If I didn't get round to thanking those who reviewed my last chapter my apologies. I have finally completed this one having had to ditch my first attempt. Hope everyone is well and safe in this Covid riddled world and that you continue to be so.

By 10.30am the next morning an aerial view of Havensworth would have revealed a board set for a chess style game of spooks v the deceived. The respective roles of the black and white kings, almost literally, be being played out by the scheming uncle, sitting in his suite awaiting the outcome of his plans to neutralise Aaisha's liberal influences on his foolish nephew, and the even more devious Harry heading up the team dedicated to thwarting the said plan.

Surprisingly of the two it was Harry who was the more nervous regarding the outcome. Uncle, completely unaware that he'd been tricked, was basking in the knowledge that he had set in motion a murder, necessary if Allah's claims were to be extended throughout uncle's home province. That these religious imperatives also happened to dovetail with his own devices and desires was a coincidence, albeit one that was due entirely to uncle's faithful adherence to the alleged teachings of the prophet. Harry by contrast was all too aware of the multitude of things that go array. While he possessed unwavering faith in his own staff to carry through the plan, the unfortunate snag was that to ensure success his team were also relying on Ali, Faizan and Aaisha, not to mention Zahra. While admitting so far their behaviour had been exemplary Harry was all too aware that split second timing, an ability to react to the unexpected while maintaining a character were essentials that professional operatives spent months in training to achieve. Consequently he was dependent on the untested trio not to panic if the plan began to stutter. Wryly he reflected that that put them in the same category of Dolby who when apprised of the developments and outline plan to tackle them had taken a gulp, audible down the phone line, before groaning, 'Another of your mad plans Harry!. It had given Harry some pleasure to shift the blame onto Ruth, while adding that, "Of course having endorsed this I take full responsibility."

Easy to say, but Harry did Dolby the justice to admit that his reservations were justified. Fortunately Malcolm's little bugs in the summer house had worked, confirming that uncle was indeed sending his minions into the gym overnight with the mission to loosen the wall bars and fray the top of the ropes. Once Malcolm had reported this to Harry the latter had called yet another group meeting to listen sound file, prior to a last discussion re the final points of the operation, answering Ros' protest that as the Housekeeper her regular absences might be noted with, 'The best housekeepers keep everything running smoothly without being seen." Ruth although bidden hadn't reappeared with the others, forcing Malcolm to send a quick secret text message advising her that attendance was vital. Curiosity overcoming defiance making her remerge from the sanctuary of her bedroom just in time to coincide with one of uncle's employees summoning up the temerity to ask, "But Sir what if the other woman is hurt….and won't the hotel be able to prove that their equipment was tampered with." If Harry or any of the team had possessed any reservations about the scathing Intel on uncle's true colours his reply made them manifest. "Miss Evershed is an infidel and emissary of the British state and so like all enemies of Allah should be disposed of." Without out visuals it was difficult know if his henchman had found uncle's argument convincing. Possibly not as uncle's follow up statement indicated the one thing he had got right, "Any accidents will be hushed up – the British state will not wish to admit to such a disaster."

As a consequence of this condemnation of a woman's right to a life of her own, or even a life, Harry's sardonic greeting, "Nice of you to rejoin us Ruth" was completely ignored in favour of Ruth expressing her considered opinion of uncle in two sharp words, "The bastard" making Harry suppress a wholly inappropriate smirk as he thrilled to someone other than himself being the describe thus by the love of his life. This initial thought being superseded by the further one that he didn't really really didn't appreciate being bracketed with uncle in Ruth's personal gallery of unspeakable males. Any temptation to take Ruth to task for this unflattering comparison being shelved when Malcolm stood up to remind Harry, "I didn't put a camera in the gym, one that shows infra red so we can see roughly what they do in there, so I suppose you need me to fix up at least one before dusk." Harry nodded, "You suppose correctly but I'm going to ask Danny to take the night watch." Danny knew better than to protest, leaving it to Zoe who asked, "Why Danny?" "Thanks Zoe I didn't know you cared." A response which saw Zoe fixing him with a stare and a shrug, "Just curious."

Before a squabble could develop Harry in a firm voice advised Danny, "You're the only one who won't be needed tomorrow morning."

Danny wasn't exactly thrilled at being considered superfluous to requirements, and it showed in his face as Harry, not wanting to depress morale added, "I need the others for the immediate cover up, Malcolm needs to look rested and efficient to play the part of Dr Kildare…." A comparison while displaying the age of both Harry and Malcolm encouraged the latter to voice a level of self deprecating sarcasm as he corrected Harry, "Dr Kildare I recall was something of a heart throb so not the most appropriate of comparisons."

Had they been private Harry would have twitted Malcolm about Sarah's opinion in that respect but since only Ruth, having been present on the evening when Sarah had strolled back into Malcolm's life, had an inkling of his current relationship status Harry held his tongue. Malcolm had done his best to keep the gossip about himself and Ruth to a minimum so it behoved him to return the compliment. Falling back on schoolboy humour he grinned very briefly, "Very will Dr Kilmore then.. but I still need you looking efficient and prepared to declare that Aaisha is dead."

Malcolm pursed his lips, "I'm wondering Harry if it might be a better idea to suggest that she is very badly injured and insist on a transfer to hospital," Harry pondered the suggestion for a moment and then nodded, "Yes that would remove her, and Faizan can insist on an immediate funeral – family only."

Ruth after a second followed up with a further enquiry, "And how do we sort out an ambulance…" Danny, for once ahead of her, groaned, "Oh no not…."

Harry almost grinned at Danny's discomfort – a revenge for the endless hints and barbs Danny had made regarding Ruth and her relationship with Harry – "Time Jed earned his money I think", with Zoe muttering darkly, "Can we trust him not to drop her or pounce once they are out of the gates,"

Although Ruth reminded Zoe, "As Fazian will be accompanying Aaisha I don't think we need to worry," she failed to prevent Danny remarking, "With his history he'll pounce on anything personable". Angry as Jed had made Harry a few short weeks ago some comments did need to be stamped on. Humour being superseded by Harry in full boss mode, "Enough. Jed I would remind you was not charged with betraying his country and so far has adhered to the code of conduct imposed since his reinstatement." Mentally making the leopards and spots caveat that at least Jed hadn't been caught out... yet.

In the now total silence Harry summed up the plan, "Malcolm will place any extra bugs and cameras required in the gym area now. Danny will take the overnight watch. If, or I should say when, uncle's band of headbangers have finished call Adam and check what has been done. Zoe and Ruth will ensure that the appropriate steps are taken during the session tomorrow to make it look as if Aaisha has been impetuous and sustained an eventually fatal accident". It was Ruth who prompted, since no one else dared utter the name, "And Jed.."

"Thank you Ruth. I will contact him tonight and will also arrange for the MI5 imitation ambulance to be made available." He checked to make sure everyone was with him thus far before continuing, "Zoe will of course contact Ros who will in turn summon the hotel doctor."

"Yes" This snapped was in response to the sound of Malcolm's throat clearing, "Harry I suggest that Zoe makes sure that Ros is told to call an ambulance. We don't want uncle who will be waiting for news feigning concern by doing so…"

Harry acknowledging that this was a good point stated, "Exactly, so then Ali and Faizan are summoned – at that stage if uncle tries to force his way in Malcolm will insist that we have enough people present. Aaisha is carried out with Faizan so upset he insists Ali has made the last day of her life difficult by the postponement of the wedding…"

Ruth suddenly interjected, "Harry would it be an idea to ask Aaisha to throw a wobbly about the delay in uncle's hearing with Ali standing firm…" Ros then demurring, "Do we have time for that?"

Ruth after a second decided, "I think so – if Ali decides to hold a family meal and Aaisha's told to kick off big time…" Adding, "She's quite good at that when roused."

If Harry was quietly thinking it took one to know one he had the sense to remain silent before throwing the question, "Any other comments or thoughts?" Zoe very hesitantly asked, "Just one Harry – we need it to look as if Aaisha has actually had an accident so we'll have to pull down the bars or the rope - suppose we find that they aren't as loose as uncle's staff think….I mean..." seeing Harry's expression, "if we aren't strong enough to do that then the whole scheme falls."

Harry considered for a moment. "I suspect the opposite might be true and they might just about fall off the wall but just in case…Adam I'll ask you to sneak into the gym tomorrow morning and secret yourself inside the vaulting horse. If that problem transpires you can help the ladies and then hide again."

Adam looking at his six foot plus length was trusting that he wouldn't end up paralysed with cramp, but decided not to make objections that Harry would probably call out as fatuous. With no further comments Harry wrapped up the meeting, "Until tomorrow then good luck ladies and gentleman – Ruth can you contact Aaisha and Ali about the creating the row tonight.."

That had been yesterday and now as the conclusion drew near Harry, while waiting for the women to enter the gym, was mentally rehearsing the probable timetable again in the hope that it was watertight. Malcolm entering silently, almost reading his mind reassured him, "Harry I've checked everything including the tape Danny recorded of last night's visitation to the gym…I don't think Adam will be needed and Jed has messaged me to say that the ambulance is hidden off road and he's worked on his paramedic script."

If Harry was about to reply it was halted by the sight of the women entering the gym. Zahra as ordered clad in hijab and loose clothing covering her arms and legs, although the hijab was ripped off the instant the door closed behind the minder who had accompanied her. His entry refused as Zoe reminded him in a voice that made argument impossible, "Women only, as Zahra's father is well aware." Zoe was wearing what Harry knew to be the hotel leisure uniform of dark blue Tee shirt adorned with the hotel logo and matching loose trousers, Aaisha, despite uncle's view on her modesty, was dressed in very similar garb to Zahra and although the fit was slightly more tailored to her figure no damaging revelation of flesh was apparent. Despite being on a professional operation Harry, after clocking the outfits of the other three women discovered that just as an iron filing was attracted to a magnet so were his eyes involuntarily homing in on Ruth. Ruth had entered wearing a tracksuit, which she then striped off to reveal an outfit consisting of a figure hugging lycra top and similar leggings, of the type commonly used to advertise high end gyms. It would certainly have confirmed uncle's views on her decadence and it wasn't doing much for Harry's blood pressure either.

With the three lined up in front of her Zoe began the session, prior discussion having decided that they needed to give Aaisha time to become bored with the dance exercises that would form the sessions. Zoe kicking off with, "A warmup first, follow me and in time to the music". With that she began to call out a series of movements to be performed, with a fine sense of irony, to the tune of 'Staying Alive'. "Step to the side, kick, step to the left kick, step to the right kick and clap….." The best way Harry decided to cope was to watch the other two women and Zoe, which was an act of some difficulty given that Ruth was standing as a buffer between Zahra and Aaisha and thus directly in his sightline. Still he managed fairly well in subduing the odd pornographic thought throughout the torture of observing the various failing limbs. It was only when Zoe announced, "Lie on the mats and now…" as she waited for them to follow her instructions demanded, "Feet together and knees out to the side so you form a diamond shape". An exercise which thus gave Harry an eyeful of Ruth's wide open crotch producing several compulsive swallows and a pounding of the blood in more than his head. It was perhaps fortunate for Harry that at this point Aaisha stood up and announced, "I'm bored. I want to do some real exercise."

Before anyone could stop her she bounded towards the ropes, seizing the one that she had been told was frayed. As it fell away in her hands she lay down on the floor, while for good measure the other three, following her lead, grabbed either side of the nearby wall bars. Having heaved them away from their loose moorings they then laid them artistically across the prone Aaisha, the remnants of the rope lying in her hand. Zoe and Ruth after checking that everything seemed in order gave Aaisha a nudge, at which point she let out a sudden scream impelling Zoe's hasty pressing of the alarm on the wall.

Within minutes Ros had arrived, along with Zahra's escort whose efforts to enter the gym were firmly frustrated by Ros, "No, the only other person I want in here is the doctor, who will have heard the alarm." The minion began to argue but was halted by the arrival of Malcolm, carrying a doctor's bag and declaring in an authoritative voice at a variance with his normal diffident tones, "No only next of kin and the witnesses please." With Zahra, now swathed in full hijab adding in tearful protest, "My father would think it unseemly for you to enter a room full of women." The embryo argument that Malcolm was quite clearly a man going for naught when the gym door was slammed firmly shut.

Once inside, under the cover of wails from Zahra, "Please tell me she's going to be okay- Ali will be so distraught…" and similar utterances, Malcolmwas pulling out of his bag a stethoscope, thermometer and other medical items, plus some makeup which he began to apply to Aaisha's face to give that battered effect while whispering, "Jed is on his way, we give it about five minutes." Advice that was followed by a thumping of the door as Faizan could be heard to shout, "My sister…please". Re opening the door a sliver Ros saw that it was indeed Faizan, accompanied by Ali. "Sorry but the Doctor said next of kin only and that's her brother." Ali protesting that, "She's my future wife," cutting no ice with the Ice Maiden, "The doctor's wishes are paramount". Helped out by Faizan turning to Ali as he hissed with hostility, "Yes and you've made her life a misery over the last few days, cancelling the wedding, slavering over Zahra…." Ali's reaction, suggesting a forthcoming punch up, was diffused by the sight of Jed and another spurious paramedic barrelling up the corridor carrying various equipments and pushing a wheeled stretcher.

Ros forced to open the door left it ajar just long enough to admit the assumed paramedics and Faizan, while also giving Ali and the gathering crowd that now included uncle, a glimpse of the inside tableau of Zahra weeping, Ruth apparently haranguing Malcolm, and Zoe looking stunned. Harry watching from afar relieved had to admire the Rada winning performance from them all. As the door closed again, but taking no chances on someone bursting in, Jed and his companion tenderly lifted Aaisha onto the stretcher as if she was really injured, equipped her with an oxygen mask, which had the advantage of covering her face and then accompanied by a grave looking Malcolm and Faizan exited. Just a few yards of running the gauntlet of gapers outside before they reached the safety of the MI5 ambulance.

Outside in the hubbub of the crowd Jed was pursuing what he hoped would be a Harry approved performance, given that the latter had been prepared to throw him another chance despite the scurrilous lies Jed had uttered when currying favours from the criminal Giles Bamford Symthe. "Clear the way please. We must get her to hospital asap." When uncle attempted to block their departure saying "I must…" Jed simply pushed past his bulk sending uncle crashing into the wall. Faizan whose eyes were shooting with fury at the sight of Ali standing beside his uncle, stalked after them. It was left to Malcolm bringing up the rear to explain to the assembled spectators as the ambulance party vanished down the corridor. "I regret to inform you that she has sustained life threatening injuries….until she reaches the hospital and they perform the necessary scans I can say nothing further."

Before anyone could ask questions Zahra and Ruth, the latter now clothed in her more respectable tracksuit emerged, Zahra in tears heading straight for Ali, "Ali I'm so sorry….I….." and then as if pulling herself together smiled wanly, "And it so much worse for you …." Ali, mindful of the conclusion they wished uncle to come to, looked as if he was attempting to rally himself as he sketched a grimace of a smile. "Thanks Zahra – it's nice to know someone doesn't blame me…" Ruth seeing the sequel was well in hand excused herself on the grounds that, "I really need to report this to Mr Pearce. He will be able to persuade the hospital to tell us more clearly what is happening."

Uncle at his unctuous best turning to this symbol of decadent womanhood responded, "Thank you on behalf of myself and my nephew….we will repair to my suite and await the news while we pray for her recovery."

A statement whose utter hypocrisy that made Harry steam to an even greater degree than that produc by ed his earlier sighting of Ruth in lycra. Ruth meanwhile had turned to Ros, "A full report will be required from your staff member and possibly an inquiry into the health and safety maintenance of the gym." Ros acknowledging this with a simple "Of course."

With all the excitement over everyone returned to their respective suites or work locations leaving Adam, once Harry had texted to him that the coast was clear, to emerge from the vaulting horse and unkink his six feet plus as he wondered what other mad ideas his new boss was going to approve.

Thanks for reading I hope it gave everyone a few moments of escapism. Reviews are appreciated and of course I give you all the current international sign off. Stay safe.