‘Well, it’s not an entirely altruistic act. We, of course, expect a quid pro quo.’

Of course,’ Valera replied.

‘To be rather blunt, we need to know why the KGB was so eager to get you back. And, I’m afraid we need to know quickly.’

‘So you can decide if I’m worth protecting?’

‘To be even more blunt, yes.’

‘And if I told you I don’t know why they were after me? That I’m just a lowly comrade desperate to build a new life in the West?’

‘Then I’d ask you not to waste my time.’

Valera took another sip of her tea. ‘Am I free to leave here if I want?’

‘Of course. You’re not a prisoner.’

‘Then why was the door locked?’

‘For your protection.’ Peterson topped up his cup. He raised the pot to Valera, but she shook her head. ‘You had an awful lot of drugs pumping through your system. You needed time for them to wear off somewhere you couldn’t hurt yourself. Now you’re feeling better, you can do whatever you like.’ He took a sip of tea. ‘But the vultures are circling. It won’t take the Russians long to work out where you’ve ended up. You can take your chances with them, or you can give me the information I need to convince the powers that be that we ought to keep them at bay.’

It was the same negotiation Valera-had gone through over and over—her knowledge in exchange for her safety, and the implication that her life would be forfeit if she didn’t cooperate. It might be more polite now, coming from a smiling man serving her tea rather than Zukolev looming over her or masked figures in a dark room, but it was still the age-old threat.

Her best, and only, option was to stall. ‘I need time to think,’ she said.

‘Unfortunately neither of us has that luxury,’ Peterson replied.

‘Then take me to meet your scientists. I will talk to them about my work.’

It was another delaying tactic, but it was also a perfectly reasonable request. The Swedish security service had checked out her academic credentials before they even put her on a plane to Stockholm. She couldn’t imagine a member of British intelligence not wanting to do the same thing.

The edge of Peterson’s smile started to drop. ‘There’ll be time for all that, but right now I need to give my superiors something that demonstrates your willingness to work with us.’

Valera stood her ground. ‘Tell your superiors I’ll work with you once you guarantee my safety.’

Peterson’s mouth twisted into a tight grimace. ‘You’re in no position to dictate terms here.’

‘I am free to do what I want,’ she said. ‘Unless you were lying.’