It took the team a few seconds to assimilate this raw statement of fact, a process immediately followed by a series of furrowed brows when the various implications began to kick in. It was Adam won the race to enquire, just pipping Danny's opening mouth by millimeters, "So why is he coming?"

Harry, producing the thinnest of upturns at the corner of his lips, reminded Adam, "As I've just informed you, he wishes to support his nephew."

Ros, having recovered from her own temporary shock, intervened with an air of exasperated disbelief, "Mr Pearce we all heard the excuse, Adam was asking for the reason."

Harry subjected to the unsparing gaze of expectant faces, despite the seriousness of the new situation, found himself unable to resist a mischievous, "Surely as a loving uncle his desire to attend is not so extraordinary!" Zoe and Danny, well acquainted with the symptoms of Harry's individual style of sarcasm, were chuckling inwardly at Ros' reaction. The laser like stare she was directing at Harry would have reduced a more sensitive soul into cinders on the tiled floor. Harry however, after years as purveyor of a similar glare, was more or less immune to crumbling, as he stretched out his legs before sighing, "Who can fathom the motives of other minds?"

Judging that the irritation level of his audience had now risen to somewhere just short of blast off he smiled before adding, "Dolby had some further information to share, Ali's highly liberal uncle is not coming unaccompanied. He's bringing his daughter with him – so Ros two extra rooms will be required."

From the expressions surrounding him this additional complication was also confounding the crowd, although it was Ruth who finally ventured to ask quietly, "So his daughter – do we have a name?"

Harry managing to avoid any indication of his personal thrill that for once Ruth had unbent sufficiently to address him in something resembling a normal style, supplied the required information, "Zahra, age twenty two, recent graduate, unmarried, attractive."

While this bald description did not advance knowledge further for most of those present. Ruth's eyes were now glittering with a comprehension that was matched by those of Ros and Adam. Before they could comment Danny interjected, "I thought uncle didn't agree with women being educated". A statement Ros leapt on instantly, "And I thought the file you were given included some background. He's willing to allow his daughters – he has three – to be educated in their home land, where they can be indoctrinated with the notion of obedience to the male gender, along with the education that makes them marriageable within the ruling class."

Lest Danny was still confounded Ruth kindly explained, "Uncle is bringing Zahra because he wants to arrange a cousin marriage as is the custom, which would leave him as a power behind the throne – only…" She paused as the further logic implicit hit her.

In an unexpected moment of solidarity Ros with an approving tone, that just avoided condescension, expanded Ruth's statement for the benefit of those with slower minds. "Exactly Ruth, my guess is that he plans to discredit Aaisha and flaunt Zahra in front of Ali, it now being imperative that he marries without delay due to his father's condition."

Ignoring the women Danny turned to Adam as the only representative of married masculinity present to test their theory, "Adam – when you were mad keen to marry Fiona would a grouchy uncle slagging off your choice have deterred you?"

Adam, considering the fraught hidden history behind his courting of Fiona, knew that family disapproval would have cantered in several furlongs behind the issues pertaining to working undercover while trying to extract the love of his life from the toils of a violent soon to be ex-husband armed with a possessive streak and accurate skill with a knife. Consequently while carefully avoiding a direct reply he reflected, "No but then my mindset is neither Muslim or hampered by family traditions and the need to play politics."

Harry equally restrained himself from expressing his long held opinion that, while technically spooks did not play politics, they were inevitably jerked like puppets around by the elected self serving scumbags who did. More than once he'd wondered if his responsibilities under 'Regnum Defende' ought to be extended to sparing Her Gracious Majesty from having to host whichever useless windbag had conned the country into electing them. Instead concentrating on the matter that was not theoretical he reminded Adam, 'If uncle – his correct name is Mohammed Abdul Rashid..." only to be interrupted by Danny, "Call him Uncle it's shorter'". followed by Ros' objection, "That makes him sound deceptively avuncular, but 'Dear old Uncle Thomas' he is not - trust me - he's a power made ego maniac". Accurate as her assessment was, a fact Harry knew having seen the documents embargoed from most of the team, but sensing that the phrase, "Just like your own father ' was hovering over more than one tongue snapped he reasserted his authority, "To continue – if he can prove something adverse that would not play to popular opinion in the province then Ali might have no choice."

Ros, nodding her agreement enquired of Ruth with some reluctance, "Anything in Aaisha's past that could be picked up?"

Ruth digging into long ago memories was forced into a confession, "I can't think of anything, but we did rather lose touch so…" She faltered while inwardly furious that she'd been to be found wanting by Ros her rival for Harry – no, Ros wasn't really a rival not when she herself didn't want Harry at any price, although some small voice was telling her that she didn't want him to want anyone else either – why should he be happy when she was…...being recalled to current reality by Harry speaking once again.

"We'll just have to take a chance then and keep tabs on Mohammed Abdul Rashid. Then observing the faces of his team he submitted, "Very well Uncle it is." Reflecting that giving in on this point cost him nothing and gave the team the impression that occasionally their opinion counted.

Zoe who had slightly dropped out the conversation suddenly zoned back in, "Is it possible that Uncle might cite other men to Ali, I mean at Aaisha's age it is probable that she's…."

Harry wasn't in the habit of wanting to murder members of his team for thinking around a problem, but exceptionally on this occasion he would cheerfully have gunned Zoe down as he cut across her, "It has been known for attractive women to be discriminating and remain celibate." Not daring to look directly at Ruth, who had suddenly dipped her head as he made this statement, presumably to conceal her embarrassment at recalling the loss of her virginity during their carnal encounter on his sofa a few weeks ago. He was also deliberately ignoring the faces of Adam and Danny, who having heard the rumours of Harry's reputation, were trying not to smirk, on the basis that any woman celibate before meeting Harry was unlikely to retain that status for much longer.

Mercifully after that last comment no one seemed inclined to prolong the discussion so it was with some relief Harry announced, "Very well, Zoe and Danny sort out your uniforms, Ros and Malcolm book the extra rooms and make sure that Uncle's in particular is bugged – and Zahra's just in case she party to any plan."

Ros with wider knowledge of the family personalities contradicted this, "I think that is unlikely, rumour has it that like Aaisha she opposes arranged marriages."

"While her father wants to arrange one for her with Ali, who wants Aaisha– sounds like Happy Families." That was from Danny.

Harry exasperated by these continual interruptions continued as if neither had spoken, "Zoe, Danny after you've arranged the uniforms return to the Grid, wrap up or hand over whatever you were working on. Tomorrow you, Ros and Adam need to be here working your way into your undercover roles. Malcolm –"

Malcolm cut across this semi diatribe. "I know Harry, review these premises, set up where I can, return to the Grid, deal with any outstanding work, collect equipment and with your permission complete the work here tomorrow and run tests before our guests arrive."

Harry inclined his head for consent before say, "Thank you Malcolm. That just leaves Ruth."

"As usual the last person you consider." Ros picking up on the accusation in the statement shot an unobtrusive glance towards the permanent Grid personnel. Instead of astonishment at Ruth's temerity in addressing the fearsome head of Section D in such a caustic tone they wore the expressions of those inured into accepting this as a normal procedure. Harry meanwhile, instead of showing anger at such disrespect, was simply shrugging as he produced a mild response.

"On contrary you will have the best day of any of us - Adam will take you into town and you can have a nice time choosing outfits that will wow Uncle." And me but I'll not mention that.

Ruth was not one to be distracted by a near bribe as she remarked to the world in general,"Dealing with a man who keeps his secrets and pretends to be an honest broker while lying is hardly a new experience, with or without expensive clothes."

Ros while amazed yet again with the nerve of the analyst – seriously there was some mystery here - merely quirked, "Comes with job description Ruth." Adding as an extra, "and the masculine gender." Which may not have produced a response from Ruth or any of the males present but had Zoe nodding her head in sisterly solidarity.

Adam having noted this latest exchange between Ruth and Harry, which left him every bit as puzzled as Ros, but keen to avoid any further unpleasantness stood up as he advised, "Okay Ruth let's head off." Asking Harry, "Does Ruth need to return to the Grid today?"

"No but like the others she'll need come in tomorrow to organise a hand over."

As that pair departed the remaining team members also began to make movements indicative of leaving only to be halted by Harry saying, "Ros before you go a word please."

Zoe and Danny, not to mention Malcolm, could think of several words they would like to use to Ros, hoping from the grave set of Harry's face that just possibly she was in line for a Pearce bollocking, in which case they were not inclined to delay the event, although as they left Danny did mutter to Malcolm, "Shame you haven't managed to bug this area yet."

Malcolm responded with the nearest to a grin any of the team had ever seen, "Actually I did place a couple while we were talking but we can't use them."

Zoe sighed, "Ethics can be a great draw back on occasion."

Malcolm shook his head in contradiction, "Ethics aren't the problem here, Harry is...…look."

Danny and Zoe casting a surreptitious backwards look instantly understood what he meant. Harry had drawn Ros out of the summer house and they were now strolling slowly down towards the lake edge. Malcolm commenting, "Harry knows my methods too well."

Harry, having waited until the others having trudged some distance back to the main building appeared devoid of any inclination to return, spent a few seconds enjoying the gentle lapping of the small waves against the gravel shoreline, his eyes fixed on some far distant waterfowl dipping and diving for food. Ros who had taken her place next to his shoulder, was looking unusually apprehensive, having decided that this was a deliberate ploy to unsettle her. An opinion that was not displaced when Harry having considered his words carefully stated, "No easy way to say this Ros but it's about your father."

Before he could continue Ros burst angrily across his sentence, "Mr Pearce I'm really tired of trying to convince everyone that I knew nothing - but the mud of that investigation still sticks. I really did want to work this operation and …"

Unable to continue, despising herself for such an unprecedented display of vulnerability, she swung around on her heels, shoulders squared as she prepared to follow the others, only to be stayed by a gentle touch on her arm with an even gentler voice saying, "Ros at least allow me to clarify that if I had any doubts at all about your allegiances you would not be on this operation."

"But…" Ros had heard what he said, but was still in a state of disbelief,

Harry nearly as shaken as she was by this uncharacteristic cracking of the Ice Queen persona, an indication if nothing else of the permanent background strain she was labouring under, attempted to reassure her, "But nothing. I've been over the investigation tapes and transcripts. At my age I know a liar when I hear one."

"But my father, he tried to kill you so how can you…."

Harry decided not reveal to her that his first reaction had been to refuse Dolby, but having seen all the information available had realised that even if Six's problem child was being shuffled onto him he was at least being offered someone who until the attempted coup had been an outstanding operative with an unblemished record. Her outburst was confirming to him that his judgement, and along with Dolby's, that although tainted by association she was innocent as very nearly charged. Instead he shrugged as he responded, "In his own very warped way your father was doing what he thought best for the country. In his position I'd have arrested me. More importantly you are not responsible for his actions. My only complaint against you is that I have said I prefer to be addressed by my team as Harry - not Mr Pearce."

Ros while sagging with what passed for relief in her book, ie relaxed her shoulders and softened the clipped tone, did what was a rarity for her, She apologised, and even more unusually explained, "Sorry but I'm not used to such informality, most Section Heads insist on keeping a distance."

A statement greeted with a snort, "If the only way they can maintain operational discipline is by insisting on a title then I'd suggest that they're in the wrong job. Remember that when you are promoted."

Ros sighed wistfully, "Thank you but others won't give me the benefit of the doubt after that investigation."

"Well I was appointed despite have been investigated twice." Seeing her look of astonishment he smiled, "Once as result of posting to Northern Ireland and once on my return from West Berlin. Only those spooks who don't do anything or manage get themselves killed avoid either a grilling by the IA crew or an involuntary holiday at Tring. Personally, I prefer the IA," He wasn't going to mention to her that the Berlin fiasco was in part due to his having trusted Elena the, as it turned out, triple agent girlfriend of Ilya Gavrick. An experience that had sealed off his heart until he had encountered that utterly irresistible, brilliantly intelligent, attractive, bonkers and mule stubborn female called Ruth Evershed.

If this thought had produced in him some temporary preoccupation it went unnoticed by Ros, who was still fighting down personal the demons she'd suddenly released for an airing. Normally she'd have been kicking herself for revealing such vulnerability but instead was experiencing a feeling of amazement at the sensitivity the man beside her had shown. It was a wholly unexpected demeanour, belying the rumours she'd heard to the effect that Harry Pearce was a hard uncaring bastard. Recalling what had kicked off this tete a tete she reminded him,

"So what was the issue with my father?"

Harry took a deep breath as he informed her, - he might be experienced in delivering bad news - but that didn't make it easier, "Dolby didn't just call me in about uncle. He's received a report from the prison to stating that your father has cancer." Ros didn't indicate much but Harry noticing the slight biting of her lips continued, "Bowel, stage two or three. They are not sure of the prognosis but will be operating in the next few days. Dolby wants to know if you wish to visit."

Ros, her face suddenly blenched, shook her head taking a moment to recover from the shock as she replied, "My father won't want to see me. He made that plain when he wrote saying that I should have resigned from a service that had imprisoned him."

"I understand your point Ros, but can I ask you how you might feel if he dies and you didn't see him."

"He'll refuse…"

While Harry thought this a very likely outcome he was more concerned with supporting Ros who, however she tried to disguise it, was struggling with a difficult situation, "If he does refuse you will know that you tried. Instead of wondering whether you should have attempted to contact him."

Had Harry spoken firmly Ros would have instantly argued, but the gentle, even kindly tone was undoing her, conflict she could deal with easily, but she was disarmed by the understanding was less common in her life. She did of course recognise that Harry was trying to manipulate her, but crucially she rather thought this was for her own good and not that of the state. As if he'd read her mind Harry opened up a trifle,

"My mother died suddenly when I was at university. I've always regretted that I never got a chance to see her, especially since I was running a little wild at the time and she died worrying about me."

Ros taking in the close trimmed hair, immaculate suit, highly polished shoes and general air of control was struggling to imagine the young Harry Pearce indulging in extreme student japes. Harry once again reading her mind commented, "I felt so guilty I cleaned up my act and joined the army when I graduated."

Seeing her still hesitating he advised, "You don't have to make an immediate decision."

Ros gave herself shake, "No Harry I'll try to visit – if I don't I'll be distracted and that won't help the operation. But please can we keep this to ourselves?"

"Of course. Now back to the hotel I think."

As they made their way up the grassy bank towards the footpath Ros' mind was whirring. Instead of believing she had been seconded as a punishment for something she was innocent of, with the previous firm intention of returning to Six as soon as the operation was wrapped up, she was now wondering if she could manage to wangle a permanent berth in Section D. When Dolby had assured her that Harry would not hold her father's actions against her she had not believed him, but now after this reassuring conversation she realised that Dolby had been indulging in that strange concept very rarely employed by spooks: the truth. The reason why Harry Pearce gathered an almost unquestioning loyalty from his staff was no longer a mystery, but the other puzzle still remained.

What on earth was going on between himself and Ruth Evershed?