It didn’t take long for Ben to pique the colonel’s interest, since a real-life encounter with members of the Dishonourables brotherhood was a rare and important event. Once Ben had him hooked and wanting to know more, he got down to business. ‘In my current situation it’s critically important for me to identify the individual in question. I need to know if that’s an option.’

‘As you know, I’ve spent many years collating information on the brotherhood,’ Monty replied. ‘I have dossiers on a number of men whom I suspect to have been inducted into its membership, past and present.’

‘And it’s possible that this person could be one of them?’ Ben said.

‘Certainly possible, though by no means guaranteed. I’d have to have a little more to go on. I take it that you have photographic evidence concerning this individual?’

‘Taken earlier today, immediately following the incident,’ Ben said. Which was enough to convey a clear picture for Monty to visualise: one very dead corpse, still fresh, all ripped and bloody after suffering an extremely violent demise and by no means a pretty sight. Ben added, ‘It goes without saying that this is strictly eyes-only material.’

‘Of course. I fully understand that, due to the, ah, sensitive nature of such evidence, you’re far too cautious a man to share it across digital media.’

‘Correct. Or else I’d have been happy to email it to you.’

The colonel replied, ‘Likewise, in the event that I was willing and able to provide you with information in return – again, far from guaranteed – it’s not something I’m prepared to do over the phone. Nothing is secure nowadays.’

‘For that reason, I’m hoping you’ll consent to a face-to-face meeting. Subject to your verification that I’m who I say I am. But time is an issue here, Colonel. The sooner we meet, the better.’

‘I appreciate the urgency of your situation. But I’m sure you must also understand my trepidation. This is a highly dangerous and sinister group of criminals, who may have become aware of my investigation into their activities, and I’m not in the habit of exposing myself to risk. As genuine as you sound, you could be one of them. And I’m not as capable of defending myself from attack as I was ten years ago.’

‘I understand perfectly.’

The colonel thought for a moment, then said, ‘Write down this email address, Major. Send me your credentials. I’ll speak with Lieutenant-General Grumman and Brigadier Jennings and get back to you within the hour.’

‘Whatever you decide, sir, it’s been a pleasure talking to you.’

But before he hung up, the canny old fox had a request. ‘Tell me one thing, Major. Something nobody else could possibly know.’