‘That really was quite extraordinary,’ the deputy head of MI5 said as Brigadier Armstrong turned the video off. ‘What on earth possessed the man to pull a gun?’
Brigadier Armstrong shook his head in bewilderment. ‘He’s desperate, Harold. And, as such, he’s a loose cannon. I know we’ve had a few oddballs in the Cabinet over the years, but we’ve never really had to deal with much more than inflated egos, corruption, sexual deviancy, pilfering. But this really does take the biscuit.’
‘So, what’s your conclusion?’
‘Well, I’m faced with a bit of a dilemma. If I run with this and it goes wrong, the government will be severely shaken by the scandal. If I go to the PM, he’ll be put in a difficult position. If he doesn’t take action, and the story gets into the public domain, then he’s facing severe embarrassment. If he does act, then the scandal will cause shock waves. Hanged if he does, hanged if he doesn’t.’
‘So you haven’t decided yet?’
‘No, not yet.’
‘I could lend you some resources if it would help.’
‘Thanks, Harold. Best not to get you involved if possible. I just wanted to pass it by you, that’s all. A problem shared and all that.’
‘Not like you, Bernard. To be so indecisive, that is.’
‘Maybe not, but then this problem is not one I’ve had to face before.’
‘I can only make one suggestion.’
‘Which is?’
‘No trial.’
‘Hmm,’ Brigadier Armstrong murmured. ‘That’s about as far as I’d got myself.’
‘Would you take it further though?’
‘You mean no witnesses?’
‘Complete erasure. It’s the only way you can really guarantee no leaks.’
‘I hope it doesn’t go that far.’
‘You think you can contain the remaining witnesses?’
‘Some of them, yes. It’s just the loose ends that need tidying up.’
‘As I say, you have my support if needed.’
‘Thanks, Harold. But I think I’ll resolve this in house. Or at least I’ll keep it in the family.’
‘Sounds good to me. This Nick Price seems to be the resourceful type. Maybe you should encourage him to give you a hand.’
Brigadier Armstrong nodded in agreement. ‘Yes, maybe so. After all, he started the whole ghastly affair. I might just leave it to him to clear up the mess. Right then, Harold, thanks for the coffee, I’d better be off.’
‘Before you go, Bernard. Just one question, how on earth did you get the camera into Rees Smith’s room?’
Brigadier Armstrong grinned. ‘Last week he asked me to sweep his office. He’s concerned someone may attempt to bug him.’
‘Perish the thought,’ replied the deputy head of MI5 as he too broke into a broad grin.