I had to admit that Latimer’s contribution of both men and technology had made a massive difference. The two men he’d sent over – Sean and Simon – were fit, muscular and definitely up for a fight, and we were all fitted out with tiny earpieces and microphones so we could keep in touch with each other. Latimer had gone to get changed, ready for the party. He’d told us that he would see us there and that Aaron would be with him. ‘I’d rather he wasn’t, but I just rang him to tell him he should stay at home and he’s insisting that if he doesn’t come along it will look suspicious,’ Latimer had confided in me shortly before leaving the safe house. ‘I don’t want Aaron anywhere near a bomb, but he wants to help. And he’ll be useful – he can keep a look out for you while I’m busy.’ ‘If you’re sure,’ I’d said, privately hoping Aaron wasn’t going to get in our way. And then the Mayor had paused and said something extraordinary.
