Page 120 of She Saw What He Did

‘Olga Lewinsky,’ said Abby, her heart racing.

‘I’ve got you,’ said the officer with a smile. ‘I’ll need your pass.’

Abby nodded and handed it over. He scanned it into a machine by the gate. It bleeped, and Abby felt herself hold her breath. He glanced at the paperwork she handed him and then nodded to her bag.

‘I’ll need that,’ he said.

Abby handed it over and tried to appear casual as he searched through it. If he asked about the box, she’d tell him it’s a toy for her daughter. It wouldn’t be a complete lie.

‘Thanks,’ he said, handing it back.

He’s looking for bombs not boxes, thought Abby, but she was sweating nevertheless. The other officer barely looked at her.

‘Ok, go on up,’ he said. ‘There’ll be further security as you go.’

‘Thanks,’ Abby said lightly, and began walking.

The second check was easier. They barely glanced at the pass. Another quick search of her bag and she was on her way again. Finally she was at the house where they gave her a body search.

‘Pretty box,’ said the officer.

Abby felt herself sweat again. ‘It’s for my daughter, to make up for working so late.’

‘Sweet,’ he said, putting it back into her bag.

She’s waved through and finally she’s in the kitchen of Asquith Hall.

‘Hi, I’m here to serve at the dinner,’ she said.

The place was in chaos. No one seemed to have heard her. There was clattering of china and waves of heat hit her as oven doors were opened and closed. People were shouting instructions, but Abby was not sure who to. The kitchen was huge. She asked someone where the loo was. She needed to check the map.

‘Hang your bag and stuff through there,’ a woman said, pointing.

Abby looked at the clock on the wall. She had forty minutes. Forty minutes before the box released its poison.

*

Herman downed another glass of champagne and cracked his knuckles. He was on edge. He needed to pull himself together before someone noticed.

‘This was a good idea of yours, Home Secretary,’ said a voice behind him.

He turned to Lucinda Preston.

‘Ah, Lucinda, you’re looking lovely.’

‘Thank you. I have plenty of help,’ she smiled.

Herman glanced at Preston who was laughing with the Ukrainian President.

‘I think it will be a productive dinner,’ he said.

Lucinda looked over at her husband.

‘It’s an important evening for him, and the summit tomorrow, even more so.’

‘Indeed,’ said Herman, taking another glass of champagne.

Lucinda shook her head when he offered her a glass.

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