‘Do you have suspects?’ Callum asked.

Kate turned back to the whiteboard. ‘That’s where it gets complicated. If I’m right, the obvious suspects are the former head of the Service, Sir Alan Brabazon, and his successor, Ian Granger. They’re the only two who have been on the Russia Desk – or connected to it – consistently throughout this period.’

Grove folded her reading glasses and walked up to the whiteboard. In another life, Stuart might have described her as not built for speed, but she was surprisingly light on her feet. ‘I’m sorry to say your list isn’t quite complete.’ She reached for Kate’s pen and, with deft but precise strokes of its felt tip, added a third name.

Henderson.

Kate stared at her name on the board. Was that what all this was about? Had Grove and the prime minister always intended to help her fashion a noose so they could hang her with it? She took a cloth, wiped the board clean and walked out.

6

SHIRLEY GROVE CAUGHT up with her on the balcony. ‘What on earth are you playing at?’ Kate asked.

‘You know how these inquiries work,’ Grove said, without turning a hair. ‘Every aspect of our work may be scrutinized at a later date, so we need to cover every base. It’s just box-ticking. You shouldn’t take it personally.’

‘So we haven’t even started this investigation and you’re already planning how it’s going to look when you leak it?’

‘I don’t believe I said that.’

‘You didn’t need to. I get it. Your job is to clear the prime minister. Much better if the person who initiated this whole sorry business turns out to have been its architect, so I can see I make a tempting culprit.’

‘My job is to find the truth.’

Kate looked up at Grove. The older woman was a couple of inches taller and about a stone heavier. ‘So tell me, how am I supposed to investigate myself?’

‘Don’t be absurd.’

Kate leant against the balcony wall. ‘I’m sorry, I genuinely don’t understand.’

‘You’re going to investigate as we asked you to do.’ Grove’s irritation was beginning to show. ‘Exactly as you see fit. You’ve identified your two prime suspects. Callum and I will pursue any lines of inquiry relating to you as and when we deem it appropriate.’

‘So while I investigate my former colleagues in the Service, you’re going to be rifling through my underwear drawer?’

‘It’s a bureaucratic exercise, Kate.’

‘It doesn’t sound like one. And don’t call me Kate.’

Grove took a step closer. Her demeanour was suddenly softer, almost motherly. ‘Come on, don’t make an issue of this. I’m just going through the motions. It doesn’t need to hold you – or us – back.’

‘You must be out of your mind.’ Kate went back inside. ‘I quit.’

She was reaching for her coat when Grove played her ace. ‘If you do that, we’ll arrest your husband the moment he sets foot outside Russia.’