‘It’s so good to be able to share how tough it can be being married to people who hold back such a big part of their lives,’ said Naomi. ‘How sometimes it’s too much and you just think—’

‘Should we evacuate?’

‘We won’t make it,’ I said. If I started an evacuation, whoever the Snake had inside this room could still activate the device as everyone was leaving.

‘That’s it exactly.’ Naomi touched my hand across the table. ‘Sometimes I feel like that. But—’

‘We must carry on,’ I cut her off.

Naomi nodded. ‘Yes, exactly, we carry on despite everything. Despite the never knowing exactly what they’re doing or where they are.’

‘And what really helps is talking to someone else,’ I said slowly. ‘Someone who knows a lot about these issues.’

‘Copy that, Lex. I’ll video chat G.’

Kate nodded. ‘I wish my husband understood that, although he’s on some top-secret mission, he can still share things with me.’

‘The Ghost is secure.’ Now it was Jake’s turn.

‘What’s he saying?’

Kate sighed. ‘Not much. Normally he comes home late and, if I’m still awake, he just wants, well . . .’ she giggled, ‘you know.’

‘Not much. He’s unconscious. Our interaction was . . . heated.’

I gritted my teeth. ‘Why do men always feel the need to bypass conversation for action?’

‘I know, it’s just ridiculous, isn’t it?’ said Kate. ‘Don’t they understand, like a beautiful flower, we need to be nurtured in order to grow?’

‘All right, Lex, give me a break, I hit the sod a little harder than I meant to.’

‘Any sign of anyone else?’

Kate laughed. ‘Oh no, I doubt that. I mean, he just wouldn’t find the time, let alone the energy. Do you know how exhausting three young children are? I can’t remember the last time we slept past 5.45 a.m.’

‘No one. The first floor is secure.’

I laughed along with the other women.

‘I think what’s important is to make sure everything is OK. That nothing else troubling is hidden.’

‘Copy that. Searching the top floor now.’ Up there were several soundproofed rooms used for low-level interrogations.

‘You’re totally right. Communication is everything,’ said Naomi.

I looked up as the double doors opened and in walked Mrs Moulage. Head held high.

She came up to me and said softly, ‘That friend of ours is safely in the car.’

‘Thank you, Mrs Moulage. I’m just waiting to hear if things will end on time as planned today.’

She nodded and patted me on the shoulder as she headed back towards her table.

‘Top floor is clear. Robin, what did G say? Come in, Robin?’

I chewed my lip and nodded encouragingly at Dionne sharing her frustrations at Peppa never wanting to eat the healthy vegan meals she made for them, citing trauma at work dictating the need for cheese, carbs and wine.