‘Mike, Alex. Major. We’ve got a large force of KUF rebels coming our way,’ Mallet said. ‘Get ready. We’re gonna need to hit these bastards hard when they attack.’

Somewhere behind the treeline came the screech of brakes. A thick plume of dust eddied into the sky. Then Bowman heard the pneumatic hiss of bus doors sucking open, the faint din of shouts and cries carrying across the hot morning air.

‘How many guys do you think they’ve got?’ Loader asked.

‘Hard to tell,’ Mallet replied. ‘Twenty men in each truck. Another twenty or so in the buses. We’re looking at maybe a hundred rebels. Could be more.’

‘Jesus.’

‘You think the Russians are with them?’ Webb said.

Mallet said, ‘I’d bet my pension on it.’

‘Let’s hope they don’t decide to join in the fighting.’

‘They won’t. The Russians will be on the ground, directing the rebels. But they won’t get involved in the shooting.’

‘Just as well,’ said Loader. ‘We’ve got our hands full dealing with these fuckers. The last thing we need is a bunch of Spetsnaz guys getting stuck in.’

Mallet and Webb continued watching the treeline. Loader and Bowman observed the east and west flanks.

Nothing happened for several minutes.

Bowman could guess what was happening on the far side of the woods. The Russians would be thrashing out a new plan with the rebels. Taking control of the situation. You’ve had your chance, they would be saying to the Machete Boys. Now it’s our turn. This is what we’re going to do.

They would be organising their forces, briefing them on the attack. The Russians would probably draw a rough map of the stronghold on the ground. A crude model, with a rock to represent the mansion and twigs for the surrounding fence. Branches for the treeline. Leaves for the archway. They would use it to point out features when talking the rebels through the assault. You guys will advance from here. You’ll target this sector. Helping the soldiers to visualise the plan.

Still nothing happened.

‘Guys, have you seen anything?’ Mallet asked twelve minutes later. ‘Any movement around the flanks?’

‘Not a thing,’ Bowman said.

‘Same,’ Loader said.

‘Major, what’s the situation at the rear?’ Mallet asked.

‘All quiet here,’ Mavinda reported.

‘The bastards are up to something,’ Loader said.

‘Any word on D Squadron landing at that airfield?’ Bowman said. ‘They should have landed a few minutes ago.’

‘Checking in now,’ Mallet replied.