‘My head of station knew nothing about what Mavers was up to. Obviously he briefed the ambassador and the deputy ambassador, and that unfortunately put Mavers on to you. After I’d talked to my boss I tried to contact you, but couldn’t. I was so worried.’

‘You were worried? Mavers was going to torture me.’ Silva looked away. ‘Jesus, Sean, I was so scared.’

‘Ahem.’ Silva’s father made a waving motion from the other side of the table. ‘I’ll leave you two alone, but I just want to say something about this young man.’

‘Really, sir, there’s no need.’ Sean bowed his head.

‘There is a need.’ Silva’s father looked across with a scowl. ‘Rebecca is stubborn and difficult. She won’t listen if you tell her.’

‘Tell me what?’ Silva said.

‘Sean saved my life and probably saved yours too.’

‘What on earth are you talking about? He nearly got me killed.’

‘Perhaps, but after he failed to contact you he came here. Luckily those bunglers hadn’t set the fire very well and it took a while to take hold. Even so, had he not turned up I’d have been fried.’

‘Sean?’

Sean nodded.

‘And,’ Silva’s father continued, ‘he did something else. When I told him Mavers was involved he suggested we check out the black site, guessing you might have been taken there. I got the information to Matthew and he was able to effect a rescue.’

‘Right.’

‘So an apology is due.’ Her father rose from the chair and patted Sean on the shoulder. Cast Silva a glance. ‘OK?’

As her father walked off, Sean stepped forward. Silva held up her hands.

‘I killed Hope,’ she said.

‘Is that hope with a capital H?’ Sean said. ‘Or are you playing with words?’

‘No games. I need to know if you can accept what I did.’

‘A week ago the answer would have been “no”, but now I’ve been fully briefed and know the truth, yes I can. Karen Hope didn’t offer any kind of hope. If she’d stood for president millions of people would have voted for her, but she was a con. Once elected she’d have been in the pocket of Haddad and the Saudis. US foreign policy would have been shot to pieces.’ Sean tilted his head. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean…’

‘And she killed my mother.’

‘That’s worst of all. In your situation I’d have played it exactly the same.’

‘Right.’

Silence for a beat and then a shrug from Sean.

‘So, are you going to give me a sit rep? Or is that information classified?’

‘The situation’s not great, to be honest. The terrorists are still out there, Haddad or his allies probably have a death squad after me, and what’s left of the Hope family will be seeking some kind of vengeance.’

‘Have you got protection?’

‘Nope.’