Alex Farrington heard what Susan Milligan was saying but he was finding it hard to take it in. Sean Tanner was dead.

    “He passed away last night,” she said

    “What happened?” Alex asked.

    “It was an avalanche. His airbag failed to inflate. His support team found him but there wasn’t anything they could do. They couldn’t revive him.

    Alex sat down on the nearest bench. Susan sat beside him. “I’m so sorry Alex, I know you were close.”

    “As you know, we trained together before we went our separate ways. I just wish I’d seen more of him recently.”

    Susan took Alex’s hand. “I’ll let you know about the funeral arrangements.”

    “Yes, of course. You know, I really must get back to The Hub, they’ll be expecting me.”

    Susan got up and hugged Alex. “Keep in touch, drop into HQ sometime.”

    Alex cleared his throat. “Yes, I will.”

    Susan watched as Alex made his way through the crowds.

    When Alex got back to The Hub there was a letter on his desk. He opened it and realised it was from Sean Tanner’s commander, Sarah Serking. He quickly read it and realised she was offering him a job. Alex knew the letter couldn’t have arrived through the post. She must have sent it via a dispatch rider. Was she trying to replace her top operative? If so, it was pretty insensitive to contact him so soon……….