Hi. Consider this a form of Christmas present to my faithful readers. I trust that you all have a half way decent Christmas in these troubled times. Being in not so Merrie England my area has just gone into Tier 4 otherwise known as lockdown. Anyway all the best to everyone.

Traditional advice stated that the best way to resolve an intractable problem was to sleep on it. For Harry tradition was proving to be capricious jade dancing somewhere beyond his reach, while his problems squatted on the foot of his bed mocking him. The ongoing problem which was Ruth was becoming doubly sharp as the operation advanced. A form of exquisite torture given the proximity of her off limits bedroom, especially when combined with the depressing realisation that she was spending the dark reaches of the night in the company of a personable younger man who possessed wealth, intelligence and a sister who would, Harry had little doubt, be doing her darndest to match up her friend with her brother. That thought was unsettling enough, but now Harry had the additional worry, planted in his mind by Zoe, that Zahra had played them all. Harry, while hoping that nowadays he was experienced enough not to have fallen for a feminine deception, could not fail to recall unpleasant memories of Elena. Age supposedly ushered in wisdom, but Harry could quote of any number of occasions when that theory had proved a chimera. He just needed to recall times without number when he'd been required to cover up the peccadillos of an elderly politician to prove his case. As he replayed the series of events that had hustled him to this moment his only comfort was that this madcap scheme had not originated with Zahra, but instead was a two days since product of Ruth's remarkable brain. A consideration then tempered by the thought that Zahra might just have seized the advantage when given, and really when one considered the alternative groom lined up by her father who could blame her for preferring Ali. Thumping back against his pillows Harry decided he'd best try to sleep, and after another half an hour of tossing and turning he finally drifted away into an unquiet doze.

Waking up with the same unresolved concerns he decided to seek counsel from Malcolm who, as the individual who listened into the majority of casual conversations in the various suites, was the best placed to make an assessment. Having made his way to Malcolm's den at the top of the hotel and asking what time Malcolm had actually returned the previous evening, along with similar spurious caring queries Harry finally set forth to a listening and objective ear Zoe's concerns, concluding with, "And I must admit it has set me wondering."

Malcolm after pausing for a few moments while he processed this, with a clearing of his throat, echoed exactly the objection Harry had made to Zoe's theory, "This was Ruth's plan of which Zahra had no prior knowledge." Before removing whatever comfort those words had thrown out with the further consideration, "But as we both know in the field you seize opportunities and Zahra is desperate to escape her father's control. As Ali's wife with patriarchal authority passing to him she would have more freedom." Then further fine shading this confusion by reminding Harry, "But as we also know in the field you have to give a convincing performance, Zahra might well be channelling some form of method acting, it's worth noting that Ali is giving every impression of being bereft."

Harry, with sigh that he wouldn't have revealed to anyone other than Malcolm agreed, "Yes it's difficult to know who is playing whom. I'd prefer your latter theory but…" Pausing for a moment, "To be on the safe side and prevent any real accident to Aaisha I think we need to ensure that one of us is with her as much as possible and when we're not we need to keep a watch on her room."

Malcolm wasn't about to argue as he replied, "That means Ruth or Zoe, as Ros' cover requires her to be front of house most of the time."

Harry reflecting that Ruth would then be in Faizan's handsome orbit hurriedly added. "Zoe for the most part as Ruth is meant to be my PA - if she disappears too much it might thought odd, whereas the gym is out of order so Zoe is freed up."

Before Malcolm could comment Harry's phone buzzed with a text alert. Scowling at the interruption Harry's face lightened a touch, "Sorry Malcolm it's Ruth" as he scanned the message and then pressed the call button, "Thanks Ruth – I'll meet you in the foyer. Tell Faizan and Aaisha that rooms have been prepared near Zoe and Danny, yes you can tell them Danny is one of us and Adam will meet them in the hotel service area."

Instructions completed Harry swung his attention back to Malcolm, "You caught that." Not waiting for a reply he added matter factly, "I have to catch up with Ruth before we see uncle." Making a nod of acknowledgment as Harry departed Malcolm hadn't been fooled. Harry's quick flare of pleasure in the call had been less disguised than the two arrivals due to the be smuggled up the back stairs entrance. Much as Malcolm liked and respected both Harry and Ruth he just wished they would sort out their relationship. Over the last three months the team had been forced to tiptoe around enough eggshells to produce to a world record omelette, a constant procedure that was becoming both embarrassing and wearisome.

The entrance foyer when Harry arrived was minus Ruth, although he had reached the area just in time to note through the glass inner door that the official car that had presumably ferried her back was drawing away. When after a few seconds there was still no sign of Ruth joining him, concerned that something had gone awry, Harry made his way outside to locate her. It wasn't a complicated task, Ruth was standing at the bottom of the entrance steps, back turned as she watched the car crunch its way towards the wrought iron gates that marked the exit to the outside world. Her demeanour, from the angle Harry was approaching, made her look a little hunched. Other than that the only item of note was that once again she was dressed in the designer outfit that, while it didn't exactly send his pulses racing was responsible them for producing a more stately thump than was appropriate. Hearing the slap of his shoes on the gravel she turned fixing her eyes on him, a nervous self conscious look being replaced by one of consternation that forced him ask, "Any difficulties Ruth?' A question greeted by a shake of her head denying this, and then, as she clearly has second thoughts, a confession, "Just worried that I can't carry this through successfully – I'm not good at lying."

Recalling how she'd gulled Giles Bamford Smythe Harry could have argued otherwise, but some memories he didn't want her to recall so instead he attempted to reassure her, "Ruth it'll be fine – as long as you can manage to look grief stricken and whisper a few words I'll do the rest."

As a clear indication of her uncertainty for once there was only gratitude in her voice as she replied, "Thanks Harry. It's just this is so important."

Harry decided this was not the moment to share doubts about Zahra's motives as he updated her, "So far it's been successful. The laundry has been delivered safely and Zahra is putting on a superb act."

Ruth managed a quick smile, which was like sunshine to him, as she almost giggled "I know it's enough to turn your stomach."

Harry twinkling back with, "Agreed and after some of sights I've seen in my career! Now ready for today."

"Yes. Just let me get my handkerchief and…" after a ferret around in her handbag Harry was presented with a water spray and a request, "A quick squirt of this." Harry having obliged the tell tale spray was secreted once more inside Ruth's handbag. Ascending the steps into the foyer with Ruth looking sufficiently woebegone and tearful they made their way to uncle's suite with Harry remarking, "It's a wonder we've not left a path in the carpet," as he prepared to knock on the entrance door.

Admitted once again into the misogynist lair nothing seemed to have changed fundamentally in the last twenty four hours. Uncle was still exuding his authoritarian oiliness, Ali was making puppy eyes at Zahra, lapping up the sympathy that she was radiating in his direction. A performance that Harry would have applauded had it not been for the seed of doubt transmitted by Zoe. On their entrance Ali stood up although it was Zahra who eagerly asked, "You have news and how is Faizan? I hope you passed on our sympathies," pulling Ali back down beside her as she did so.

Ruth, staring with pointed disapproval at Ali responded in a frozen voice, "Faizan did everything that was necessary to fulfil the religious requirements, although he did have to break one protocol. He really felt that it would be improper for him to wash her body for burial and he didn't want a stranger to do it, so despite my being a confirmed Anglican I performed that particular service". A resounding tut of disapproval from uncle's direction filled the silence that had fallen due to Ruth breaking off for a moment to dab her eyes with her handkerchief. Taking a deep breath she continued her narrative. "Fortunately, since Aaisha doesn't… a further pause as she artistically caught up her error, "didn't live in London, Harry was able to smooth the way with the necessary authorities to ensure that she was buried early this morning. I watched from a distance as Faizan performed the necessary prayers with the local Iman….poor Faizan no family to support him and he and Aaisha were so close."

There was another long interlude as Ruth quietly with a sob in her voice reached the heart rending finale, "And then Faizan and I had to depart…leaving with Aaisha, so alive twenty four hours ago, alone in the ground." Ruth choking on these last words again sought refuge in her handkerchief accompanied by copious sniffs, emerging with watering eyes. Harry, catching a whiff of pepper and never one to miss an opportunity, placed a comforting arm around her shoulders, secure in the knowledge that given the situation Ruth would be unable to rebuff him, while he addressed uncle whose grief was signalled by a perfunctory glance at Ruth, and an even longer one at Zahra clutching Ali's hand in what appeared to be a death grip. Harry. his arm still wrapped around Ruth's unprotesting body, her face now buried in his jacket brought proceedings to a close. "As you can see Miss Evershed is under considerable strain, so I'll take her back to her room to recover somewhat and then contact the Foreign Office." Ali also seizing the cue to depart almost shouting, 'She's not the only one to be upset. I need to be alone to pray."

Upstairs in Malcolm's electronic den the performing quartet had been viewed by an invisible audience of Malcolm, Zoe, Adam and Danny, boosted by two quasi kitchen staff aka Aaisha and Faizan, all of whom were grinning at the happy sight of Harry and Ruth fooling uncle, even if two of those present had some private reservations about Zahra.

Once the two spooks had departed Aaisha turned to Malcolm, asking, "Is there any way you can get Zahra and Ali up here without Ruth and Harry? Faizan and I really do need to see them." Malcolm looking perplexed thought for a moment before insisting "It's too risky." Aaisha staring at Malcolm reminded him, "The entire set up is risky but I have good reasons for asking."

Malcolm knew better than to argue with a determined woman, especially when if he continued to refuse he judged it probable that Aaisha would sneak down the corridors to Ali's suite, with even more chance of discovery. At least this way he could monitor the the action and it did present him with an opportunity to try and discern Zahra's motives. Picking up the phone he contacted Ros. "Ros can you find an excuse to detach Zahra from her father and bring her up here with Ali. And without Harry and Ruth knowing."

Ros her curiosity tickled, knowing even from her short sojourn on the Grid it was wise not to demur since that Malcolm only made necessary requests, "I'll produce an excuse to get Zahra, I'll say it's related to the gym enquiry -she needs to talk it through again without anyone to interfere and I'll text Ali to insist he makes his own way to you."

It was about fifteen minutes later before Ros managed to extract Zahra from her protesting father. "I'm sorry Sir but it is necessary as we need to check certain details in the gym and that entire area is closed off to authorised persons. I can't allow anyone to compromise the investigation. I promise I will act as her chaperone and that she will not be out of my sight."

While Ros was fulfilling her mendacious statement by ushering Zahra along the various passageways of the hotel, Ali having been texted by Ros had arrived a few minutes earlier, storming across the room to hug Aaisha. He was still holding onto her when Ros entering the somewhat crowded space shot a laser like glare around the room. "This is very chancy. We only have about half an hour. Zahra's father was not happy to release her and we don't want him wandering around trying to locate her if we don't return asap."

Zahra, meanwhile had made a beeline to greet Aaisha and then Faizan, "Thank Allah you're both here. I was really worried in case you changed your mind and I ended up having to marry Ali."

"Thanks Zahra."

Zahra grinned at the mildly affronted Ali. "Sorry Ali no disrespect. I love you to bits as a cousin but I really want out before I'm forced into a marriage, even with someone as lovely as you."

Faizan shot her a glowing smile. "I'm sure Harry will arrange something – failing that you can always marry me."

Zahra for once looked taken back but before this interesting theme could be developed Malcolm, greatly relieved by what he'd just witnessed, reminded Aaisha, "Everyone is here and as Ros said we don't have much time."

Aaisha nodded. "I have a very simple question, but I've asked you all here because I don't know who might have the answer."

It was Malcolm's experience that so called simple questions rarely had a simple answer, but perhaps years in the service had soured him. His apprehension however was instantly justified as Aaisha, her eyes taking in the flower of Section D demanded,

"So just what the hell is going on between Harry and Ruth?"

Thanks for reading and if you have a few moments a review would be appreciated, Enjoy whatever break you can manage over the Christmas season. Eat , drink and be socially distanced or tomorrow ...you get the rest I'm sure.