‘The pressure is high enough already. This is a significant additional risk. For us both. Do not do it again, or I will cut you off.’

Fair enough. Once was enough for Mickey. And besides, his next action against Joe wasn’t one he’d want Tamara to have any part of.

‘Agreed.’

There was no reply. Two minutes later, his Job phone rang.

‘Michael Bale.’

The voice at the other end crisp and efficient.

‘Good morning, Michael. Is the early bird getting the worm today?’

There was a laugh in the other man’s voice. Philip Green. Presumably Prot’s duty inspector in LX for the day.

‘Good morning, sir.’ Sir, rather than Guv, when there was no guarantee the man at the other end was alone. ‘Probably not, but I’m still a creature of habit.’

‘Well I glad you’re out of bed, and hoping you’ve got nothing planned for today. Or the rest of the week.’

Mickey was unfazed by the unexpected alteration of his routine. It being an article of Prot faith that the job came first. And everything else second.

‘No, sir. Nothing planned.’

‘Good man. In that case pack a bag, report here asap and get kitted up. Constable Harris is also being called in. The minister will be travelling to a destination I’d rather not discuss on an open line, and will be needing some HRE support. Since you and Constable Harris are both HRE qualified I thought you might be just the man to lead the protection team. And Major Cavendish concurred, when I mentioned it to him. It seems you’ve got a fan there, Michael. I told him that you’re on down time, but he really was very keen.’

‘That’s not a problem, sir.’ He put a smile into his voice. ‘And it’s nice to be wanted. How long will this be for?’

‘It’s a two-day trip, so you can tell your wife you’ll be back for the weekend.’

‘Yes, sir. I’ll be there by…’ Mickey consulted the Black Bay. ‘Midday latest.’

‘Excellent. Thank you, Michael, I knew you wouldn’t let the side down.’

The inspector disconnected, and Mickey looked at the phone for a moment. Put it away and dug out his own phone. Called Roz. Explained the change of plan, to general unhappiness, given their restaurant booking that evening. Told her he loved her and clicked off the call. Drank the rest of his coffee. Then grabbed his bag, fully packed for several days’ duty as usual. Including. As usual, a set of HRE kit. And hit the street.