‘Stephen, there’s no way that’s going to change. The PM has staked his reputation and, indeed, his political future on pulling off a deal with the US that should put the economy back on the rails. What’s more, moving it away from Downing Street will, he thinks, make him look weak. I don’t like you going behind the backs of the police. As it is, there’s too much friction between you lot.’

She held his gaze. They both knew what she was talking about. 9/11 might have been averted had there been better communication between the US security services. 7/7 had caught them unawares here, yet the perpetrators were found afterwards to have been on the watch lists. And with Al Qaeda urging returnees from Syria to make lone-wolf attacks on any significant targets this was no time to be fomenting disunity between MI5 and the Met.

‘How’s your man inside Invicta? Has he made any headway?’

‘It’s a little early to say, but he’s certainly got stuck in. He’s the reason I’m here basically.’

‘His name wouldn’t be Tom Buckingham, would it, by any chance?’

The blood drained from Mandler’s face. ‘Wherever did you get that idea?’

She gave him a wry look. ‘You’re aware that our mutually esteemed cabinet secretary has a soft spot for Rolt. Turns out they dined at Clements’s club and Rolt was waxing lyrical about an ex-SAS man of that name. If he’s your man, and Clements is aware of him, I fear his number may be up pretty soon.’

Chapter 74

74

Tom walked past the SO6 cops outside Invicta’s headquarters and through the front door, held open for him by another cop with an MP5. Inside, the security guard gave him a friendly nod. No questions, no search. And the receptionist greeted him as if he’d worked there for years.

‘I’ll sign you in, Mr Buckingham. Just go straight up,’ she said, with a sunny smile.

‘Thanks. It’s Hattie, isn’t it?’

She beamed.

Phoebe was waiting for him at the top of the stairs. ‘Hello, Mr Buckingham. How nice to see you again.’

She was so convincing, he wondered for a moment if she had just had a serious attack of amnesia. ‘Good to see you too – er?’

‘Phoebe.’

‘Of course, how could I forget?’

He took her hand and gave it a discreet squeeze.

‘Good trip, I hope?’

‘Yes, thanks.’

A couple of Invicta staff came past and smiled at him.

Phoebe was staying in character. ‘We’ve lost Vernon, I’m afraid. He went off to see a group of MPs and he’s not back.’

‘No problem, I’ll wait.’