3:59 p.m. Passion Ministry

Brendan led Oscar to the noisy cafeteria, packed with Passionates. He figured it would take Oscar at least half an hour to check everyone.

A couple of minutes later, Brendan slipped away. It was time to run. Within seconds he had made the phone call to a number, monitored 24/7/365. Five spoken words: Fox needs a new den. His rescue plan was launched. Forty-five minutes to escape the compound and get to the pick-up site.

He wondered briefly what his next identity would be, secure in the knowledge that the balance in his Swiss bank account would double, and that he would remain in the music industry.

He started packing.