Finally a chapter of sorts. My apologies for the delay but having moved house about three weeks ago and am now sorting my way through various boxes (I stopped counting when the van was being loaded) while also having to turn up at work. I can't promise to update quickly either so thank you all for your patience. I hope this moves the story on a little.

By the time Harry had emerged from the car and made his stately way up the steps into the imposing porticoed entrance Hall Ruth and Aaisha had vanished from view, their footsteps muffled by the velvet smooth carpeting, although his sharp ears managed to catch the faint sound of a girlish giggle emanating from the area where the female side of the bridal party would be ensconced prior to the various ceremonies. No matter, if he required feminine company he had a potential substitute in the form of Ros Myers, now approaching him in her role as housekeeper. Her garment combination of crisp white shirt and severe black suit triggering unpleasant memories of his school matron and castor oil. A resemblance that the clipped, "Good morning Mr Pearce and welcome to the Havensworth Hotel. I trust you had a pleasant journey," did nothing to dispel.

Adopting the formal tone that his own undercover pose demanded he responded, "Thank you and yes."

Without a flicker Ros informed him, "The porter will take your bags, and those of Miss Evershed to your rooms. I have arranged for coffee to be provided on arrival."

Harry was struggling to maintain his character at the sight of Adam, who thus instructed, was appeared less than thrilled as he set to the task of piling the various pieces of luggage onto a trolley. Harry felt a certain ripple of sympathy, until he recalled an operation of many years ago the course of which had required him to take refuge inside a sewer that he had been advised was disused, inaccurately as it transpired. Compared to that experience Adam was in clover, or should that have been in Axminster? Ros on the other hand, as no doubt became her role, seemed utterly indifferent to Adam's plight, twisting the knife as she added: "The management has a no tipping rule." A statement that earned her a look of pure vitriol from Adam – leaving Harry was uncertain as to whether he was observing a brilliant piece of character acting or an expression of genuine disgruntlement. For himself he wasn't bothered either way– as a salaried an operative Adam would have to declare any tips accepted to the accountants who really ran the service.

Forcing himself back into his own adopted persona Harry replied to Ros, "Thank you er.." infusing his voice with the tone of friendly disdain that he had himself encountered from the diplomatic corps, "Mansfield ..Rachel Mansfield."

"Very well, Miss Mansfield as a matter of urgency I need to discuss the security arrangements regarding the changes resulting from the unexpected arrivals. Shall we say my suite in ten minutes, and please ensure that your head of security attends."

Matching Harry eyeball for guarded eyeball Ros had to admit that he was good. Had she not known otherwise she'd have taken him to be a genuine a member of the diplomatic service, instead of being the person who spied on them, or had probably done when he was with Six.

"Of course Sir. I trust that you will find everything to your satisfaction."

Harry was willing himself not to betray his very private thoughts that the only sight that would give him total satisfaction within Havensworth was a luxuriously appointed kingsize bed containing an eager and naked Ruth Evershed. Damn it! Which uncaring bastard had despatched him to the very destination that had been the venue of his own private seduction scenario, thereby forcing him to consider what might have been, while watching a very different couple smooching –he was tempted to blame Dolby, who as the only person to be in possession of Harry's permission to socialise form was in an ideal position to exact revenge for the various tricks Harry had pulled on him over the years.

Nodding to Ros he followed Adam along the very short distance to the suite allocated for his use. Entering its beige and brocaded blandness, hung around with blameless landscape watercolours, one quick glance at the bed was sufficient to trigger his supressed longings, forcing him in turn to contemplate the icy prospects of frequent cold showers. Recalled to reality by the amusing sight of Adam dumping his luggage with a total lack of ceremony he smirked, "Thank you my man." A piece of mischief that earned him a gritted, "Think nothing of it Sir," emerging through squeezed teeth.

Before Harry could irritate his operative further Malcolm arrived silent and solemn, followed by Ros bearing what appeared to be a gift from the gods, a bottle of malt whisky. Placing it carefully on the table set in a small alcove with a window that gave a panoramic view the lake she smiled, "Compliments of the management." Harry having noted the label was concluding that Ros Myers would be a positive asset to the team, having obviously done her homework on her new superior and his personal tastes. With other individuals he'd have pegged them as crawler but his thorough perusal of her file had confirmed that that was definitely not Ros's style, so more likely it indicated her understating that even he needed to relax on occasions.

Acknowledging the recent arrivals with a wave of his hand towards the two well stuffed arm chairs placed next to the window seat that he was in process lowering his immaculately tailored bottom onto, while uttering his thanks to Ros he stayed Adam's departure with, "Please remain Adam," a request followed by Ros' objecting, "Porters don't linger in guest's rooms, so won't this look slightly suspicious."

Adam plainly wanting to be in the action forestalled Harry as he reminded his commandeering colleague, "My duties include undertaking minor repair work, so we'll pretend that Harry complained about the door lock between his room and Ruth's." This statement having the effect of slightly banjaxing Harry. His brief struggle to compose his face was noticed by Ros who, while filing this away for future reference, felt some explanation was necessary for the sudden change in accommodation planning.

"The door can be locked on either side and there is a shared small office cum sitting room between the bedrooms. With the changes created by the unplanned arrivals this will enable you and Ruth to confer privately without being seen to go from one room to another, something which might be noted by uncle who presumably has his own spies in his entourage."

It was a reasonable, even acceptable explanation to Harry, but he was baulking slightly at the prospect of Ruth's reaction to this unnotified alteration. Not willing to describe why this was a potentially awkward situation, while totally oblivious to the momentary tell that had being noted by the ever alert Ros, Harry humphed, "Very well but more immediately, any Intel to share?"

It wasn't in Ros' nature to defer to anyone, but on this occasion she uttered one single word, "Malcolm?"

"All rooms have been bugged." Noting Harry's look of alarm he took pity on him, "Very sophisticated software that will kick in in your suite only if an unrecognised voice is present to activate it or if I click a switch."

"And the recognised voices are?"

"The team so this conversation will not be recorded, nor will your private conversations with Ruth in here."

Harry wasn't sure if this afterthought was a mild innuendo given Malcolm's almost certain accurate guess as to Harry's relationship with Ruth prior to the unveiling of his true identity when he returned to the Grid, but considered that at its worst this was an act of friendship rather than a product of salacious gossip.

"Thank you for the reassurance that I am not regarded as a security risk – do you have any further information to enlighten us?"

Malcolm ignored the sarcasm. He was accustomed to it and knew that it was in effect Harry's protective coat, as he proceeded to report the breakdown of Intel to date.

"Only that Fazian having arrived without warning then proceeded to accuse his sister of selling out on her feminist credentials."

Ros having a fair idea of the bride's character snorted, "I bet that went down a storm."

"Just about the right word Ros, I thought her shouting would render me temporarily deaf."

"So Malcolm we can assume that Aaisha did not agree with that assessment!" came Harry's intervention.

"Quite. As I recall her refutation was along the lines of you don't sell out by going slightly underground, she happens to love her fiancé and she can do without the implication from her own brother that she's a power mad gold digger."

Harry recalling his conversation with Ruth mentioned, "Ruth also doesn't think money comes into the matter." Seeing Ros and Adam both raise an eyebrow he added, "It may be a consideration though – you can help a lot of causes with cash and position behind you."

"Which," from Adam's direction "Is probably what Ali's uncle fears,"

Ros not to be outdone agreed, "And from the odd snatched of discussion I've heard between the two love birds he has grounds, Ali also wants to modernise but doesn't as yet know the extent of his father's condition."

Concluding that they'd extracted as much as possible on that topic Harry, returning to the more immediate matters enquired, "And when does uncle arrive." Causing Ros to check her watch as she confirmed, "This evening at around six. I assume that …"

"Correct. I will be there to formally welcome him given that he is a senior member of an important family, saying how pleased we are that the ties that bind are as strong as ever and it is pleasure to …" He halted, amused at the variety of facial expressions, Malcolm was stoic, Adam was chortling at the mannered tone, while Ros enquired sweetly, "Did you pack a trowel?"

Harry shook his head as he advised the crew, "Until uncle arrives and we know what he is planning we can do no more."

Taking the hint the team withdrew leaving him to unpack and contemplate the loneliness of the double bed, and after a quick inspection to fantasise about possible activities in the en suite.

Elsewhere Ruth had been enjoying a parallel conversation with Aaisha, reminiscing over their past student exploits and Ali, the various organizations Aaisha had been involved in and Ali, Aaisha's quizzing of Ruth's career path since leaving university and Ali, all delivered on Aaisha's part with a hectic enthusiasm. Ruth, having originally feared that after such a long gap since their paths had last crossed, she'd have to strive for conversation had had that worry put to bed within thirty seconds of their reunion. Aaisha had taken charge, and provided Ruth popped in the odd word and phrase she'd been happy to dominate. It was only when Aaisha finally wound down that the danger area was broached with the sentence, "And so Ruth any man in your life?" The easy answer her job meant trying hours spellling death to relationships was duly given only to have that statement batted back,

"I thought you were a PA so surely…"

"Yes but Mr Pearce is quite high profile and that often means working weekends and other occasions, frequently at short notice."

Aaisha grinned, "Such as weddings of Pakistani potentates." Noting that Ruth was slightly embarrassed she hurriedly added, "Still I'm pleased you got the gig. I'd much rather have someone I know spying…"

Ruth hoped her involuntary flinch had gone unnoticed, possibly it had since Aisha's continuation on the overall theme proceeded to get worse, "But Ruth is Harry married? Ruth not trusting her voice to remain steady shook her head, "Hm... Ruth well he seems very charming so why not…"

"Please Aaisha, he's my boss. It would be complicated." Cursing the blush that was staining her face and keen to get off topic Ruth hastily switched the conversation, "We were told that Faizan had arrived."

Aaisha having noticed Ruth's embarrassment was drawing her own conclusions, but responding to the deft change of subject replied, "Yes, terrified his little sister is making a terrible mistake. We had a bit of a row as he insists that once we arrive in Pakistan Ali will revert to type." Sensing no reply from Ruth Aaisha added, "Come on Ruth surely you've have been briefed about Ali's uncle – Also for the record Ali can't stand him."

In the light of these comments Ruth's instant professional analysis concluded that a pretence of ignorance wasn't going to work, but equally since she was debarred from revealing the full extent of her knowledge she played up to her admitted cover role of secretary with the comment, "Harry was told that he was planning to attend with one of Abdul's cousins."

Aaisha leant back into the sofa laughing, "Yes it really is quite funny. Ali says Zahra is being dragged along in the hope that he will fall in love with her at first sight and dump me."

Ruth realising with that too date she hadn't expressed much interest in Ali the paragon took this as cue to enquire with a wholly artificial air of eager interest, "When do I get to meet him?"

"When he returns. He's gone to meet his uncle and cousin." Seeing Ruth raising her eyebrows at this piece of news Aaisha hastily explained, "He says we have to preserve the civilities and besides he's quite sorry for Zahra who is no keener on marrying Ali that he is on marrying her. In fact Ruth…"

Ruth from Aaisha's suddenly hushed tone suspected that a dubious request was on the verge of sliding off her friend's tongue. The next words proving the deadly accuracy of this assumption, 'Ruth is there any chance at all that Zahra could claim some sort of asylum, given that her father wants to force her into a marriage." Seeing Ruth's face of dismay she finished, "Just asking, could you have a word with Harry? Find out what the situation is. Because you and I are lucky, we get to choose."

Ruth considering where the luxury of choice had led her wasn't entirely sure that luck was the right word, especially since she was now being charged with asking the man who had blackmailed her into staying with Section D about how a woman avoided coercion. That would be a jolly conversation.

Pinned to friendship and the need to win Aaisha's confidence she had no options as she sighed, "I'll ask but I'm really not sure what can be done." Then deeming it time to exit glanced at her watch saying with a tone of martyrdom, "I'd better get back to Harry. "Then, casually in the interests of gathering some Intel enquired,"and where is Faizan at the moment?

"The silly man has gone for a walk in the grounds – he enjoys tramping through woods, especially private ones like this as he's unlikely to come across hikers and dogs."

And Ruth thought as she left there was therefore a distinct possibly Faizan given Jed's habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time might instead collide with the odd spook instead. When combined with Jed's unerring ability to produce verbals that were either inaccurate, offensive of idiotic this spoke of a need to issue an urgent warning to the team.

Having left Aaisha's suite she was forced to walk past the Reception area where Ros lurked, in theory prepared to attend to the every need of the usual visitors, but with the intent of waylaying Ruth. A fact made obvious when as Ruth emerged, Ros for the benefit of a non existent audience, asked politely "Ah Miss Evershed please allow me to escort you to your suite as I'd like to ensure that everything is in order."

Speculating wildly on the potential response if she chose to reply in the negative Ruth nodded her assent, adding for good measure as she noted a couple of other guests wandering into the foyer dressed to brave the manicured outdoors, "Certainly and could I please have a list of the recreational activities and facilities." If Ros was giving her the chance to play boss Ruth wasn't going to turn it down, that was for sure.

Ros accepting this without a flicker advised, "Of course I'll ask our recreational officer to prepare one, any activities in particular?" A statement that nearly wrong footed Ruth who had no intention of partaking but recovered sufficiently to reply, "I think the spa and possibly any gentle exercise classes."

With that Ros indicated the corridor towards the suite as she led the way. Silence descending on both women until they reached Ruth's room. Entering Ros commented, "The house maid has already unpacked for you. As you can see it has an en suite and this door," walking toward it she opened it, "leads into a small sitting room cum office that is shared with Harry – who is on the opposite side." Noting Ruth's quick glance at the door she added with just the hint of a smirk, "It will lock but really Ruth I can't see Harry creeping into your room without permission – I would imagine he doesn't go short in that department and therefore has no need to seduce his staff." The studious rigidity of Ruth's face was informing Ros that her burgeoning suspicious were correct, but for now she'd keep that to herself, she needed proof, or alternatively she needed to break down Zoe, Danny and Malcolm.

Harry must have heard the voices, if not the content of the chatter, as he suddenly emerged from his room indicating the small coffee table and chairs on which Ruth and Ros arranged themselves for his second consultation on the state of play within the last hour. Once settled he fixed Ruth with a firm eye and a single word. "Well."

"Well what?"

Harry's exasperation with her obdurate game play crept out as he snapped, "Ruth you know what – any further information from Aaisha that could help us?"

Ruth more or less sighed, "I doubt it but…" seeing she had the full attention of both, "Firstly she is definitely crazy about Ali, and informs me that he wants to make reforms, crucially he knows what his uncle is up to and according to Aaisha can't stand the man." Seeing that she had Harry and Ros's full attention she continued, "Abdul does however feel sorry for his cousin. Also Faizan is not happy about the marriage – suspects Ali will revert to type was Aaisha's phrase, once in his home province."

Ros intervened, "Quite astute of him given the pressures of the area."

Ruth agreed, "He's no fool but until aAisha mentioned it I'd forgotten that he's also something an action man in terms of hiking and walking. He's currently working out his anger in the less well trodden paths of the hotel grounds."

Harry instantly understood, "Ros can you ask Adam to contact Jed and the other team – tell them to watch out."

"I will, although I believe they have a cover story of being Reservists undertaking a training exercise."

Harry gave a fleeting quirk as he commented. "Well Jed does need house training." Before asking Ruth 'Anything further?' Ruth sighed, "Er well Aisha wondered what the position might be about giving Zahra asylum as her father is forcing her into marriage, if not with Ali with someone else."

Harry looking mildly floored for a moment pondered and then said, "I'll get in touch with the correct person in the Foreign Office see what they can do." Only for Ros to chip in, "Aaisha possibly didn't know this but actually Zahra was born in England – premature birth when her parents were here for some function or another."

Harry threw her a warm smile, that instantly made Ruth want to murder the pair of them, as he responded, "Thanks Ros – that might be very useful indeed. I assume premature means not born in the embassy which is technically Pakistani soil."

Ros simply saying, "Glad to be of use. I assume you'll both be lining up at six to welcome uncle and Zahra," before she withdrew leaving Ruth and Harry staring at one another. It was a long silence broken by Ruth almost spitting, "I hope you've filed the permission to socialise form this time."

Harry recognising jealousy was privately punching the air – if Ruth was cross it could only be because she was still interested in him, whatever her pretence otherwise, before replying, "Not when we are all undercover and on an operation."

"Don't let that stop you – I forgot - silly me it hasn't in the past has it." And before Harry could reply she stalked into her own room slamming the door, followed by the audible click of the lock. Harry could only assume that despite her angry words she still believed him to be a gentleman. Alternatively in her fit of temper she'd forgotten that he usually carried his standard spook picklock with him.

And for the first time since his rampant teens Harry was actively praying to his non existent God 'Lead me not into temptation'.

Thanks for reading and if you have a moment a review would be appreciated although after the length of time it's taken me to produce this chapter I have a nerve typing that.