Page 54 of Gunner

Chapter 23

The journeyfrom Hereford to Sandringham had been uneventful. Gunner had managed to catch a few hours’ sleep in the car between Jack ranting because he didn’t feel Astrid was the right choice for the Queen’s lady in waiting and Blake’s humming.

He felt lighter since his visit with Milla and his amma, the experience was so positive for him and Lacey. He’d asked what she and his grandmother had talked about, but she wouldn’t say, and he didn’t want to push it.

Coming up on the Palace he knew that the Queen was already in residence and Astrid was in place. His adrenalin spiked as the car, a bulletproof Land Rover driven by Jack, pulled up around the back of the Palace as if they wanted this visit kept quiet. All three were armed and had special privileges to carry concealed given to them by the Crown.

“Stay alert.”

Gunner didn’t respond to Jack, but nevertheless, he was on guard as they were met by James Fitzgerald at the service door and led inside. He’d been to Sandringham before and was always surprised by the fact the rooms not used by the Royal Family, but had been converted to offices and quarters, were pretty shabby looking and in need of a coat of paint at the least.

Upstairs was a different matter, opulent and grand; it boasted old wealth and money. Paintings on the walls that were hundreds of years old, vases, silver-gilt gifted by Russian Royalty, furniture, some of it gifts from heads of state or the Commonwealth leaders, and some passed down from monarch to monarch, much like the throne itself.

James walked quickly, like a man who had a thousand things to do, and Gunner suspected he probably did.

“Her Majesty is waiting for you in the drawing-room.”

The four men stopped outside the drawing-room doors, and they waited while James knocked and entered, announcing them. When the monarch said for James to send them in, James nodded, and Gunner waited for Blake and Jack to go ahead of him.

The room was stunning with a trompe l’oeil ceiling panel with a golden pheasant painting overlooking the room below. It had cream walls decorated with ornately carved panels and four floor-to-ceiling mirrored doors at the far end. A large log fire burned in the corner where someone had positioned four armchairs around the fire. It was a stunning room, and he could see why Sandringham was a favourite of the Queen.

“Your Majesty.” Blake stepped forward and dropped into a bow before he moved forward as she raised her gloved hands, which he took kissed.

“Oh, Blake, how wonderful to see you.”

“Ma’am.” Jack bowed but did not kiss her hand and nor did she offer. Her relationship with Blake was different, built on a mutual affection from his years as her family’s protector. Jack was one of professional respect and affection, which was something entirely different.

“Jack, I do hope we can sort this horrible business.”

Her eyes turned to him, and he saw the shrewd head of state assess him as he dropped into a bow.

“Your Majesty.”

“Gunner, it is good to see you back in the fold, so to speak.”

“It is good to be back.”

She crossed her hands and sat, her back straight as a rod and indicated they should too.

“Shall we begin? I have an evening soiree with the Prime Minister, and he is such a terrible bore, but I do like the new lady in waiting you arranged for me, Jack. She is such a hoot, and I must say, very proficient. I should like to keep her when this is done, but I fear that will not happen.”

“I’m glad you approve, Ma’am.”

“James has explained the issues we are facing, and I have to say I am quite saddened and disgusted that such a man can get into a position of power in this country.”

“It is very upsetting, Ma’am.”

“What is your suggestion, Jack? You never come to me with problems, only solutions. It is one of the reasons I feel safe with Eidolon.”

“Thank you, Ma’am. My suggestion is that Osbourne is taken out of the equation for good and someone else is put in place. We will also eliminate Osbourne’s team as a threat and will temporarily put a new team in place until we are sure the monarchy is secure.”

“Who would you put in place? Yourselves?”

“No, we thought perhaps Fortis Security could handle it until all the new personal protection officers and the new Deputy Director were vetted and cleared by us.”

“Well, that sounds splendid. Are they on board with this?”

“Yes, Ma’am. I spoke with Zack Cunningham last night, and his team is ready to step in whenever we are ready to proceed.”