Ten seconds after Hardy had switched his alarm clock off, his mobile buzzed into life. He swung his legs out of bed and sat up before answering.
“Hardy,” he said, mid-yawn.
“Sorry guv, I thought you would be awake by now.” It was Russell on the other end.
“I was, just,” replied Hardy, sleepily. “What’s going on?”
“Well,” began Russell, “the good news is that we’ve found Natasha Spencer alive.”
Hardy stood up too quickly and he felt the room starting to spin, so he slumped back down on his bed. “She’s alive!” he exclaimed, in shock and surprise. Even though he had not let on to anyone, he was already convinced that when they found Natasha—if they ever did—she would almost certainly be dead.
Before Hardy had a chance to say anything else, Russell continued.
“That’s the good news guv;
