‘Hello, Neil. Any idea what this is all about?’ Platt was flushed and perspiring. His grey flannel suit fitted no better than his dinner suit of the other evening. The grubby collar of his once-white shirt was curled up at one side and the knot of his tie was too tight. Short stubby fingers fidgeted endlessly with the corners of his notebook. ‘I thought I might be late.’ He seemed breathless. Bannerman glanced at his watch. It was ten past eleven. He said nothing. ‘Well?’ Platt persisted.

‘Well, what?’

‘Any ideas?’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘And?’ Platt was impatient.

‘You’ll learn soon enough.’ Bannerman hesitated. ‘I’ll let you buy me a drink afterwards, though. There are some things I think we should discuss.’ Without looking at him, Bannerman was aware of a change in Platt’s attitude. The older journalist turned himself in his seat.

‘What things?’

Bannerman was saved from replying by the entrance of the ministerial entourage. Three pinstriped civil servants flanked the Minister of Justice. The Minister himself was a slight-built man, but gave a bigger impression. Power could do that, especially on camera. Bannerman guessed he was about sixty. Remarkably unlined skin on a thin face, dark hair cut short and greying at the temples. His eyes in the television lights seemed black, and shone as they raked across the gathering of journalists.

He seated himself centrally behind the rostrum, and Bannerman was annoyed that he was unable to see his hands. The things a man did with his hands were often a reflection of what was going on in his head. His face was implacable. The pinstripe immediately to his right sat beside him while the others remained standing. There were some moments of hesitation as journalists settled in seats. Reporters without them stood or sat in the aisles.

One of the civil servants who had remained standing cleared his throat and began in French. He spoke for less than a minute in short, rapid bursts. Then paused and said in English, ‘Good morning, gentlemen. I am happy you could attend. The Minister regrets that it has been necessary to convene this meeting today. He wishes to make a brief statement regarding the unhappy events of Sunday past. His statement will be delivered in both French and English. There will be no questions. Copies of his statement have been prepared in both languages and will be available immediately after the conference. Thank you.’ He bowed towards his boss. ‘Minister . . .’ And he sat as the Minister rose to his feet.