‘That’s how it works,’ said Harris. ‘These people try to be smart when it comes to communication, but they have a fatal flaw: they’re addicted to their cell phones. If they weren’t, half of them would still be breathing God’s air instead of sitting in hell wondering where all the virgins are at. But you’ll need to have a story prepared, something that doesn’t set off his alarm bells.’

‘Who is he?’ asked Louis. ‘If his name really is Rafi, I’m going to be frustrated by his lack of ingenuity.’

‘Majid Ali al-Shihri. He’s a Saudi, but hasn’t made it into our Big Book of Bad Boys until now. The male model he travels with is Mohsin al-Adahi. He’s Yemeni, but served time in prisons in Kuwait and Jordan. Him we know about, although just as a cog in the wheel. As for al-Shihri, he could be new to the game, but I’m leaning toward established and cagey. Whatever device he’s using, it’s not a smartphone, so there’s a limit to the information we can glean from its use.’

‘He’s not new,’ said Louis. ‘He’s killed, and he’s enjoyed it. He has a dead light in his eyes, like he’s lit up inside by swamp gas.’

‘Well, his illuminated head is above the parapet now. Even allowing for precautions, he’s taken a chance by contacting you directly. Our assumption would be that he had overall responsibility for ensuring those two operatives arrived safely in Paris. When they were killed at Gare de Lyon, the blame stopped at his door. If he doesn’t get compensation from the Vuksans – which, as you pointed out, would certainly involve blood as well as money – he’ll either end up with his throat cut or be strapped into an explosive vest and dropped off at the nearest mall.’

‘But you’d like him alive and in custody,’ said Louis.

‘Alive would be preferable,’ said Harris, ‘but dead will also do.’

‘You mess this up, and they may come after me.’

‘They may come after you anyway, but I think we can make it seem as though whatever happens to Rafi is just bad luck or the will of Allah. Still, it’ll be tight. We’ll have a location on him as soon as he calls you back, but if he’s covering his tracks, he’ll ditch the SIM immediately after the call has ended. You’ll have to find a way to draw him and his people out, so we can be sure where to find them.’

‘I can use Frend as bait,’ said Louis. ‘I know where he’s staying.’

‘They might take a run at him before we’re ready.’

‘I’ll give them something, but not enough. When do I make the call?’

‘Ready when you are. We’re all set up.’