‘What do you mean, he’s lost it?’
Thaddeus Jones chose his words advisedly. ‘Our operatives approached Mr Perrin to discuss surrendering the data in exchange for assistance in relocation and he seemed willing to accept the offer…’
‘Is the man a fool?’
‘…but when the operatives returned to collect, he informed them that, following their visit, he had attempted to retrieve the relevant data device and found that it was no longer where he had concealed it. At this point, Mr Perrin undertook a thorough search of the property and was able to find no trace. He has since repeated his assurances that without the key data, all other data would remain useless. He suggested that there was a slight possibility that his ex-mistress, Ms Sophie Denham, who, in fact, owns the property, had discovered the data device and had re-hidden it or taken it with her, quite possibly unaware of its significance.’
‘And do we know this Ms Denham’s whereabouts?’
‘Mr Perrin is attempting to determine her new address, Sir Hugh. He does, however, know which nursery her daughter is attending.’
‘Well, arrange something, Jones.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘And, Jones, in the meantime, I gather that the sponsors of the most advanced double surrogacy have taken up residence in the Belgrave apartment. I do not want any complications. Have all parties been informed? Are the emergency protocols in place?’
‘Yes sir, the infants will be delivered on Christmas Day as requested. The Winchester team are on standby.’
‘Excellent. I’ll inform the Organisation.’