That evening, on the outskirts of Langley City, at Simon's home.
The curtains were tightly closed, with only a desk lamp casting a dim halo on the desk.
Simon was alone, repeatedly checking that the anti-surveillance equipment was working properly, before using the highest-level encrypted satellite phone to dial that number he only kept in his mind.
The phone rang for a long time before being answered.
In the background, there seemed to be the sound of helicopter rotor blades fading into the distance, just disappearing.
"Why are you calling me?"
Song Heping's distinctive voice came through, as concise as ever.
"Listen, there's not much time."
Simon spoke very quickly, his voice pressed so low it was almost a whisper.
"Today I held a high-level meeting specifically to discuss your situation. During the meeting... they approved an assassination plan against you. Led by the Operations Department, their proposed scheme is... poison."
