‘I don’t like the word used,’ Huxtable said. ‘Utilised is a better one. From what I understand we were running low on choices and you were the optimal bet. In a percentage game only a stubborn fool passes up the best chance of winning.’

‘I should have been told from the start.’

‘Look, Rebecca, I knew nothing of Simeon’s operation. The activities of the Special Accounts Unit are a mystery to everyone but the director of MI5.’ Huxtable shot Weiss a glance. ‘To say there’s been a lot to take in since I was appointed is a monumental understatement. To be honest I feel a little used myself.’

‘Your head isn’t on the line.’

‘Simeon assures me everything is being done to remove you from the picture. We’re all working to produce the best possible outcome, and that includes keeping your part in the operation under wraps.’ Huxtable’s lips slipped into a thin smile. ‘Sadly that means no wider recognition or thanks for your actions. You see, if for some unfortunate reason your part in the assassination came out we’d have to deny you completely.’

A cough came from over by the table. Weiss raised a fist to his mouth.

‘Thank you, Simeon.’ Huxtable glanced across and then back at Silva. ‘Do you understand what that means?’

‘It means you’ll kill me if I talk, right?’

‘The safety of the sixty million citizens of this country comes before the welfare of any single individual. There’s always a bigger picture.’

‘It’s a pity you lot didn’t see the bigger picture before you started selling arms to the Saudis.’

‘We did, Ms da Silva. The problem is, most of the time our masters don’t want to hear the truth. Politicians are cowards, basically. It’s people like you who have the bravery to act.’

‘Don’t patronise me. The army was my career, but I killed Hope because she murdered my mother, not through any desire to serve my country.’

‘We’re still grateful.’ Huxtable nodded at Weiss and he came across bearing a manila folder. He placed it on the coffee table. ‘And as a mark of our gratitude we’d like to offer you a position in Simeon’s outfit.’

‘What?’

‘We need people like you, Rebecca. People who have the skill and courage to carry out extraordinary missions that can’t—’

‘I don’t think so.’ Silva pushed the envelope across the table towards Huxtable. She stood. ‘If that’s it, then I’ll be off.’

Weiss moved swiftly, intercepting her as she reached the door.

‘Let her go, Simeon,’ Huxtable said. ‘She’ll come round, you’ll see.’

The arrogance in the statement almost made Silva turn and scream, but she composed herself and walked from the room.