‘Someone should reach out to Gregory,’ Casey said. ‘Find out what’s going on at the palace, how secure it is, how many men are there.’

Mallet nodded. ‘First rule of reconnaissance. Get a report from the man on the ground.’

‘Or a woman. We’re not living in the eighteenth century anymore, John. In case you hadn’t noticed.’

The Scot smiled condescendingly. ‘Is that what passes for a sense of humour in Surrey these days?’

‘Our team will contact Mike,’ the Voice said in its artificial automated tone. ‘Leave it with us.’

Bowman said, ‘We’ll need hardware as well. Longs, pistols, grenades, plate armour. The full package. If you want us to hold the palace, we’re gonna need to be tooled up to the eyeballs.’

‘Consider it done.’

‘What are we going to do with Lang?’ Webb said, glancing from the laptop to the balcony. ‘You can’t expect us to bring him with us to Karatandu.’

‘Our team will make alternative arrangements for his return to London. I’ll discuss that with John after this call. Then you need to get moving. Make your way across the border and head for the private terminal at Nice. We’ll send you an update as soon as the diplomatic jet is on its way.’

‘Any questions, guys?’ asked Mallet.

No one spoke.

‘As of this minute, rescuing Mr Seguma’s family is our top priority,’ the Voice said. ‘I cannot stress that enough. If we lose the family, we lose the country. Do not fail.’

The line dropped. Bowman listened to dead air for a few moments. Then Mallet slid the laptop back into the sleeve, dug out his phone and pushed up from his chair.

‘Wait here,’ he said. ‘I’ll get on the blower with Six. Discuss Davey Boy’s deal.’

‘This isn’t right,’ Bowman said. ‘We shouldn’t be letting Lang off the hook. He’s a traitor.’

Mallet shot him a savage glare. ‘If I want your opinion on how to handle the interrogation, I’ll let you know. Until then, keep your fucking thoughts to yourself. Got it?’

Bowman began to argue, then thought better of it. ‘Fine,’ he replied sourly.

‘Good,’ Mallet straightened. ‘Right, you lot. We’re on the road as soon as I get off the phone. You. Smart-arse. Send a message to Tiny,’ he ordered Casey. ‘Tell him to bring the car round and find somewhere to park near the entrance. We’ll be out in a few minutes.’

Webb said, ‘What about the heavy? We can’t leave him here.’

‘He’s coming with us,’ Mallet said. ‘We’ll deliver him to the UKN waiting for us en route to the airport.’

‘Why don’t we just clip the guy?’

‘Can’t. Five wants to question him in relation to several unsolved gangland murders.’ A thought occurred to him. ‘We’ll get rid of the hardware and the kit at the RV, too.’