“Tell them now.”
Joe tapped into his phone.
“I’d like us to be friends,” Alistair said. “Would you consider still writing that book with me?”
Kaden glanced at Joe and raised his eyebrows. He hadn’t expected that from Alistair. Joe shrugged, which wasn’t much help.
“You’re hesitating. I can understand that, but you’re a talented writer, Kaden. I think we could do well together. Elsie misses you. I miss you too. And Joe.”
Kaden took a deep breath. “You threatened Joe’s security. If we hadn’t managed to get that device in place, where would Joe be now?”
“I wouldn’t have arranged for him to be sent back to Afghanistan—if that is indeed his home country. I did threaten, but I wouldn’t have gone through with it. One word to the press from you and things would have tumbled down. I wouldn’t have taken that risk.”
“We signed the Official Secrets Act,” Kaden said.
“You did. But you’re resourceful. So will you come and see me again?”
YesJoe mouthed.
“We’ll come,” Kaden said. “But I’m not promising anything.”
“I understand. This time tomorrow? Around ten?”
“Fine.”
“Thank you. And thank you again for a job well done. Bring the camera and the burner.”
Kaden ended the call. “He still doesn’t believe us about Afghanistan.”
“I think he’s not certain, that’s the difference. He can’t prove I’m not from there. I can’t prove I am. But if I’m given the right to remain, it doesn’t matter.”
Kaden nodded. “You sent the address to the immigration service?”
“Yes.”
“So Alistair will know too.”
Joe nodded.
Kaden shrugged. “We wouldn’t have been able to stay off the radar for long.”
“At least Blakewasa bad guy.” Joe slid his hand over Kaden’s and threaded their fingers together. “Will he get Coco Pops in prison?”
Kaden laughed. “Probably not.”
“Let’s go out. Do something to celebrate. Show me something in London.”
“I’ve got a better idea than that.”
“That too.” Joe beamed.
“Apart from that.”
But they started with that. They always started with that.
The ninety minutes it took to get there was worth it to see the look on Joe’s face as they stood in front of the venue.
“The Snow Centre?” Joe turned to him, eyes wide. “They sell snow?”
