In his room at Mrs. Virginia Campbell's bed and breakfast, Professor Mortimer contemplates the strange situation he has found himself in by running after his friend Blake.

On one hand, he is relieved and reassured: as he supposed the captain did not, indeed, betray his country. Moreover, his intuition was correct: Blake's mention of his "cousin" was a clue to follow.

On the other hand, the situation worries him. Blake is playing a very big game here, and while it pleases Mortimer to know that he is the only person his friend can completely trust, how can it be that he – of all people – is the key to the success of Blake's mission; indeed, the key to the survival of MI5! Despite being embroiled in a number of investigations in the past, Mortimer has no espionage training, no political power, and is in civilian condition. They were a good team during the war, but Mortimer is not twenty anymore! Or even thirty! And certainly does not have the same training as the captain or members of his team.

And then that Mrs. Campbell - Virginia - who is not, in fact, Blake's cousin. What connection could she have with him outside this counter-spying role? Mortimer is a bit jealous, "Don't we have a mutual friend? " she had said. If they are both his friends, how come Blake had never spoken of her to him? Francis will have a lot to answer for the next time they meet.

Anyway, the first thing to do is find Francis Blake, and, for want of anything else to do, take some rest.


Two days later, after almost a full day on the road being transported like a package, Mortimer is a bit lost when he arrives at the Cromlech meeting point. The previous day had started badly: he had learned that Blake's only alibi was in danger of disappearing. Kendall had tracked down Mortimer, and he had been busted like an amateur. But Virginia had saved the day and everything had turned out for the best. With his pipe and the hope of finding Blake at the end of the road, what more did he need?

After almost twenty-four hours the professor is not so sure that's enough. It had reassured him to see that his old friend had so much support and such a strong network, but he still has not found Francis and he begins to feel it has been too long.

Wait and hope? But for how much longer? When he realizes that his watch has stopped, Philip Mortimer turns to the only human figure for kilometers around to ask him for the time.

"It is exactly 10:30, Professor Mortimer. "

A thrill and an impulse of pure joy run through the professor when he hears the warm voice of his friend. They are alone in the middle of nowhere; Francis was the last person he had expected to find here in this getup. And at that moment, he has a shocking revelation. He loves his friend. Completely. Against all odds. Irrationally.

It takes him a few seconds to get over the shock of this revelation. "Francis? Is that you?" Mortimer stammers the question although in his heart he has no doubt.

With a great inner effort, he manages to control himself. Later. Later. They must first get Francis Blake out of this mess. What a strange idea to get himself into such trouble!