Free Everything to Lose by Gordon Bickerstaff Page A

worthy of the badge.
    Zoe hung back at the end of the briefing to speak privately with Gavin Shawlens.
    "Are you okay? You looked a bit peaky in there."
    "I'm fine just low on glucose."
    "So Dr Shawlens. How did the Lambeth Group get you?"
    Gavin explained that in return for his time and biochemistry expertise the Lambeth Group provide continuous funding for his enzyme technology research group at the University of Kinmalcolm.
    He said that with continuous funding he could avoid the brain-crushing, time-draining need to chase and compete with the herd of top researchers for ever dwindling successions of precious research grant awards. With a half smile he said he rather enjoyed the complete diversion from routine lab work.
    In fact Gavin Shawlens’ recruitment into the Lambeth Group had been well managed once it was discovered that he fitted their basic profile: loner, single, strong research, international expert, single-minded and determined. They tested him with non-controversial analytical work then locked him down with confidentiality agreements and the Official Secrets Act.
    "Tell me about your technician Christine Wilson. What's she like?"
    "Will-sen-ing," he corrected.
    "She's a good technician and close friend."
    "I meant are you two an item?"
    "We often eat together, we go to …"
    "Does she wear short bikini knickers or big baggy knickers?"
    "I don't know. Why?"
    "Just trying to find out if she tucks you in at night."
    "It's not like that. She has a boyfriend, well she did, until I … erm," he said flustered.
    "I'm not judging, just thinking how best to play the part."
    "She's very good at her job. A key member of my team."
    "Just like you then, except you're on my team."
    "Do I call you sir or ma'am or boss?" he asked flippantly.
    "Zoe will do fine."
    She saw a faraway look in his eyes again. She noticed it during the briefing when his attention had wandered and he look spaced out for a few moments. Alan Cairn had briefed her on his recent trauma. She knew she had to tread softly around his feelings. But not too softly she thought.
    "So it wouldn't be out of character for you two to share a flat."
    "No we've done that before when I ran a training course at Durham."
    "Good because you're sharing my flat. Do you want the top bunk or the bottom?" She asked playfully.
    "What," he retorted with a look of shock.
    "Only kidding Shawlens," she reassured and patted his shoulder.
    "I don't like bunk beds."
    "Can you cook?"
    "I don't cook. I do M&S ready-made," he replied.
    "I don't do ready-made. I do QET, quick, easy, tasty."
    "If you say so."
    "What can you do for your domestic share?"
    "E rm ..., I suppose I could try ..."
    "Don't worry Shawlens I'll work something out for you."
    She gave him a big smile. She was warming to him. She was certain he wouldn't cause her any problems.
    "Fine, just tell me what needs to be done."
    "You know Barscadden has fled the country, but we believe the threat level is still high," she said, her voice more serious.
    "Yes Alan Cairn told me I had to be careful in case he sends someone to kill me."
    "I'll make sure no-one tries to kills you. Any time you feel threatened press the alarm icon on your SEM phone. Either I or one of my colleagues will run to your side. Clear?"
    "Yes. I thought you were on board to deal with the backfire."
    "We're not expecting any tough stuff on this backfire. But if Buzzwall does kick off he'll get more than he bargained for believe me. I'm here primarily to cover your backside."
    "Thanks. I already feel safe in your company," he said appreciatively.
    "When you've digested the CASTER report; I would appreciate your view on what went wrong. Quick and dirty version please."
    "Of course."
    "Good lad. I think you and I will get on just fine."
    As they walked along the corridor she concluded that his personnel profile was spot on. She knew what to expect from him, how much she could rely on him, how to manage him and how far she could trust him. She had weak