Page 111 of Traitors Gate

The four of them were turning the corner at the top of the slope, just as the bag snatcher reached the Jewel House. The heavy door inched open and they slipped inside. The door was slammed shut and a key turned in the lock.

The Chief Exhibitor looked up to see someone he recognized heading towards him. They stopped in front of him and handed over the shopping bag.

‘Most irregular,’ said the Chief Exhibitor as he lovingly extracted the Imperial State Crown from the bag. He was lowering it onto its cushion when they all heard a key turning in the lock. ‘Most irregular,’ he repeated just as the Jewel House door swung open.

Mr Thomas marched in followed by the Chief Yeoman and two uninvited guests. The Crown Jeweller strode across to the Governor and even before he could introduce himself said, ‘Why is the crown not locked in its exhibition case?’

‘I gave orders for the case to be removed when I was told you were on your way from the Middle Tower,’ said the Resident Governor calmly. ‘I’m only sorry you were called out at such short notice, especially as I was informed you have a special guest for dinner.’

‘Had,’ said Thomas as he took a loupe out of an inside pocket, polished it with his handkerchief and stepped forward to take a closer look at the crown.

After only a few moments he swung around, stared at the royal correspondent and his photographer and said, ‘Which one of you nincompoops was responsible for me having to leave a member of the Royal Family to come over here on a wild goose chase?’

The photographer took a step back, while the royal correspondent stammered, ‘But we thought—’

‘That’s your problem,’ said Thomas, ‘you didn’t think.’

‘So are you telling me it’s the real crown?’

‘And anyone else who’s willing to listen,’ said Thomas.

‘But did the Queen wear it at the State Opening this morning?’ he pressed as the photographer began to snap away.

‘Yes, unless she’s got another one,’ barked Thomas, notattempting to hide any sarcasm. He turned to the Governor and said, ‘I’m sorry. But I’ll have to leave you in the hope I can get back before HRH departs.’

‘I do apologize,’ said the Governor, ‘if we put you to any inconvenience.’

‘Not your fault, old chap. But forgive me, must dash.’

‘Of course, Mr Thomas. But before you go, may I introduce my wife, Caroline.’

‘Good evening, Lady Faber,’ Thomas said, giving her a slight bow. ‘I certainly hope we’ll meet again when I’m not in so much of a rush,’ he added before leaving them without another word.

It was while Thomas was driving back to Chelsea that he couldn’t help noticing every light was green. Even more puzzling, what was the Governor’s wife doing in the Jewel House at that time of night? And why was she dressed in a black tracksuit, black trainers and holding a Tower of London shopping bag. Could it be possible …?

• • •

‘That was too close for comfort,’ said the Governor once the two disgruntled journalists had reluctantly left the Jewel House without a story.

William stared at the Imperial State Crown as it was placed back in its case by the Chief Exhibitor and couldn’t disagree with the Governor’s assessment.

‘Perhaps you’d care to join my wife and me for a celebration drink back at the lodgings?’ he suggested. ‘I think we’ve both earned it.’

‘Most irregular,’ repeated the Chief Exhibitor as he switched the alarm back on.

‘Thank you,’ said William, ‘but I’ll first need to go and rescue my colleague and tell him the good news.’

‘Why don’t you ask Inspector Hogan to join us?’ said the Governor’s wife. ‘What’s his poison?’

‘Guinness, ma’am,’ said William, stifling a chuckle before he left them to go in search of Ross.

Ross stepped out of the shadows the moment he saw William striding purposefully towards the middle drawbridge. When he suggested they join the Governor and his wife for a drink, all Ross had to say was, ‘It will have to be quick. I’ve got an eight o’clock dinner date with Alice, and she doesn’t like to be kept waiting.’

‘You’re sounding more like a married man every day,’ teased William.

‘I wish,’ said Ross as they headed for the Governor’s residence.

William pulled out a mobile phone from an inside pocket. ‘But first, I’ll have to call the Hawk and bring him up to date.’

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