‘I was going to have them removed when I knew you were coming,’ Hector said. ‘But … it didn’t seem right. The Special Forces Cadets were Reg’s baby. He founded them. He trained up the early teams. He still operated out in the field – that’s why he was in Afghanistan – but he’s to the Special Forces Cadets what David Stirling was to the SAS. They wouldn’t exist without him. That’s why my superiors had their eye on you. That’s why they insisted on putting you through selection. It seems even they can be sentimental sometimes.’

Max stood up and stared at Hector. ‘And you’re really going to kick me out?’ he said.

‘I don’t need to kick you out,’ Hector replied. ‘You were never in.’

‘Then why did you bring me back up here?’ Max asked angrily.

Hector looked up at the painting again and inclined his head, as if taking leave of an old friend. ‘Come with me,’ he told Max.

Max was inclined to ignore him and to stay here with the picture of his father for a little longer. Indeed, he still stood there as Hector left the room. But curiosity overcame him and he hurried after the older man. Hector was halfway up the stairs when Max entered the hallway. He followed. A moment later he and Hector were in the room where Woody had briefed him when Max arrived at Valley House. The parade ground was visible through the tall windows, flooded by the setting sun. Hector was standing at an old oak desk, unlocking one of its drawers with a key. He pulled out a wooden box and handed it to Max.

‘Your father’s medals,’ he said. ‘Thought you’d like to have them before you leave. Also, some photographs of your mum and dad.’

Max took the box and opened it. He glanced cursorily at the medals inside. He was more interested in the photos. There were fifteen or twenty. Mostly they showed his mum and dad in military uniform, but there were a few of them on their wedding day. A couple of them looking relaxed by a pool on holiday. The one that bit at his heart the most was of his mum holding baby Max, his dad’s arm around her shoulders.

He felt himself welling up, but then steeled himself to continue his conversation with Hector. He put the box back on the table.

‘Is there an SFC challenge coin in there?’

Hector nodded.

‘Guess that’s the only way I’ll ever get my hands on one then.’

Hector shrugged.

‘I did well today,’ Max said.

‘Yes, you did,’ Hector replied.

‘If I hadn’t been on that team, hundreds of people would have died. Lukas, Sami, Abby, Jack … they weren’t in a position to help.’

‘No, they weren’t.’

‘And that doesn’t change your mind?’