There was a long sigh before the Voice replied, ‘Our analysts think the coup is unlikely to happen until first light. Which is around five thirty in the morning in Karatandu.’

‘Sounds about right,’ Mallet remarked. ‘Standard military doctrine. First light and last light are the best times to mount an assault. If the Russians are launching the takeover tomorrow, it’ll be at the crack of dawn. I’d bet my house on it. We won’t be exposed for long before the strike force arrives.’

‘If the timings are right,’ said Bowman. ‘If they’re not, we’ll be out on our arses.’

Mallet said, ‘The KUF won’t go for the palace first. General Kakuba and his men will want to establish a foothold in the country before they turn their sights on the family. By that time, the lads from D Squadron, SFSG and the SBS will be on the ground.’

‘It’s not just the KUF,’ said Bowman. ‘It might be some other group of rebels joining the fight. Or a gang of protestors looking to storm the palace.’

‘Possibly,’ the Voice interjected. ‘But we’re talking about a handful of poorly armed locals, at best. Surely you guys can handle that. You’re elite soldiers.’

‘We can take care of it, ma’am,’ Mallet agreed. ‘Should be a bread-and-butter job. Right, guys?’ he added, his cold eyes glancing round the table.

Casey said, ‘Why don’t we escort the family across the border? That’s got to be less risky than staying put in the capital while we wait for the cavalry to show up.’

‘My family cannot leave.’ Seguma tapped a finger against the table to emphasise his point. ‘They must have a presence in the country. If they flee, it will look bad for me. My people will think I’m a coward.’

‘They’ve got the radio transmitter at the palace too,’ Mallet reminded them. ‘They’ll need to keep broadcasting messages to the army and the police. Boost morale.’

‘There’s no time to argue the merits of the mission,’ the Voice said. ‘You have your orders. The family must be protected, no matter what.’

‘We’re assuming they can hold out at the palace until we arrive,’ Webb pointed out.

Bowman said, ‘Patrick has got a point. Those protests in the streets are turning ugly. How do we know the mobs won’t overrun the palace in the meantime?’

Mallet looked round at Seguma. ‘Are there any guards with your family, sir? Anyone who’s capable with a gun?’

‘Some, yes,’ Seguma replied. ‘From the Presidential Guard. My best men.’

‘How many guys are we talking about, sir?’

‘Forty, perhaps more. I’m not sure. My chief security adviser is there. You could check with him. His name is Mr Gregory.’

Bowman stared at him in surprise. ‘Mike is with your family?’

‘Yes. You know him?’