Closing up

Minutes later, two heavily-built "recruits" arrived: Brother Lawson and Brother Hall, apparently, though Armstrong had no idea who they were.

They headed towards the back of the building, where Hewson started telling them what to unplug from where and how to pack up the equipment in its flight cases.

"Right, now we're all here, I can get those bloody doors closed at last," said Armstrong, slightly petulantly. These new lads were just adding to his sense of indignation, and of being out of the loop.

"Come now, Brother Armstrong," said the Major. "We have nothing to hide, do we? Or at least, we soon won't. Doing things openly is the best way to avoid suspicion."

"Or the best way to show the neighbours what you're up to," replied Phil. "Anyway, it's my building, and I say when the doors are closed. Got it? Brother?"

The Major made a "calm down" gesture, and turned away. Going outside, Phil closed the doors with a satisfying shove and a clang - just before a voice behind him said. "Mr Armstrong, isn't it?"



Part Two begins here.