Page 22 of Next in Line

‘I’m the third protection officer on the Prince of Wales’s personal team, sir.’

‘Who are the other two officers on that team?’ asked William, making notes.

‘Superintendent Milner, who’s head of Royalty Protection Command’ – he stressed the word head – ‘and Inspector Reynolds, his number two.’

‘When can I expect either of them to make an appearance?’

‘Inspector Reynolds usually comes in around ten on a Tuesday morning.’

‘Around ten?’

‘If he’s been working over the weekend and HRH doesn’t have any engagements before midday, there doesn’t seemmuch point in coming in any earlier. In any case, he lives in the country.’

‘And Superintendent Milner?’

‘You can never be sure if he’ll be at Buck House or Windsor Castle, but I’ll let him know you’re here the moment he arrives.’

‘And you?’

‘I’m on nights this week,’ said Jennings, stifling another yawn. ‘I was just about to go home.’

‘Before you leave, I’d like a copy of your day sheet, and the name of the officer who signs you off. If I ever see you incorrectly dressed and unshaven again, Sergeant, you’ll be back on the beat with the rank of Constable.’ Jennings immediately sat bolt upright, the surly look disappearing from his face. ‘You can go off duty now, Sergeant.’

Jennings rose, picked up the chair and headed for the door.

‘You can leave the chair, Jennings.’

•••

Jackie and Paul had met up outside Windsor station earlier that morning, and joined a small group of commuters, none of whom was heading for the castle. Paul was unusually silent, displaying a slight nervousness both of them felt. They arrived outside the castle gates a few minutes before eight to be challenged by a guardsman who clearly wasn’t expecting them.

When Jackie produced her warrant card, he reluctantly opened the gates and let them both in. They made their way across to the protection officers’ quarters, which Jackie had identified on one of her tourist outings.

Jackie walked straight into the main office to find a smartly dressed young woman seated at a desk poring over somefigures in a ledger. She looked even more surprised to see them than the guardsman.

‘Can I help you?’ she asked.

Once again Jackie produced her warrant card, pleased to find they were not expected.

‘I’m Constable Smart,’ the young woman said, immediately standing up, but clearly still unsure what they were both doing there.

‘Are you the only officer on duty this morning, Constable?’ Jackie asked.

‘Yes,’ she replied defensively. ‘The others don’t usually turn up much before lunch on a Tuesday unless one of the royals has an early appointment,’ she added, trying to cover her indiscretion.

Jackie couldn’t miss the hint of disapproval in her voice, and wondered if Constable Smart might, given time, turn out to be a useful ally.

‘Can I get you a coffee, Sergeant?’ the Constable asked politely.

‘Thank you,’ said Jackie as she sat down beside her and turned her back on Paul.

Paul took the hint and went off in search of an office they might occupy, only to end up finding a spare desk and a broom cupboard. However, when he returned, he was pleased to find Jackie enjoying a second cup of coffee with Constable Smart.

•••

DI Hogan rang the front doorbell at ten minutes to eight. It was opened a few moments later by someone who was clean-shaven, smartly dressed and clearly expecting him.

‘Welcome to Kensington Palace, Inspector,’ said the butler.‘Please come in. The Princess is having breakfast in her room. I don’t expect to see her much before nine, so why don’t I show you around while we’ve got the chance? Let’s start with your living quarters, which are on the top floor.’

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