‘Now I’m sure you know why it is you’re really here.’ The soldiers were suddenly visibly more attentive. ‘The official story is that you’re here to undertake jungle training. And that’s true. But there’s more to it than that. HMG is sending a message to its competitors in the region. Foreign powers who would dearly like to snap up this small but determined country. And that message is a simple one: keep your hands off. If the people of Belize were to vote to unify with their Guatemalan neighbours, so be it. But until that happens, the UK has undertaken the role of guaranteeing their independence. You are following a proud tradition, whether you know it or not. Britain might not always have been the most beneficial of nations when it came to foreign policy, but by God we’re on the side of right now. And I know, if it comes down to the use of force, you’ll do your country proud.’

He turned to the officers, standing off to one side.

‘Thank you, gentlemen. On behalf of your country and your government. And now, Major Cavendish, perhaps we should be on the move?’

The drive to their hotel was a short one through empty streets. Cavendish apparently sharing Mickey’s approval of the low profile that was being adopted.

‘This visit hasn’t been publicised. The PM hopes that Sir Patrick’s speech to the national assembly will come as something of a surprise to the other side.’

They installed the politician safely in his room. Carbine-armed Prot officers standing guard on the door and outside terrace. After which Cavendish outlined the visit plan to Mickey, and Wade.

‘The speech to the national assembly is scheduled for 11.00. Nicely timed for the evening news bulletins in the UK. He makes the speech, we get in the cars. Back to the airport and airborne by twelve. Which will put us back in the UK in time for breakfast TV and radio slots. In which Sir Patrick will repeat our absolute commitment to resisting China’s attempts at global dominance. With Belize as the front line in that resistance.’

Putting himself on the side of the angels, Mickey thought. And possibly, just possibly avoiding the executioner’s axe at the next reshuffle.

‘We’ll maintain a two-man guard on the room overnight.’ Mickey turned to Wade. ‘Relieve the guys at 03.30 and give them a chance to get their heads down. Don’t know about you, but there’s no way I’m going to get any sleep before that. Fancy a turn around the grounds?’

Wade grinned, having known all along this would be Mickey’s intention. His skipper not being famous for his ability to sit around and relax. They left the major to his own devices, walking out through a side door and into the darkness of the hotel’s unlit grounds. Mickey lowering his voice to a soft murmur.