The major shrugged. ‘It’s not out of the question. For one thing, such an action would send a very clear message back to HMG. Written in blood. And for another, Sir Patrick knows where plenty of bodies are buried when it comes to corruption high up in the Communist Party.’

‘But even if they kill him, surely he’ll have made records as to what they’re afraid he might publicise?’

‘Hardly the point, is it? Look at the way the Russians dealt with their dissenting oligarchs. Mysterious deaths that tended not to be quite such a mystery if you were in the same position. Publish and be damned seems to have been superseded by publish and be assassinated these days, don’t you think?’

Mickey thought for a moment. ‘But if it’s that risky, why—’

‘Why put the poor bastard in that unenviable position?’ Cavendish’s lips compressed in a grim smile. ‘Because, Michael, this already is a war. Don’t let the optics of it fool you. We’ve been at war with China since the turn of the century. Just by other means, and for most of that time not really facing up to the fact. Now it’s getting hotter it’s just somewhat more obvious. And clearly we have some catching up to do. Which is why the PM has made it very clear that Sir Patrick, having apparently chosen his side, needs to stand up to be counted. And accept the risk he helped to bring about.’

‘And you know all this how, exactly?’

The major shook his head. ‘That’s for another time. For now you’ll just have to take my word for it. And make sure your colleagues are ready to deal with any attempt on the principal. We need to make sure that in this instance accidents do not happen.’

25

Mickey and the rest of his team kitted up for their HRE role once the Voyager was airborne. Their clothing appropriate, if a little individual. Varying shades of khaki, for the most part. Looking like a slightly motley version of an infantry fire team. Lacking only the Kevlar helmets, and only then for reasons of profile, rather than availability. The sniggers from the marines seated behind them drying up when Mickey took his long arm from its Peli case to clean and oil it. A Heckler & Koch G36C carbine; 5.56mm, high velocity stopping power. Standard HRE issue. Twelve rounds a second from thirty-round magazines that clipped together for fast reloads. Gucci kit, and proper heavy close-range firepower. The bootnecks casting the weapon envious glances.