Liz could see Fane wince. Air support was the last thing either of them envisaged. If it were called in, there was no question that the pirates would be blown out of the water. But there was also a strong likelihood that the Aristides and Dave Armstrong and any British Pakistanis who might be on board would be bombed to smithereens as well.

Fane said, ‘I don’t think firepower is going to be an issue. Something a little more subtle is required.’

Bokus bristled. ‘Are you saying we can’t do subtle?’

‘Not at all, Andy,’ Fane said soothingly. ‘But I think we’re best placed to handle the policing aspect of this.’

The atmosphere between them, never easy, had turned tense. Liz watched as the argument progressed, Bokus emphasising the sheer might of American forces, Fane the need for stealth and surprise, which would be helped by having an agent on board. When Bokus returned to the possibility of air strikes – ‘That way we can keep their colleagues on shore from coming out to help. Do we know where they’re based anyway?’ – Liz reached for her briefcase. She took out a stack of photographs and passed them around. ‘These are satellite pictures of the camp.’

‘Pretty big site,’ said Bokus as he looked at them.

‘The compound in the middle belongs to the pirates. We think the tents at the bottom are their Middle Eastern visitors.’

‘Al Qaeda,’ Fane declared.

‘Or Al Shebab,’ said Bokus.

‘Same thing to all intents and purposes,’ snapped Fane.

Martin, who had been quietly watching this Battle of the Titans, winked at Liz.

Then Bokus said, ‘An F-16 could keep these guys pinned down easy.’

‘There are almost certainly hostages in the camp,’ Liz said firmly. ‘Attractive as an air strike may sound, think of the repercussions if you kill the captain of an oil tanker being held to ransom.’

‘Shit happens,’ Bokus said with a shrug, and turned to resume his argument with Fane. We’re getting nowhere, thought Liz, her mind busily reviewing options to resolve the stalemate.

Then Martin Seurat broke in, so quietly at first that it took Fane and Bokus, in mid-argument, a minute to realise he was speaking. ‘Gentlemen, it seems to me each of your positions is reasonable. But also completely incompatible. I have an alternative to propose.’

Bokus and Fane stopped talking and both turned to look suspiciously at him as he continued. ‘You will remember that the last time pirates attempted to seize the Aristides, they were foiled by the French Navy. It so happens that the corvette responsible is currently patrolling the same waters. I would propose that this be the vessel that should intervene if there is a new attempt – we are talking days from now, and the ship is already in place.’

‘So you’re saying the French should run the show?’ said Bokus irritably.

‘Not at all. I am merely pointing out that we have the advantage of knowing the Aristides, and that we are already in position.’ Before Bokus could protest, he went on, ‘I suggest the British be responsible in the event – unlikely, we hope – that it’s necessary to put a force down on land. I am sure our own commandos could do the job, but I am happy to defer to the expertise of your special forces, Geoffrey and Liz.’

That should satisfy Fane, thought Liz, as she quietly assessed Martin’s diplomacy, but it still left Bokus to be appeased. Martin now turned to the American. ‘Monsieur, I accept your argument that airpower might be useful. But in this situation, where it will be very difficult to distinguish between the innocent and the enemy, I think helicopters would be the most advantageous. If you can have a ship within ten miles or so of the coast, they could put in reinforcements as needed to either the Aristides or the pirates’ camp. They would have adequate firepower if there is resistance, but also have the ability to be – how should I say? – discriminating in who they attack. And, most important, they could transport people out if needed – casualties, freed hostages or prisoners.’

It was a good argument, Liz thought, and to his credit Bokus seemed to see that. Moreover, if Bokus couldn’t win the argument with Fane, Seurat’s solution also meant he wouldn’t entirely lose. He conceded, ‘It makes sense.’

‘Yes, it does,’ said Liz.

Fane didn’t say anything. He looked unhappy, though Liz sensed this was not because he had any objection to the plan itself, but because the compromise came from Seurat. Eventually Fane gave a grudging nod. Then, reasserting his position as chairman of the meeting, he said, ‘Well, if that’s agreed then we’d better decide how to co-ordinate all the planning.’

Well done, Martin, thought Liz, as they exchanged glances.

Chapter 45