‘What’s the alternative? Either we go to Rogandu, or we throw in the towel. Unless anyone has got a better idea?’

‘We’d still have to get there fast,’ Webb argued. ‘It won’t take the KUF long before they figure out where the family is hiding.’

Mallet swung back round to the major. ‘Do you know where to find this mansion?’

‘Of course,’ said Mavinda. ‘I’ve been there many times. No one knows the route better than me.’

‘How fast can you get us there?’

‘Three and a half hours. Maybe less.’

‘Any checkpoints along the way?’

‘We can get you there safely.’ Mavinda pressed his lips together. ‘But how do you expect us to hold out against the KUF if they attack us? I have only one platoon under my command. They cannot defend against General Kakuba’s men.’

‘They won’t have to,’ Mallet said. ‘If we leave now, we’ll get to the mansion before four o’clock. Ninety minutes before first light. There’s a strike force coming in to take back control of the country. Two hundred Special Forces operators. They’re due to get in at six o’clock. We’ll only have to guard the family for a couple of hours before they arrive.’

‘What if they are late?’

‘They won’t be,’ Mallet said. ‘They’re scheduled to fly down from Libya as we speak.’

‘You think they’ll succeed?’

‘It’s the Regiment. We don’t do failure.’

‘The rebels are determined. They won’t give up without a fight.’

‘Neither will we.’ Mallet flashed a savage grin. ‘Trust me, Major. By the time the sun comes up, the rebels will be wishing to fuck that they had stayed tucked up in bed tonight.’

There was a look of steely determination in the Scot’s eyes as he spoke. The major drew strength from it and relaxed slightly. A question hesitated on his lips. ‘You say you have a direct line to Mr Seguma.’

‘Aye.’

‘Don’t forget to mention my name to him, OK? Tell him Major Julius Mavinda did not let him down, in his hour of need.’

‘Major, when this thing is over, you’ll be a colonel before long.’

Mavinda puffed out his chest, perhaps imagining shiny new medals pinned to his breast.

He said, ‘I’ll give the order to my men.’

‘We’ll need more fuel,’ Bowman pointed out. ‘The Land Cruiser won’t get us as far as Rogandu. Not without a top-up.’

Mavinda said, ‘We have some spare jerry cans. In the back of the Unimog. Take what you need. Sergeant Nakamba will help you.’

Mallet turned to his team. ‘Tiny, take care of it. The rest of you . . . get your shit together and get back into the vehicles. We’re on the road again in five.’

‘What shall we do about him?’ Casey indicated the guard.