We watched him gesticulating with a scone, a large dollop of cream at the corner of his mouth.

‘The Coyote will strike at the dinner tonight,’ I said. ‘Everything’s pointing to it. The botched invasion at Eight. Taking Robin. They were nervous we were getting close to what they were planning. Clearing the way for tonight.’ I looked round the room again. ‘I just can’t work out who or how.’

‘Have you managed to do a check on all the staff Charles has coming in for the dinner?’

‘G and Pixie are working on that now. If there are any red flags they’ll let us know. We need to check Peng’s room. She’s staying in the Mountford Suite.’

‘I’ve stayed here a few times before. I can go check it out now.’

I nodded. ‘They’re about to leave for the duck hunt. I’ll stick with Peng and see you out there.’

*

Dusk was coming in. As I walked towards the duck hunt I looked back towards Cherwell Castle; towering turrets and old stone basked in the orange light from outdoor spotlights.

Wycombe’s gamekeeper led me to my allocated hide: a rough and ready wooden bench sunk behind some reeds with a camouflage netting overhead. I dropped down, shotgun in hand, and waited. A stakeout. For ducks. And a Coyote.

Peng was in the next door hide with a couple of grey-haired men. I knew one was an MP and that the other was the CEO of Wycombe’s family aircraft manufacturing company. Peng’s bodyguard stood smoking outside it. This was no doubt one of the several meetings Peng referenced as being essential to have.

Frederick appeared from the surrounding trees. ‘Room seems clear. Peng’s is right next door to her bodyguard’s.’

He sat down next to me, laid his gun at his feet and blew onto his hands, then rubbed them together.

I looked over at Peng’s hide. The red glow of the bodyguard’s cigarette lit up the dark. ‘This is not a good set-up. The Coyote could be out there with a long-range rifle and we’d have no idea. Hattie, do you copy?’

Hattie crackled into my ear. ‘I’m here, Lex. We’re into the security camera feeds. No hostiles in sight. Staff are arriving at the castle to prepare for the dinner but no one in the area surrounding the lake.’

‘We get through this part and at least we don’t have to worry about everyone being armed at the champagne reception.’ Frederick picked up his gun. He looked over at me.

‘I’m sorry about Robin. I know from my army days what it’s like to lose a colleague. You never really get over it.’

‘He was a good guy. The annoying little brother I never had.’

Frederick reached over and squeezed my hand. And didn’t let go. His hand was cold.