‘Accessing the Foreign Office records on Peng. They must have made a note of it somewhere.’ A few seconds passed and then an: ‘It’s OK. She does have what’s been classed as a mild nut allergy. It’s not deadly. Her PA and bodyguard carry EpiPens in case of an attack.’

I exhaled.

I watched as the room slowly filled up. We needed everyone present before we tried to make a grab for the Etch A Sketch receiver.

Robin crackled into my ear. ‘Two security outside library door.’

I had a simple remit. To cause a disturbance that was big enough to draw waiting security in. But not so big that it would make news or draw attention to anyone monitoring Peng.

I looked up again at the four Chinese scrolls hanging from the ceiling.

I looked across at Frederick. He was now deep in conversation with a white-haired woman who had her hands clasped round his.

‘I hate to break things up,’ I said into my earpiece. I watched as a small smile formed. ‘But you’re going to need to let go of your girlfriend and get ready. I’m moving in in three.’

*

At the back of the library was a narrow spiral staircase leading up to a small mezzanine level. The lack of alcohol and canapés on offer there meant no one had yet ventured up. I quickly ascended, glass of champagne in hand. Party guest going for an explore. At the top of the stairs I could see how each banner was held by a piece of rope in a pulley system that was fastened to each corner of the room. The banners were made of thick parchment with a wooden base. I walked up to the pulley and slipped off my right shoe. With one deft click the heel came off, exposing a thin blade.

My killer heels really were killer.

I used the blade to slice at the rope. I kept going until there were only four strands left. I estimated I had a minute before it snapped.

‘Outside the library. Waiting for your order,’ Frederick crackled in.

I quickly replaced the blade in my shoe and slipped it back on. I descended the stairs and made my way back to the centre of the library where I had a good view of the banner with the sliced rope.

The Foreign Secretary was addressing the room.

‘All of us here are very proud to be able to return this ancient scroll to China. Minister Peng, we are honoured that you will be taking it back in person.’

Minister Peng strode over to the Foreign Secretary and the two of them held the scroll together as a cacophony of flashbulbs went off.

It had to happen any second now . . . I saw the banner start to break away and shouted, ‘Look out!’