‘Ah, Mr Mann, Mr Sokolov, how did the errand proceed today?’
‘Very well, Mr Jones. I ’ad a nice talk with Mr Perrin and I managed to persuade ’im to tell me all about that automatic messaging system of ’is. And we are now able to reassure you that the warning which was received is all there is to worry about for the moment.’
‘Are you telling me that no incriminating data will automatically be dispatched to the National Crime Agency?’
‘Yes, Mr Jones. ’owever, I did gather that to guarantee ’is own safety, Mr Perrin ’as indeed accumulated a great deal of information concerning various bodies, including the Organisation, which is ’id away where no one will find it. And, if we leave ’im alone then no one will ever see it.’
Thaddeus Jones clasped his hands together. ‘Was there any indication as to what form this data takes? I presume it would be held on some kind of digital storage device. A hard drive? A USB flash? Something of the kind?’
‘Well, sir, Mr Sokolov believes it might be in the air, on account of us ’aving thoroughly searched all Mr Perrin’s properties and found nothing.’
‘You mean in the cloud?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘What else did Perrin tell you?’
‘Not very much, sir. On account of ’is being taken poorly during my visit.’
Thaddeus Jones wandered over to his window to observe the Westminster skyline. ‘Mr Mann, whatever assurances Mr Perrin offers, we cannot allow this data’s continued existence. It needs to be acquired and destroyed. Do whatever it takes.’