It was past six o’clock when Hepton drove up to the security barrier of the tracking station. A change of shifts was taking place. A young, unsmiling man – a stranger to Hepton – was being replaced by Bert, who had been at the station as long as anyone. Hepton sounded his horn, but Bert, not recognising the car, came out of the hut to check. Seeing who it was, he broke into a gap-toothed grin.

‘Mr Hepton sir. I thought you’d gone off on holiday.’

‘I was called back. Something about the place shutting down for a while. I’ve got to collect my things.’

‘Ah, yes, shutting down. As from tomorrow, so they tell me. Mind you, I’ll still be here. You always need security.’ Hepton nodded agreement. Bert was giving the car’s paintwork a cursory examination. ‘I see you’ve been buying yourself a new car, Mr Hepton.’

‘No, it’s on loan. I had a little mishap with the Renault.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ Bert was walking around to the back of the car. Hepton watched him in the wing mirror.

‘Anything the matter?’ he called.

‘Should there be, Mr Hepton?’

‘No,’ he said, laughing. Just don’t look in the boot.

‘Yes, sir, a very nice car this. Hired, did you say?’

‘No, it’s a friend’s.’

‘I suppose I should log it in,’ Bert said. He had finished his tour and was returning to the driver’s-side window. ‘All cars are supposed to be logged, aren’t they?’

Hepton shrugged. ‘I suppose so,’ he said casually.

‘Then again,’ Bert reasoned, ‘if you’re only coming in to pick up some stuff …’

‘That’s all.’

‘And you’ve just borrowed this car … well, I suppose it hardly matters, does it?’

‘Whatever you think, Bert. So long as it won’t get you into trouble.’

‘Well then, I’ll just go and raise the barrier.’

‘Thanks, Bert.’ Hepton thought of something. ‘Oh, Bert?’

‘Yes, Mr Hepton?’

‘That security man, the one who just clocked off. He’s new, isn’t he?’

‘Started yesterday. His name’s Ken. Quiet bloke, keeps himself to himself. But he seems to like the job.’