‘We need to find him,’ said Hattie. ‘We’ve done a full inventory and nothing seems to be missing but we need to be sure. He could’ve managed to download intel off a laptop and take it with him.’

Pixie cut in. ‘I’m searching all the different databases to try and get an ID. I’ve put an alert out for him – at airports, train stations and even ferry ports. He’ll be going underground. He’s got to be at least semi-professional and know what he needs to do to stay off the grid.’

I had an idea.

‘G-Force, log on to one of the analysts’ Facebook’s accounts and upload a photo of him. I will add the text to go with it.’

Geraint logged in and passed me the laptop.

I created a post and typed:

WARNING PARENTS – CHILD KIDNAPPER

Everyone be vigilant – this man has been caught trying to abduct children from playgrounds. He’s been spotted in three different schools in three different areas (W12, N3, SW12). He could be trying every school he comes across. If you see him DO NOT APPROACH. Call the police with ref 88842. They will come immediately.

‘Now post it onto every school Facebook group you can find. Get some Bronze Wolves onto this too. We need it to go viral.’

‘OK,’ said Geraint. ‘Doing it now.’

‘Cameron has emailed in an update on the Ghosts in interrogation.’ Hattie looked down at his mobile. ‘As expected, no useful intel. Their orders were to take all the laptops and electronic equipment they could find. They had a pay-as-you-go number to call once they left here to arrange collection of the items and payment.’

Hattie looked at Robin. ‘Is there anything on the Dictaphone audio files that explains why they’d risk breaking in?’

‘I’ve listened to the files multiple times. All that’s on there is a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador. They discuss nothing outside a potential trade deal with France.’ Robin flicked the screen on his iPad. ‘There was a warning that they shouldn’t make public the fact the UK were going to award them a new aircraft contract. A talk of Lord Wycombe’s shoot and dinner that they’re both going to in a couple of days’ time. Some other chit chat with the Ambassador about how his children are. Plans for Peng to go to the theatre as a guest of another business associate of the Ambassador.’

‘Maybe they weren’t after what’s already been recorded,’ I said, ‘but wanted to make sure we couldn’t listen in on a meeting Peng is going to have today?’

Robin shrugged. ‘It’s possible, but all that’s on the schedule for today are more business meetings in the City or back at the Embassy.’

Hattie had been listening intently. ‘What I don’t understand is how they would’ve known we had bugged the Dictaphone?’

I thought about it.