Lucas North took out his phone and pretended to be reading something on the screen. He wasn’t, but no-one would give a second look to a man in a suit stopping to check a message before glancing at his watch. In reality, Lucas had chosen that particular road junction deliberately, as it gave him an excellent view down two separate streets.

At first, he couldn’t see anyone he was looking for, and then he spotted a woman walking down one of the streets, occasionally slowing to look in a shop window before speeding up again. Casually, Lucas held his phone to his ear and said, “She’s on her way.”

Ros’ voice came over calmly, saying, “He’s just left the tube station. Harry says to maintain visual contact as long as you can without drawing attention to yourself.”

“No problem.”

The woman passed him, but saw nothing more than an irate business man stabbing angrily at his phone. She was unaware this was, in fact, Lucas doing a crossword with a bit more show than was necessary.

Once he was sure she was well passed, Lucas looked up to check she had turned down the street towards the tube station. Her pace had quickened. Less concerned now about being seen, Lucas watched intently and to his satisfaction, saw her slow down as she passed the man, and he thought he could make out her drop something into his jacket pocket. He definitely saw the man nod, before both continued to walk.

Again, Lucas pressed a button on his phone and said, “Transfer has been made.”

There was a short interval, during which he presumed Ros was giving the go ahead for the next phase. Then she said, “Excellent! Both are about to be picked up. I’ll see you back at the Grid.”

Once back, Lucas was whistling as he walked onto the Grid.

Harry looked across at him and said, “Yes, you should be pleased; it went very well. But, what are you whistling?”

Lucas grinned, “Standing on the corner, watching all the crooks go by.”

“I thought it was – oh never mind, just so long as you’re happy.”

Lucas’ grin broadened.