‘In the outbuildings. I drove overland from the UK with everything except the weapons. For obvious reasons they had to come via a different route. You don’t need to know about that.’

‘This terrain doesn’t look good. Too many trees. We’ll never be able to get a clear line of sight to set up a range.’

‘On the contrary.’ Gavin stopped the van. He gestured to the side of the lodge where a path disappeared into the forest. ‘A twenty-minute walk takes you to the top of the ridge. There’s another ridge running almost parallel around a kilometre away. You can hike over and set up some targets. Will that do?’

‘What do you think, Silvi?’

‘Sounds good,’ Silva said. ‘LNs?’

‘LNs?’ Gavin switched the ignition off and turned to Silva. ‘What does that mean?’

‘Local natives. Is anybody going to be around to see this?’

‘Oh! No, we’re on our own up here. There are a few walkers to look out for, but I don’t think there are any trails near. Anyway, this isn’t the UK. The Italians like hunting and guns.’

Inside the place was as luxurious as Gavin had promised. Downstairs was open plan with a huge living area centred round a fireplace with a teetering stone chimney that rose through the house. Gallery bedrooms sat to either side, accessed by a balcony which ran round the entire upper level.

‘Nice,’ Silva said. ‘This Fairchild’s?’

‘Mr Fairchild told me information should be on a need-to-know basis.’

‘And we don’t need to know, right?’

‘Correct. If the operation is compromised the fewer details each member has the better.’

‘I can tell you’ve done this before.’

‘No comment.’ Gavin pointed to the gallery above. ‘Pick yourself a room and I’ll fix us a late lunch.’

‘You’re a cook too?’

‘Usually there are staff, but in the circumstances Mr Fairchild thought it best we self-cater. And I’m afraid that includes clearing up afterwards.’

‘Blimey,’ Itchy said. ‘Just like being back in the army and messing together.’

‘But better paid.’ Gavin smiled flatly and headed for the rear of the lodge and a kitchen area.