The report cut to the face of Steven Tennant, speaking to MPs in the Home Affairs Committee.

‘…which is why it’s vital we don’t take our eye off the ball. Yes, the extreme right wing remains a threat, but the far greater threat in terms of numbers comes from Islamist terrorism. We have a record number of cases on our books right now and we have a terrorism threat level at critical. It’s vital that the public are vigilant – and report anything suspicious. The message is, don’t worry about wasting police time, just call us straight away…’

Asad swore and turned off the TV. The Islamophobic police were the reason he rarely watched the mainstream media, he thought, before returning to his books.

#

One hour later, Asad heard the key in the front door.

‘Tanvir?’ he called out.

‘Me,’ said Abu Mujahid, walking into the bedroom holding a bulging grey canvas rucksack. ‘Where’s Tanvir?’ he said suspiciously.

‘He’s…’ Asad didn’t know how to answer. ‘He just… He needed some fresh air.’

Asad had expected Abu Mujahid to erupt. But he didn’t. He just nodded and went into the kitchen. Asad followed him.

‘He’s okay, but it was getting to him, being stuck in here,’ said Asad. ‘He wasn’t going far. He just needed some fresh air.’

Abu Mujahid didn’t look up. He continued to stare at his hands, his face expressionless.

‘I tried to stop him, but he said he was going to be a few minutes,’ said Asad.

Again, silence. Asad walked back to his bedroom. Next door he could hear Abu Mujahid moving around, opening cupboards and drawers. Then he heard the rustling of plastic. What was he doing?

Unnerved, Asad went into the small living room. Saleem and Muhid were talking loudly at the table next to the open window leading out on to the balcony.

‘What’s he doing?’ Muhid looked up.

Asad shrugged. ‘Tanvir’s gone out.’

‘What?’ Muhid looked aghast. Saleem shook his head piously.

Five minutes later, there was a faint knock on the front door. The three men stood up at once and edged to the living room door. Abu Mujahid was stood in the hallway. The only natural light came through the living room behind the three men. Abu Mujahid opened the door slowly and stood back as Mirza stepped into the dimness.

Abu Mujahid slammed the door behind him, causing Mirza to start.

Abu Mujahid’s voice was calm and cold. ‘Where have you been?’

‘Nowhere, Akhi. Just out. To the park to clear my head. No one saw me. I had a hoodie on, and I kept my head down.’

‘What were you doing in the park?’

‘Nothing, bro. I swear. I needed some fresh air. I’ve been feeling claustrophobic. But I’m fine now. Honest. I just needed some space. But I’m okay. I really am.’

‘Did you meet anyone?’

‘Sheikh, no! Of course not. I wouldn’t jeopardise the mission, man. I wouldn’t do that. I just wanted some air.’