His brain goes black when he remembers that she will soon be the prey of the people from the centre. He can barely stand still, he is affected so strongly. But don’t destroy that ‘I don’t know’ for her; that’s the most important thing for the two of us now.

She’s not likely to follow him out here, hurt as she is. He can carry on undisturbed. He goes through the papers as quickly as he can. There’s not much that might be dangerous. He has never hidden any documents that might prove risky. He stuffs what little he can find into the stove and sets it alight.

As he is doing so a thought flashes through him: Am I abandoning Karen and Rascal, by leaving them behind in the choking darkness?

No! It’s not like that.

And he knows it’s true. He does not try to deceive himself when he denies it. If he had told Karen that his life was more at risk now than at any time previously, she would not rest until he had got away, until he had gone into hiding. And for Rascal’s sake. No need to have a bad conscience on that account.

Impossible to take them with him along the path he must follow now. But perhaps he could get them to follow him later? I must try, he thinks.

That’s done. Clothes for the journey? Only what he is wearing. He cannot leave looking like a traveller. He will have to pass through the house and there will be many eyes watching. He collects a few things that he can carry in the usual briefcase. As he does so he is thinking of Peter’s white face, of how he will return ready to drop with fatigue from his mission, and then hear from John that Stig has gone into hiding. He won’t say anything, but he will be thinking about Stig. It’s different with young Henry. He is not so close to him.

Perhaps Stein will join the group? he thinks with disquiet. Stein managed that risky business of the van very well, but there’s something about him that would turn it into an ignoble affair. One ought not to make use of such expedients…. These matters are churning in his mind because they are still near the top of the pile.

But now he’d better go.

He tells himself, knowing it to be true: You can do a great deal to help them at home while you’re abroad.

Yes, what of it? comes the answer.

Perhaps one is more useful over there? he tries, testing the idea to see if it will stand up.

Yes, what then?

He seems to hear the words. And he is not taking part in this conversation: Peter and John are discussing it. John who has had this extra burden thrust upon him, and Peter with the calm white features.

Yes, what then? comes the question. Peter is asking it.

Stig had been about to get up and go, but he remains seated for a moment. That’s what flickered across John’s face when he heard that Stig was going to leave them….