The offices of M&M Security made Jake feel anything but secure. In the first place, they were discreetly located in an unassuming position in a side street with an unprepossessing frontage whose small brass sign, rather than attract attention, had to be sought out. Once inside the building, everything transformed into opulence as if by magic. The receptionist, a well-groomed and stately redhead, greeted him with a polished air of competence and deference. Jake, considering this façade to be the calm before the storm, was not surprised when her fixed smile faded and her expression changed to anxiety when she phoned the chief executive he’d asked to meet.
“It’s usual to make a prior appointment to see Colonel McVie, Mr Conley, but on this occasion, he is prepared to waive formalities. May I
