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The driver worked his way through the streets north to the Embankment, and then
drove along the river.
As the car approached New Bridge Street, Waring leaned forward and said,  Let s
go by St. Paul s; I want to find a phone.
 You can use this one, sir, the security man reminded him. He picked up the car s
mobile phone, and started to pass it back.
 Thank you, Robert, the PM replied.  But I d rather use a pay phone if you don t
mind. It can be done, I believe.
 Of course, sir, he answered, giving the driver a sideways glance. The driver
shrugged.
They cruised along slowly, and came to a rank of phone booths near the Old Bailey.
 This will do, said Waring, and both he and his minder got out of the car and
walked to the phones. There was no one else in any of the booths, so the PM
selected the first one that accepted coins, opened the door, and stepped in. Robert,
speaking into his lapel, planted himself outside, his back to the door while his boss
made his call.
After slipping a number of coins into the slot, Waring tapped in the number. The
phone rang several times, and his heart sank lower with each unanswered ring. He
was on the point of hanging up, when a low, silky woman s voice said,  Yes?
Waring sighed.  I have to see you.
 Thomas! What a pleasant surprise. The voice sounded far from surprised.  How
did I know you would be calling?
 Tonight.
 My, you are the anxious boy, she purred.  I don t know whether I should see you
or not. I think you made your feelings perfectly clear last time.
 This isn t like the last time, Waring said, trying his best not to sound as desperate
as he felt.
She laughed  a full, throaty laugh which teased and taunted even as it seduced.
 That s what they all say, my darling.
 Please, he said. God, he thought, it is almost worse talking to her than not
talking to her. Ten seconds on the phone and she already has me begging.
 Very well, she relented.
 I ve got a car; we can pick you up.
 No, she replied crisply.  That would not be wise. Thank you, but I ll make my
own way.
 When?
 I shall have to consult my diary, I think.
 Tonight.
 Ah. She paused as if considering the suggestion.  No, I think not tonight. You d
best sit tight for a little while longer.
 Soon then.
 Say it, darling.
 What? Waring s stomach tightened.
 You know, she insinuated.  You won t see me unless you say it.
Warning swallowed, and glanced over his shoulder. His bodyguard did not appear
to be listening.
 I m waiting, Thomas. You know how it upsets me to be kept waiting.
Clutching the phone tightly to his cheek, he whispered,  I& I worship you, Moira.
 Lovely, my sweet. She laughed again, and whispered,  See you soon& .
He slammed the receiver back into the cradle and pushed open the glass door of the
booth, almost knocking Robert the minder off his feet.
 Where to now, sir? asked the security man.
 Home.
They walked to the waiting car and, just as the minder opened the door for the Prime
Minister, the first shock wave struck London. The ground trembled  but only for
an instant  and the tremor was accompanied by a sound not unlike that of an
Underground train passing beneath the street. Waring thought nothing more about it.
Twenty-five
Contacting the Prime Minister had been the new King s first priority. There were
conventions to observe, mutual obligations to fulfill, a new reign to inaugurate; free
and open lines of communication would be immediately and continually necessary.
So, following his broadcast announcement, James called Downing Street to arrange
a meeting with Thomas Waring. But the switchboard would not put him through. He
sent a fax. No reply. He wrote a letter and had it in the post that same night. Three
days later, he was still awaiting a reply from Number Ten.
Despite the PM s silence, Embries assured James that the organs of state were
conscious of his presence, and were actively engaged in dealing with his claim.
 Your announcement caught them unaware, he said.  Do not imagine that they will
treat it as anything less than a declaration of war.
If the Government was incommunicado, the rest of the world was eager and anxious
to talk. Embries had warned James that the declaration of his kingship would cause a [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]