They sat across the table holding hands as they sipped their wine. The restaurant was crowded, so it was impossible to have a conversation without being overheard by those sitting on the next table. Nevertheless, the couple seemed oblivious to anyone around them.

“We could make it work,” the man, Lucas North, was saying. “You could stay for Christmas Day and then go to your parents on Boxing Day. That way we’d have a day together. And you would have the rest of the holidays to visit your relations. You know I’m on duty from first thing Boxing Day, and as you don’t finish until Christmas Eve, it just doesn’t make sense for me to come with you.”

“I can’t,” the woman, Ros Myers, replied. “I’ve promised Mummy I’d be there for Christmas Day. She’s disappointed as it is that I won’t arrive until late Christmas Eve. I simply can’t ruin Christmas for her.”

“Just think it over, please.”

“I’m sorry; I’ve already decided. But I’ve promised you I’ll get you whatever you want for Christmas, you just need to tell me. So you’ll have something to think of me.”

They both stood up and went to pay. Then Ros departed, calling out, “I’ll see you tomorrow, darling. And don’t forget to let me know what you’d like for Christmas.”

As she left, Lucas muttered to himself, “All I want for Christmas is you.”

He felt a hand slip around his arm and a young woman with a slight Eastern European accent said, “I’m sorry she’s so hard on you. I know a bar where we could have a quiet drink together, no strings, but it might cheer you up a little. A handsome man like you shouldn’t be sad at this time of year.”

Lucas turned and gave a half smile. “You know, that’s not a bad suggestion.” He let her lead him to the bar, which was indeed quiet and, unlike the restaurant, they were able to talk without being overheard by the other patrons of the bar.

After about an hour, Lucas stood up and said, “I must be off now. I look forward to hearing from you again in the near future.”

He walked outside and was not surprised when two black cars drew up by the main door. He got into the back of the first car. As it drew away, he saw three operatives leave the second car and enter the bar.

Ros, who was driving the car, said, “That went even better than we’d hoped. Harry is delighted at his Christmas present. The wire you were wearing worked perfectly.”

Adam Carter, the front seat passenger, said, “Your young lady revealed considerably more than she realised, and confirmed a few things we weren’t sure about. Harry’s authorised a sweep to pick up a number of their agents tonight, before they get the wind up and make a run for it. Is there anything you’d like to add?”

Lucas laughed. “Only that I may have misled her slightly, because all I want for Christmas is you!”