At six o’clock, Charlotte and Frank roused Katie, helped her into a wheelchair and wrapped her in a blanket. There’d be time to dress later. Wei watched them go with a closed expression. It looked like they’d be gone before this Malcolm got to them.

The bright morning sun was low in the sky to the right of the car as they drove. Charlotte helped Katie into some loose clothes: it was already warm and looked set to be another gloriously hot day. Katie suspected it would be more glorious for those who hadn’t just been sliced across the abdomen.

Charlotte explained things as they drove: she’d be Katie Reynolds now, they had ways to hide and encrypt internet connections, so they could stay in touch. Katie had to be careful, as having Cylink as an enemy was not a walk in the park. The people at the safe house would help her.

As the sun climbed higher, she was suddenly caught by an achingly familiar smell. To the left, a field of barley danced a last dance as a bright green combine gathered the harvest.