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would have to ascertain just how goad these men are, and how trustworthy; and they would have to recognise implicitly our authority over them.'
    'Naturally,' agreed Quinn- Reece. 'Your company would have complete control.'
    'That's fine then,' said Snaith. At least, he thought it was fine.
    'Buchanan cleared his throat. 'There is yet another factor, Gerald,' he said.
    The tone of his voice hinted that Snaith and his colleagues were not going to like this one.
    'I've already explained to Mr Quinn-Reece and his chairman that it's Achilles' Shield's practice to have at least three operatives in direct contact with the target, so ensuring a too friendly relationship never develops between protector and protected.'
    'It's our way of making certain,' Snaith told Quinn-Reece, 'that if our precautions fail and our client is abducted then negotiations between the kidnappers and our man won't be hindered by personal involvement.'
    'I can appreciate that,' the deputy chairman responded.
    'Unfortunately,' Buchanan went on, 'the Magma Corporation will allow only one of your men to cover the target on a close basis.'
    'Good Lord,' said Mather, while Stuhr muttered under his breath, 'Verflucht!'
    'That's impossible,' Snaith quickly asserted.
    'Please understand that the condition only applies to internal security,' said Quinn-Reece anxiously. 'Whatever outside arrangements you care to make are entirely up to you. You see, we're dealing with a matter of utmost secrecy here - the nature of our man's role within the Corporation - and the less people who know of it the better as far as Magma is concerned.'
    'I can assure you of absolute confidentiality,' Snaith insisted.
    'I've no doubts on that score. But this person is one of the prime reasons for the Corporation's success throughout the world. Our secret weapon if you like. We have no wish for that secret nor even the fact that we have a secret - to be exposed beyond key executives within the organisation itself. If you are to take on this job, your man must be governed by that same secrecy.'
    'You mean even we in this room are to be excluded from this knowledge?' a surprised Stuhr asked.
    'That is the case.'
    'It's highly irregular,' huffed the German.
    Quinn-Reece was no longer ill at ease. He actually enjoyed laying down this last condition, because it reminded him of his position and how strong was his Corporation: imposing Magma terms was part of normal business negotiations and home-ground to him. He began to feel less intimidated by these three Shield people, more bullish. Besides, he was a shrewd judge of atmosphere and knew they were already hooked. Perhaps the talk of secrecy' was close to their own clandestine hearts. And obviously, the financial inducement was irresistible, for Achilles' Shield fees would be in direct ratio to the premium paid.
    'Irregular.' he admitted, 'but as far as the Chairman and myself are concerned, fundamental.'
    A silence followed in which the Controller, Planner, and Organiser considered the implications of such a condition.
    'For what period of time is the insurance cover?' Mather finally enquired.
    'No more than a few weeks at the most,' Buchanan promptly answered.
    'Reason?' asked Snaith.
    Buchanan turned to Quinn-Reece, who replied: 'Our man feels there will be no risk after that.'
    'He's somewhat remarkable,' said Snaith.
    'Yes, that's quite true. Are you interested in the assignment, gentlemen?' Quinn-Reece searched each face.
    'You'd be making our task very difficult,' Snaith told him. 'But yes, it sounds like an interesting job. Finding the right operative might be tricky, though-our people are used to working as a team.'
    'Oh no,' said Mather mildly. 'I don't think there's any problem at all in that respect, Gerald. I think we have exactly the right chap, don't you?'
    Snaith stared blankly at his Planner for a moment. Then understanding dawned in his eyes. He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, the other man nodded his head.
    'Yes,'