Evensong

“No. He’s rich, but not that rich. He has millions, but the people you’re talking about have billions. Or trillions.” But Anwar was thinking, Currency isn’t only money, it’s also power and knowledge, and there Rafiq must be in their league. This was beginning to worry him. His mind was racing, but he If this is real, it’s the worst combination of threats: a cell, like Black Dawn, but with trillions. I must talk to Arden.

Gaetano waited politely for Anwar to digest this—he hadn’t been convinced by Anwar’s convincing poker face—before he continued. “I think they’re putting together something intricate and far-reaching, and her death is only a part of it. But... a handful of people, unconnected, not even members of the founders’ organisations. Out of four million. I don’t think you can easily locate or identify them.”

“UN Intelligence can.”

“Probably not in time.”

“They’ve done nothing to invade our space yet.”

“They will...And if you can’t locate them pre-emptively, all that’s left is the inferior option: just wait for them to move at the summit, and hope you can stop them.” When Anwar didn’t reply, Gaetano got up. “Think about it, while I go and make us some coffee. Vietnamese, yes?”

“How did you...Oh, of course. Her people asked Rafiq’s people.” He watched Gaetano set the two glasses down. There was a layer of condensed milk at the bottom of each glass, on top of which the dark coffee floated without mixing. It looked like an upside-down Guinness.

“So how did you come to work for her?”

“Isn’t it in Rafiq’s briefing?”

“Tell me anyway.”

“I’m a mercenary. It was interesting—far more than guarding politicians or business people or criminals—and it paid well.”

“And now?”

“I’m still a mercenary. It’s still more interesting than guarding politicians or business people or criminals, and it still pays well. I’m a permanent employee with a job description and a contract. But if I wasn’t, I’d still go out and die for her.” The last sentence was spoken without any change of voice.

“She told me you’ll be providing a two-day briefing on the summit. Do you want to take me through it?”

Yes, Gaetano did want. He would give Anwar a first look at the Conference Centre, where the summit would take place. Then he would detail the security arrangements for the summit, in the following order:

One, descriptions of each delegate and his/her entourage, especially security.

Two, liaison protocols with delegates’ security staff.

Three,the currently-agreed version of the summit Agenda, which would be subject to last-minute changes.

Four,the arrangements on the first day of the summit:the delegates’ arrival, and the style and content of the opening ceremony. “Despite what she believes,” Gaetano said, “the threat could come on the first day, as well as the last. It’ll be just as public, and just as high-profile. She’ll be there as host, and she’ll make the welcoming speech, all about the love that dare not speak its name because its mouth is full.” Anwar looked up sharply. They locked eyes for a moment, then Anwar smiled faintly. Each of them thought, Maybe he hasn’t got his head as far up his ass as I’d feared.

Five, the arrangements for each day: seating plans, meals, coffee breaks, break-out sessions, evening social events.

Six, the disposition of security people, translators, support staff, catering staff.

Seven, provisions for attack from sea and air.

“… And that’s what I’ll take you through this morning.”

“Do I need to know it in such detail?” Anwar asked. “I’m >here for her security only.”

“She’s the host. As well as speaking at the opening and closing ceremonies, she’s expected to make appearances from time to time at the summit sessions. And when she does, you should know what’s all around her.”

“Yes, that’s reasonable.” But you still haven’t mentioned the important part.

“And,” Gaetano added, “you need to know it in detail because—this is the important part—she wants you to review all the arrangements and make any recommendations you see fit.”

“And what do you think of that?”

“Not much, initially. But if it protects her better...”

“Good. Then let’s not talk in code. If I see something wrong with any of your arrangements, I’ll say so. If I think they’re good, or very good, or mediocre, or sloppy, I’ll say so. And can you put it all on an implant bead?”

“I already have. You can download it and study it over-night. And tomorrow, I’ll take you through the Archbishop’s engagements from now to the end of the summit.”

“She has one this afternoon which she may not have mentioned.”

“Going into town with you to collect a book?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll have some people follow you, but only at a discreet distance. You understand that you’ll be her primary protection?”

“Yes.”