‘I love you more than ever,’ he said. ‘God and I will get you through this. I promise.’

‘I believe you. Remember, my family is Christian.’

Haut gave her a heavy sedative that the doctor had left for her and she was soon asleep. He bought a sandwich but had trouble eating it, such were his nerves. He and Cavalier drank black coffee to stay vigilant. Every person in the carriage came under scrutiny. They even watched train staff in case Natalia’s attackers were in disguise.

While the pointy-nosed express sped on, Natalia was awake again with much on her mind. Despite a recurring ache in her midriff, she went over how she had managed to escape her captors. She had remained as calm as possible, despite the brutal experience.

‘I don’t know how you or anyone could do that,’ Haut said.

‘I have been trained,’ Natalia said. ‘Every child of state security has instruction on such possibilities.’

‘Trained?’

‘Of course. It began at thirteen. I have had fourteen years of being taught how to handle all manner of situations concerning attempted murder or kidnapping.’

Haut shook his head in further amazement. Again, he recalled Cavalier’s words on how all Russians, including the young family members of KGB/SVR operatives, were expected to work for the state in whatever manner required. Haut could not help but admire his partner more than ever. Natalia may have been in her late twenties, but she was mature many years beyond her age. Her language skills and her apparent broad education in politics and business added up to an impressive character who just happened to have catwalk good looks.

The train pulled into the vast Gare du Nord at 4 p.m., its platforms and tracks appearing like a giant bowling alley. It was a cool, early autumn day when Cavalier, Haut and Natalia eased from the train. Haut found a trolley for their luggage and pushed it along the platform, while Cavalier found their pre-booked hire car.

‘My radar is picking up things again,’ Haut said, glancing around.

‘Let’s take her to the hospital,’ Cavalier said as they moved through the traveller throng and out the main entrance.

They loaded their suitcases into a green Citroën wagon.

Cavalier was about to jump in the left-hand driver’s seat when he saw a vehicle moving about fifty metres behind them.

‘I think we have company,’ he said as he got in. He drove the wagon into the car park aisle, heading for the automatic barrier. By the time he reached the boom gate the pursuing vehicle was thirty metres behind. Cavalier slowed up at the barrier, but there was no time to insert the payment card. He put his foot down on the accelerator. The wagon snapped the boom gate and drove on at speed. Their pursuers, in a late model Audi, followed.