‘Not for nothing, sir. There’s been… a new development.’ This was the key moment, Brice’s chance to hook him. He waited for Hove’s response.
It came with a hint of hope behind the watery eyes. ‘What kind of development?’
‘Something extraordinary. You’ve heard of Nina Wilde?’
‘The archaeologist? Of course. She found King Arthur’s tomb.’
‘And a lot more besides. Some of her discoveries have proven ancient myths to be real. What she found in the jungle is one of them. An ancient artefact… a biblical artefact.’ He knew that Hove was a practising Christian; as he’d hoped, the revelation impressed him. ‘I’ve seen its power with my own eyes. I don’t know if it really does come from God, but I do know what it can do. What it can do for this country.’
‘And what would that be?’
Brice delivered his reply with every ounce of confidence he could muster. ‘It will save it, sir. It will ensure that you win the election next month. Not only that, it will keep you in office for the foreseeable future, while wiping out the Opposition as a political force for years — and doing the same to the elements in your own party who are working against you. You will not only remain Prime Minister after the election, you’ll emerge even stronger than ever.’
The promise of holding on to power in an election where the opinion polls suggested political decimation had indeed hooked Hove. ‘How… how would it do so?’ he asked, licking his lips.
‘Prime Minister, that’s another operational detail we believe should be limited to those directly involved,’ said C. ‘However, Brice has told me his plan, and while it’s not without risk, I believe it has a very high probability of success.’
‘What risk?’ said Hove.
‘If our involvement became known to anyone outside this room, the consequences would be… unfortunate. However,’ he went on, before the alarmed politician could object, ‘the chances of that happening are small — as Brice said, we are actively working to prevent it. It’s what I would classify as a high-risk, high-reward operation. If it comes off, then it will not only keep you in power, but also entirely justify your proposals to strengthen the intelligence services to protect this country — rather than cutting us off at the knees in the name of civil liberties, as the Opposition intends.’
‘But if it doesn’t…’
‘If you want us to do nothing, sir, that’s your prerogative as Prime Minister,’ said Brice. ‘I’m merely offering a possible course of action.’
Hove looked between the two men, then went to the large bulletproof window overlooking the Thames and gazed out at the city beyond. ‘I have to say that I don’t like the sound of this,’ he announced after a long, contemplative silence. ‘First you tell me that the plan for the Congo has ended in total failure, in a way that could not only damage the country as a whole but implicate me personally. Then, you offer me a solution, but only in the most vague terms, and which seems to rely on the supernatural.’
‘Not supernatural, sir,’ Brice said firmly. ‘I’ve seen it for myself. It’s science, just something we don’t fully understand yet. But we will. The artefact has been secured, and even if you choose not to proceed with my plan, it will still be Britain’s to study… and use. It has enormous potential as a weapon.’
‘A weapon?’ Hove turned back to him. ‘Then your plan — it’s some sort of attack?’
Armitage gave Brice an irritated look. The younger man blanched; he had said too much. ‘More a projection of force,’ C told the politician reassuringly. ‘It’s not a gun, a missile or a bomb. But just as in the Bible, when it’s used, it will be decisive.’ He stood and crossed the room to stand beside Hove. ‘I can assure you, Prime Minister, that the difference to your election hopes will also be decisive.’
‘That sounds almost like a threat,’ said Hove, drawing back slightly from the bigger man.
‘Not at all. We both want the same thing: to guarantee this country’s security and strength in a changing and unstable world. I believe that Brice’s proposal will provide it. But it will require great strength and resolution on our own part to see it through. Make no mistake, though,’ C continued, ‘the entire country will be united behind you. The entire world, even. As Prime Minister, everyone will look to you to provide Britain with strong leadership. You will be the man to bring the nation into a new age. The decision is yours.’
Hove licked his lips again. ‘I… I need some time to consider this.’
‘We have a very limited window of opportunity,’ said Brice. ‘If we’re going to proceed, it has to be tomorrow.’
‘Tomorrow?’
‘We need a decision as soon as possible, sir,’ said C. ‘Brice has preparations to make.’
‘What would I need to do?’ asked the politician.
‘Just give the word, sir,’ Brice said. ‘And one other thing… I’d strongly suggest that you miss tomorrow’s Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament.’
‘It’s the last PMQs before the election,’ Hove objected. ‘I can’t miss them — it’ll give the Opposition a field day! They’ll say I’m afraid to stand behind my own government’s record. And…’ He trailed off, a first hint of understanding dawning as he realised the significance of Brice’s advice.
Armitage shook his head. ‘There will be an extremely urgent national security matter that you need to discuss with me. As Prime Minister, you can nominate any cabinet minister to act as your representative for PMQs. I’d suggest someone who has been… challenging.’
Hove looked between the two SIS men again, his expression that of a prisoner — but also one who had seen a way out only reachable by trampling on others. ‘A national security matter, yes,’ he eventually intoned. ‘I have to put the future of the country before petty party politics, of course…’
C nodded. ‘Of course, Prime Minister.’
Brice stood straighter, like a soldier awaiting orders. ‘So shall I proceed, sir?’
There was no verbal answer, but the politician gave a very small nod. Brice responded in kind, seeing that Hove was utterly unwilling — or afraid — to say anything out loud.
‘I think that will be all, Brice,’ said C.
‘Yes, sir,’ the younger man replied. ‘Thank you for your time, Prime Minister.’
‘I never met you,’ Hove told him firmly. ‘And if asked, I’ll deny to my grave that this discussion ever took place.’
C smiled faintly. ‘Such is the nature of the job, sir. Brice, you have your assignment. Do whatever is necessary to ensure the security of the realm.’
‘Yes, sir.’ Brice too had a small smile on his face as he left the room, but his was considerably more ruthless.
33
Nina awoke with a start. She and Eddie were in the Alderleys’ spare bedroom, a street lamp outside casting a square of light on one wall. The curtains were open; closing them when their hosts were supposedly the only people in the house might have raised suspicion.
That the house hadn’t been raided suggested their presence was still a secret, however. She shifted to find Eddie already awake beside her. ‘What’s the time?’ she asked.
‘Half five.’
‘Really? God.’ She sighed. ‘That’s bad enough in itself, but I hardly slept. I was too worried about Macy. What if Brice already sent his people to take her?’