‘The Army was my family, so when I left it was like stepping into a void. Now I’ve got that family back – and on twice the pay, plus a master’s in sociology. Here I’ve got five-star accommodation, all the amenities and a job for life. More than I could have dreamed of.’

‘What happens if it doesn’t work out – if you screw up?’

‘Just doesn’t happen. We owe our lives to Invicta, so we just don’t allow failure.’

It’s a bit too good to be true, thought Tom, but there was something about the look on Philips’s face that wasn’t just PR.

‘Bottom line: Invicta delivers. And what with everything that’s going on out there right now, the country going to hell, you value what you’ve got all the more. Frankly, the man’s a saint – he should be running the country.’

It wasn’t the first time Tom had heard that said about Invicta’s founder. Rolt professed to have no political ambition, but after witnessing his BBC interview Tom found that becoming harder to believe.

Chapter 27

27

They walked on past a golf course and a football field. From behind a row of poplars, Tom thought he heard shots.

‘Yeah, we’ve got a range too.’

‘Can I see it?’

‘The range warden’s a bit funny about visitors.’

His wariness made Tom all the more curious. ‘I’d hate to miss it.’

‘Let me make a call.’

Philips moved away while he dabbed a number onto his iPhone and spoke.

There were single shots and a short burst of machinegun fire.

Philips pocketed the phone. ‘He said give him five minutes to clear the range.’

He gave Tom an anxious glance.

‘Something wrong?’

Philips put his head on one side. ‘Blokes here, they’ve been through a lot.’

‘Yes, I got that.’

Philips nodded towards the range. ‘The warden, how can I put this? Doesn’t like to be upstaged, if you get my drift. Used to be a sniper.’

Tom smiled. ‘Don’t worry. I wouldn’t dream of it.’

They walked down a path beside a high fence. Philips punched a code into a keypad and an electric gate glided open.

Tom nodded approvingly. ‘Extra layer of security – very wise.’

They mounted a short flight of steps and entered the club house. The interior consisted of a long, windowless pine-panelled room, lit by a row of low shaded lights. On the right was a gallery of photographs and certificates. The left-hand wall was one long weapons rack.

‘Wow, this is some collection.’ As well as numerous HK and Colt assault rifles, he also spied an Israeli Defence Force Tavor Bullpup semiautomatic carbine, a massive 50-calibre Barrett M107 sniper rifle, and several versions of AK.

A door opened at the other end of the room.

‘Here comes our warden.’

A man wearing a flat wool cap and green gilet moved slowly towards them.