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unfortunate.'

'I don't respond well to threats either, Mr Wall, particularly from civilians. Now, we are going to find out exactly what's going on down at the lab.'

'I really don't think it requires both of us, Major.' Lazonby pulled the gun from his holster. 'I think it does, Mr Wall. After all, we are meant to be partners.' The smile faded from Wall's face as he looked at the gun. He stood, brushing down his black coat, and crossed to the door.

Outside the laboratory doors, several of the policemen were using a heavy wooden bench as a battering ram. Huge metal shutters sealed the lab off from the rest of the factory.

The policemen were making a lot of noise, but very little impression on the big shutters. Mullen waved at them to stop.

Where the hell had the Doctor got to? No doubt he could get them open in seconds. He looked around for him, just in time to see the Doctor appear from the end of the corridor, that peculiar collection of technology still hung over one shoulder.

'You don't seem to be having much luck, Inspector.'

Mullen grunted. 'Perhaps if you were to lend a hand, Doctor.'

The Doctor frowned.

'Where's McBride got to?' Mullen asked.

'He's gone to find something for me.'

The Doctor put the ghetto blaster on the floor and crossed to the shutter doors. 'Hmm. This is going to take more than a hairpin for us to get in.' He rummaged in the pockets of his jacket. 'Now, somewhere around here I should have ' A shot rang out in the corridor. Plaster exploded from the ceiling, and policemen scattered for cover. Mullen reached for his Webley.

'I really wouldn't do that, Inspector.' Mullen raised his hands slowly. 'Lazonby.' The young major came slowly down the stairs. Another man scuffled in the shadows behind him.

Mullen stared at the little figure. It could only be Wall. He fitted perfectly the description that Peddler's secretary had given. Lazonby kept his back against the wall, covering the group. His eyes darted back and forth between Mullen and the Doctor. 'Well,now, Chief Inspector, breaking and entering, and conspiring with a known spy. I didn't realise that the police force had become quite so corrupt.' 'Or the military,'

Mullen snarled. He pointed at Wall. 'This man is wanted for murder.' Lazonby smiled. 'Mr Wall is helping us with the war effort.' Wall looked over at the dents in the shutter door. He seemed panicked. 'They've been trying to get into the lab.

Shoot them, Lazonby. Shoot them all.' 'What a fabulous solution.' The lights suddenly snapped on, momentarily blinding everyone.

The Doctor stepped in front of the shutters blocking the lab, like an actor stepping on to the stage.

'Why don't you shoot us all, Major. A bullet right between the eyes. Very neat. Very ordered. A very military solution to the problem.'

All eyes were on him.

Lazonby's gun wavered between the little Time Lord and Mullen.

The Doctor fixed him with a piercing stare. 'Earlier today, I asked you if you had any comprehension of the evil you were dealing with. Now I'm going to show you.'

He reached into his pocket. Mullen held his breath as Lazonby's gun swung round to centre firmly on the Doctor.

He could see the major's knuckles going white as his finger tightened on the trigger. With unnatural calm, the Doctor pulled Ace's cassette tape from inside his jacket. He bent down and slipped it into the slot in the front of the ghetto blaster. Lazonby's gun followed every movement. The Doctor pressed 'play' and straightened, clutching his lapels. The voices of the German and Ace boomed out in the silence.

'What is the function of this machine?'

'You're the master race. You tell me.'

'I will ask you only once more.'

First tell me what you did with Mr Limb.'

There was a sharp, coughing laugh; tinny over the speakers. The Doctor crossed his fingers. If anything was going to tip the balance, then the next few seconds were vital. The German's voice filled the corridor again.

Mr Limb? My dear young girl, your friend Limb is a traitor.