“By the signature of the data transmissions. Without going into the technicalities, the team signaler has a particular way of putting together the message. He’s good, but he’s not SF, so he hasn’t been trained in the techniques to avoid detection. We’ve picked up on it, so we’re assuming the Russians have, too. They’re brilliant at this sort of thing. We’re now assuming that the Russians picked them up first in Latvia, which would explain how they were able to zero in on the team and then launch that camp attack, which only just failed. Since then, although they’ve only transmitted very occasionally since, they’ll have been tracking the guys through Lithuania . . . and now we believe that the Russians know they’re in Kaliningrad. So, although their last transmission was some distance from Pravdinsk, it has to be a fair bet that the Russians will put two and two together and work out that they’re probably looking at the nuclear command and control facility there.”

McKinlay rubbed his chin ruminatively. “I see . . . but I can’t say I’m surprised. It was probably only a matter of time before the Russians caught up with them. So, what you’re saying is that by tracking their radio signature, they may have inadvertently led the Russians to Pravdinsk?”

“Well, General, I was thinking more of the team walking into a trap.”

“Yes, I can see that. They’ve done incredibly well and had amazing luck, but luck usually runs out eventually. The secret of survival, not that I am one to talk,” he smiled as he rapped his artificial leg with his knuckles, “is knowing when it is time to say enough. I think you are telling me that it’s time this chap Morland did just that.”

“Yes, General. Exactly. Although the important news for our plan is that we aren’t getting the sense that Moscow think they are doing anything more than looking.”

“Long may that last. Is there any satellite or radio information that shows troops being moved into the area?”

“No, General.”

“So even though they probably suspect that our boys are going to recce Pravdinsk, they aren’t worried. Haven’t reinforced, or anything?”

“No, General.”

“As I guessed. Or we’d have aborted the mission already. Correct?”

Allenby nodded.

“All of which makes sense, if you think about it. They’re only five soldiers. Not even Special Forces. With a few Forest Brothers. I cannot imagine they will worry the Russians unduly. And yes, I do agree with you, it does look as if they will be expected.”