Jane was quickly ushered out between Crowley and Gregson, back into the anteroom where DS Dexter was waiting. He gave Jane the thumbs-up. Trying to keep control of herself, she asked if she could have a private word with the Commander.
‘I’m sorry, Tennison… I have to dash. I’ve got a meeting with the Home Secretary and I’m already running late. If you have any questions, DCI Crowley can help you.’
Gregson hurried out of the anteroom as Jane turned angrily to Crowley.
‘Why did you issue that artist’s impression without consulting me, or warning me that it was going to be shown?’
‘When there’s been a terrorist attack we have to move fast, before memories fade. We needed something to reassure the public that the investigation was moving swiftly. If the sketch helps to identify the man, then that will be a bonus.’
‘But you used me, and I feel as if I lied in there.’
‘No, you didn’t. You told me the man in the photograph we showed you looked familiar, or similar, to the suspect you saw at Covent Garden.
‘No, I didn’t say that… you’re twisting my words!’
‘Either way, let’s hope we get a result. Now, I’ve got to go. You did very well, Tennison.’
Stunned, Jane could only watch as Crowley walked out, slamming the door behind him.
Dexter smiled at her. ‘Are you all right?’
‘No, I’m not! I didn’t realise Crowley was even going to show an artist’s impression… Were you in on it as well? Did you know?’
Dexter shrugged. ‘Come on, why would I confide in you about the ASU and the informer if I knew what he was going to do?
She shook her head, bewildered. ‘Sorry for sounding off at you. I’m just…’
‘Under the circumstances I don’t blame you. Now, I don’t want to alarm you but Church is arranging for a couple of armed plainclothes SPG officers to keep watch outside your flat…’
‘Oh my God!’
‘Don’t worry, Jane. It’s highly unlikely the IRA would try anything, especially now the heat is on to find their ASU.’
‘Then why do I need armed protection?’
‘It’s more of a deterrent than anything else… and the bonus is they’ll keep the press away. Your neighbours will be very envious… and your boyfriend will behave himself.’
‘I don’t have a boyfriend,’ Jane snapped, unable to appreciate his jokey manner.
‘Sorry, sorry.’ He paused briefly. ‘Well, that gives me the opportunity to ask you out for a drink. Unless you fancy a spot of dinner?’
Jane smiled. She did find him very attractive.
‘Thank you for the invitation, but I’m exhausted and tomorrow is my first day with the forensic team in Woolwich. I really need an early night.’
Dexter opened the door and gestured for her to go ahead of him.
‘I don’t even know how to get to the Royal Arsenal,’ she added, walking out with him.
‘Well, you can take a train, but if you’ve got a car I’d drive. Oh, and a word of advice… don’t wear anything new. You’ll probably be sifting through rubbish bins full of rubble from Covent Garden, so you’ll get covered in dust.’
They took the lift down to the ground floor and as they were walking to the exit, DCI Church hurried to join them.
‘Press conference went well, Tennison. Do you mind if I have a quick word with Dexter?’
Jane didn’t have time to answer before the two men moved away together.
When he was sure they were out of earshot, Church said, ‘Listen, Al, I’ve organised one of my team to keep an eye on Tennison, plus Crowley’s agreed to the armed SPG officers outside her flat.’
‘There’s no need to be secretive, I’ve already told her about the armed protection. It’s spooked her a bit, but I was going to take her home and reassure her it’s for the best.’
‘I had no doubt Mr “Sex on Legs” would be volunteering to “reassure” her. She’s vulnerable at the moment, so you just back off,’ Church hissed. He saw Jane looking over and changed the subject. ‘By the way, Dexter, do you want tickets for the big black-tie do? We’ve still got a lot of spaces.’
‘Yeah, put me down for two. I’ll sort out a cheque later.’
‘That’s what everyone’s saying. I need it soon or you won’t get a table. Don’t leave it too long or I’ll take you off the list.’
They walked back to join Jane. Dexter gave her one of his smiles and jerked his thumb towards Church.
‘Jimmy’s driving you home. If you don’t mind, let’s take a rain check on drinks and dinner.’ He walked off as DCI Church got out his car key.
‘If you wait here at the entrance,’ said Church, getting out his car key, ‘I’ll bring my car up from the underground car park… Just stay inside until you see me draw up.’
Jane did as he instructed but was astonished when a back-firing Ford Anglia pulled up. She hadn’t envisaged him driving a wreck. He leaned over to open the passenger door and Jane climbed in beside him. As she tried to close the door it got stuck and she had to pull it hard to make it shut.
‘Right, Baker Street…’ Church said, grinding the gears as they moved jerkily away in a cloud of exhaust fumes. The interior of the car was almost as decrepit as the rest of it. The seats were torn, and the ashtray was overflowing. Church gave her a small sidelong glance.
‘These are just the wheels we use for undercover,’ he said unconvincingly. ‘My own car is an E-Type.’
Jane laughed. Grinning, Church continued, ‘The engine’s in good shape. If you really put your foot down she’ll do seventy. That’s if your foot doesn’t go through the floor.’
They hit rush-hour traffic, so it took a while to get down the Euston Road. Jane directed him to take a turning into Regent’s Park and to come out through the gates nearest to Baker Street. As the traffic eased she could feel the tiredness begin to make her eyes droop.
‘I’m exhausted,’ she said, as he drove out of the park and headed down Melcombe Street. ‘That’s it… just stop over there,’ she added.
Church stopped the car and pulled on the handbrake. He opened his door to get out and help her.
‘There’s no need, I can manage,’ Jane said.
He ignored her and walked around to the passenger door. He had to heave it open as it was stuck firm. As Jane climbed out he took her elbow and they walked the few steps to her front door.
‘Right… delivered safe and sound. One of the squad will be over later to check on you, and those are plain-clothes SPG officers in the unmarked car over the road.’ He nodded in their direction and did a thumbs up to indicate Jane was the officer they were there to protect. They nodded back.
‘You’ve been really kind,’ Jane said to Church. ‘I appreciate it.’
‘Any time. Just call me if you need anything.’
Jane turned on the hall lights. They were on a timer and often switched off before she had had time to reach the top floor. She was so tired that her legs felt heavy as she walked up the stairs. Above her, she heard a light cough. Pausing, she listened carefully, then slowly continued up the stairs, stopping again when she heard a creaking sound from the landing above, outside to her flat. Jane hesitated, feeling the panic rise as the timer lights cut out. She was now in almost total darkness and was about turn and run back down the stairs when she saw a man’s legs in the hall above, and screamed.
‘It’s all right! It’s me!’
Jane almost fell backwards as DS Stanley appeared, gesturing at her to stop screaming.
‘What the hell are you doing here?’ she demanded, gasping for breath.
‘Looking out for you. The boss wanted one of us to keep you company, just in case there were any repercussions after the press conference. I was gonna wait for you to come home, but your neighbour downstairs let me into the building, so I’ve been sitting on your stairs.’