Eddie nodded. It was true enough: Jason Felgate was properly on the payroll. Generously so.

‘You just tell him something from me, eh Eddie? Tell him that if I don’t start seeing some results, getting old won’t be a problem he ever has to deal with. And tell him I want a face-to-face. Tomorrow.’

15

Mickey was sharing a coffee and a chat with James Cavendish in the private secretary’s office when the papers arrived the next morning. The major spread them across the floor at their feet, grimacing at the front pages.

‘Ah, here’s this morning’s daily dosage of unhappiness for Sir Patrick. What they’d be printing if they weren’t keeping the gloves on, I shudder to think.’

‘This is restrained?’

Mickey waved a hand at the slew of headlines. Most of which seemed to centre on the minister’s visit to Number 10. Which, given they’d managed to get in and out without being papped, could only mean that the press had been briefed. Off the record, of course.

A formal announcement from Number 10 had been provided. Stating that the minister’s business dealings of the last two decades were a well-known matter of record. As were his close relationships with certain members of “the Beijing regime”. And that the prime minister was well aware of both and keeping an open mind. Not prepared to be rushed to judgement. Doubtless when the issue was inevitably raised in a press conference, he’d make some mention of Solomon in his wisdom. And about right too, given the king’s ability to go through concubines.

So pretty much “no comment” for the most part. But the very fact of the announcement being made at all had hit the press and social media like a low-yield media nuke. With all the expected fallout in every possible direction.

‘Restrained? Yes, I suspect it is.’ James pursing his lips, looking around before continuing. ‘You only have to scratch the internet on the subject to see where the story might be going.’

‘Which is?’

‘It’s not pretty, Michael. Not pretty at all. The best case is that he’s been in China’s pocket for the last twenty years. And tempted a fair few people who probably should have known better to get in there with him. Important people. Possibly unethical, but hardly illegal. But the worst case… is much, much worse. Treason, basically. Now that the rules of the game have changed so dramatically.’

‘Treason? So why aren’t the press going with that? I’d have thought they’d be all over it like flies on fresh shit?’

The major paused again. ‘I can tell you why I think they’re holding back. But you’ll have to promise not to repeat it to anyone. Not even your man Wade.’