Thanks to those who reviewed the last chapter. After the excitements of the night we return to the Grid

May 4 2002 9.00am: Early reports from the bugging operation have yielded nothing of significance beyond the information that Mary Kane is apparently planning to leave the Wirral to work with a group in Dundee. Surveillance teams are on red alert to follow Mary and her contacts.

Danny Hunter having analysed the transcribed conversations has expressed the opinion that Mary is aware that we may be tracking her, hence the lack of specifics. The generalised breakfast table exchange of views has however confirmed that another strike is planned and that her already identified co-conspirators are aware of these future schemes.

The dustbin check on discarded debris has uncovered the remains of a positive pregnancy test. No comment.

So morning has broken offering little to move us forward, combined with the discovery that our principal lead about to head off to pastures new. Clearly she thinks she's squeezed all she can out of our Steven Barfield, both in respect of his cranberry juice and more intimate fluids. Still why Dundee? The Scots already have the fabled Nessie lurking within their borders so I don't think they exactly stand in crying need another resident monster, especially since Ms Kane wouldn't exactly cut it as a tourist attraction.

Just to add to the joys of the dawn Christine Dale popped in for a chat with Tessa. I'm certain her only motive was a very genuine attempt to liaise with Tessa on a joint operation that I reluctantly approved a couple of weeks ago - a partnership that I'm equally certain just happens to be linked in with a black operation neither would own up to – the shafting of yours truly.

I celebrated these heart warming events by taking Tom up to the roof for a spot of fresh air where, away from the risk of being either overheard or bugged, I broke the news to him about the forthcoming extradition request. I can't be seen to oppose it, although that constraint won't stop me trying. At the risk of sounding immodest when it comes to being under handed I could run a master class, assuming I was either stupid enough, or vain enough to reveal my methods. Unlike some I've absorbed the spying manual from cover to cover, particularly the section on the various ways of remaining covert. At least my motives are pure, Regnum Defende and all that, even if my methods aren't. In the context of today I knew how Tom would react – furious – but having trained him I also know he'll be instantly scheming to circumvent the Cousins and their urgent demands. For a country that never possessed an empire our Transatlantic allies certainly have Imperial demands.

Tom's mood was not improved by my suggesting that he chatted up Christine Dale in an effort to get, if not an ultimate stay of execution, at least a stay of extradition. Not something I'd have hinted him towards if he wasn't safely enmeshed in the arms of Ellie Simm. Inter agency liaisons and the complications thereof I can do without, but it's obvious Ms Dale fancies him, so why not use that for our advantage? As long as she's the one to get her fingers burned and not Tom.

9.30am Confirmation that the Home Office has agreed to fast track Mary Kane's extradition. Timetable immediate. She is to be arrested and detained by Special Branch prior to a formal and speedy handover.

Thank goodness I'd prewarned Tom. He was already in circumvent mode. As he said, it's not over until she's on the bloody plane. At present Mary is being tracked by Zoe and various personnel from the Liverpool office, no plods involved so the subtext, that I won't know about, is that we grab her and then go dark.

I was army, Nelson was navy, but the Senior Service's most famous pinup boy was also the greatest exponent of what those of us in a position of authority refer to, in modern parlance, as a transferable skill, namely the art of turning a blind eye.

England Excepts That Every Man Will Do His Duty - and stuff the Americans.

Thanks for reading - if you have a moment a review would be appreciated.