‘You think so?’
‘Of course. They won’t just leave you stranded here. Listen, why don’t I go and call in now?’
‘Okay. And can you ask whoever you speak to to get Art to ring me? There was no time to discuss anything this morning.’
‘If you want to come downstairs, I’ve shut all the curtains. Nobody will see you.’
Zoe shook her head. ‘Not just yet, thanks. I’ll calm down a little first.’
‘Then I’ll bring you some tea. Milky, no sugar, isn’t it?’
‘Yes.’ There was a glimmer of a smile on her lips. ‘Thanks, Simon.’
He went downstairs to the kitchen, switched on the kettle, and felt like the shit he was for comforting a woman who had almost certainly been shopped by a mole – listening in to bugshe’dplaced – from his own organisation. An organisation that was meant to uphold not only the security of Great Britain, but also to protect those who needed it. He called in to the palace security office. ‘It’s Warburton. I’m at Welbeck Street and the place is besieged. What is the directive?’
‘At present, none. Stay where you are.’
‘Really? Understandably, Miss Harrison’s very distressed. Is there a more secure address being arranged for her?’
‘Not that I know of.’
‘It might be better if she was at the palace.’
‘That’s not possible.’
‘I see. What about her son? She’s obviously very concerned about the effect this will have on him. He’s at boarding school in Berkshire.’
‘Then she’d better talk to the headmaster, see what he can arrange in terms of extra security. Is that all?’
Simon took a breath, trying to control his anger. ‘Yes, thanks.’ He then made a call to Jamie’s school, and mounted the stairs with two mugs of tea and a plate of biscuits.
‘Did you speak to them?’ she asked, her eyes hopeful.
‘Yes.’ Simon handed Zoe a mug, then knelt down next to her. ‘Jammie Dodger?’
‘Thanks. What did they say?’
‘That we’re to hold tight here. They’re arranging something at the moment. Oh, and the Prince sends his love,’ he lied. ‘He’ll call you later.’
Zoe’s face lit up with relief. ‘And Jamie?’
‘I’ve spoken to the headmaster and they’re aware of the situation. The media isn’t down there yet, but they’ll take extra precautions as necessary. The headmaster said Jamie’s fine. Apparently, they don’t have that “rag”, as he put it, in the school anyway.’
‘Thank goodness.’ She took a tiny bite of the biscuit. ‘What on earth am I going to say to him? How do I explain all this?’
‘Give Jamie a little more credit, Zoe. He’s a bright boy and remember, he’s grown up in the spotlight, what with your grandfather and you. He’ll cope.’
‘Yes, I suppose you’re right. Was it Joanna who leaked the story, do you think?’ she asked slowly.
‘No, I’m pretty sure she didn’t, though when I first saw the news, she happened to be at my flat, and I . . . jumped to conclusions too fast.’
‘It is a coincidence.’
‘Yes, but I don’t believe it was her. And nor should you,’ Simon said firmly. ‘I’ve known her forever, and she’s a loyal friend. Really, Zoe.’
‘She was the only one that knew, Simon. Who else could it have been?’
‘I have no idea,’ Simon lied again. ‘Sadly, with this kind of thing, walls tend to have ears.’Literally, he thought.
