‘One more piece of insubordination, Sergeant, and I’ll be getting my red pen out and asking for your pocket book.’
‘Why, what have I done?’
‘It’s what you haven’t done,’ said William. ‘You were on night duty but, when you opened the front door, it was clear I’d woken you, as you were unshaven and yawning.’
Jennings shifted uneasily in his chair.
‘Name and rank?’ repeated William.
‘Sergeant Ray Jennings.’
‘How long have you been a member of the police force, Sergeant?’
‘Six years.’
‘Six years, sir.’
‘Six years, sir.’
‘What is your position?’
‘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 seem much 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 some figures 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.’
‘Where I come from,’ said Ross, ‘that’s called the attic.’
Burrows laughed as he accompanied the Inspector upstairs. ‘I admit your quarters are a little cramped, but you can always join me in the kitchen if you’re at a loose end.’ He opened a door to reveal a room that was larger than any in Ross’s flat. A single bed was tucked away in one corner. ‘In case you arrive back late and have an early appointment the following morning,’ Burrows explained, ‘which isn’t unusual. You’ll soon learn that HRH is more of an owl than a lark.’
Ross nodded as he looked around the room, surprised by how well equipped it was. He picked up a handwritten card on the desk which read simply, Welcome.
‘How do I address you?’ Burrows asked politely.
‘Ross is fine,’ he said, opening a wardrobe to find a dozen coat hangers on the rail.
‘No, I meant Inspector or sir?’
‘I meant Ross.’
‘Thank you, Ross. I’m Paul. But not in front of the Princess. You’ll find a copy of her engagements for the next week on your desk. She’s attending a heart charity lunch at the Dorchester today. The venue’s already been checked by an advance team. That will be one of your responsibilities in the future. But whenever you’re stuck indoors, as she calls it, you can take a break.’ He opened one of the desk drawers and handed over a thick file. ‘Here’s your prep, Ross. I’ll try to answer any questions you might have, but not until you’ve done your homework. Could I just say you’re unusually well-dressed for a policeman?’
‘You can blame my late wife for that,’ said Ross. ‘Jo was French, and didn’t have a high opinion of the Brits’ dress sense, even less about our lack of appreciation of haute cuisine or fine wine, and gave up completely when it came to how to treat a lady.’
‘No wonder the Princess took a liking to you.’
They both laughed. The laughter of two men getting to know each other.
‘You’ll need to keep a couple of changes of clothes to hand,’ continued Burrows. ‘A suit for formal occasions, morning dress for weddings or funerals, and a dinner jacket in the evening. Sometimes you’ll need all three on the same day.’
‘Help,’ said Ross.
‘Fear not. The cupboard may be bare, but I can guide you in the right direction. If you report to Cassidy and Cassidy in Savile Row, Mr Francis Cassidy will kit you out. He also knows where to send the bill.’
‘Will that really be necessary?’ asked Ross. ‘I’ve already got a couple of decent suits and a DJ—’
‘Not appropriate, I’m afraid. Can’t afford to have you looking out of place. You must blend in, so no one gives you a second look. We don’t want it to be too obvious that you’re her protection officer.’
Ross sat down at his new desk and opened a file marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL’.
‘Time for me to collect the breakfast tray and help HRH decide what she should wear for her first outing. She always likes a second opinion. I’ll let her know you’ve arrived.’
‘Is the Prince of Wales up there with her?’
‘You’ll soon learn, Ross, there are some questions you just don’t ask.’
The phone on William’s desk began to ring, and he picked it up to hear a voice bark, ‘Report to my office, immediately.’
William didn’t need to be told who was on the other end of the line. He had a feeling Superintendent Milner’s office wouldn’t be in the basement.