Bowman heard the rustling of papers. The Voice said, ‘It’s imperative that we intercept David Lang at once, before he walks into a trap. You’ll set off immediately, as soon as this briefing has finished.’

Mallet said, ‘As you all know, Lang is meeting Galkin and Bezuglov in Antibes at noon local time. Eleven o’clock our time. Galkin’s mansion is a one-hour drive from Monte Carlo. Which means we’ll need to isolate Lang before eleven o’clock, local time. Less than seven hours from now.’

‘What’s the deal with transport?’ asked Bowman.

The Voice said, ‘There’s a private jet waiting for you at RAF Northolt. It’s been booked through a private firm in St Albans. You’ve been granted priority clearance onto the airfield. Everything has been arranged in advance. Wheels up at five o’clock this morning. A Caravelle will take you there. Should be with you in the next thirty minutes.’

‘Do we need a blue-light convoy?’

‘That won’t be necessary. We’ve checked the route. Traffic is light. Shouldn’t be any problems getting to Northolt.’

Bowman made a rough mental calculation. Northolt was approximately an hour’s drive from their location. The Caravelle would pick them up at 03.50. Which meant they would be arriving at the airfield with a few minutes to spare before they took off. There would be no time to go through the mission before they departed. He wondered when he was going to be told the full picture.

‘The jet has been booked under the name of PLQ Trading Limited,’ the Voice went on. ‘As far as the staff and crew are concerned, you’re a group of wealthy businesspeople flying out for a jolly in the south of France. It’s a two-hour flight to Nice. It’ll have to be Nice as there’s no airport in Monaco. In case anyone asks questions, we’ve made reservations at the Orleans Hotel in the city centre.’

‘How do we get to Monaco?’ said Webb.

‘Helicopter transfer. Which has also been booked. You’ll arrive in the principality at around eight o’clock, local time.’

Bowman said, ‘What happens once we land?’

‘You’ll head to your prearranged RV to collect vehicles and weapons. John has the details. That should leave you with around two hours to get to the apartment complex and make your move before Lang departs for the meeting in Antibes.’

Bowman sucked the air between his teeth. ‘We’re gonna be cutting it fine. What if Lang leaves his flat early? He might decide to take the scenic route to the meeting. Check out some sights on the Riviera.’

‘Our analysts consider it unlikely. Lang doesn’t move around much when he’s in town, by all accounts. He’s a reclusive fellow. Stays indoors most of the time, entertaining his friends or watching the boxing.’