‘They’re at Westminster Abbey right now,’ Bowman said. ‘Liaising with the police, securing the venue. They’ll be inside throughout the ceremony. If there’s any trouble, they’ll step in.’

Alarm flashed across Lungu’s face. ‘You’re not expecting problems at the Abbey itself, surely?’

‘It’s highly unlikely. The police have thrown up a ring of steel around the area. But we don’t want to take any chances.’

Kember said, ‘We’ll also be taking an alternative route to the venue.’

‘Why can’t we take the normal route?’ asked Lungu.

‘It passes through Pall Mall and Trafalgar Square. Lots of people, obviously. We should avoid those hotspots.’

‘You could arrest the protestors instead.’

‘That’s up to the police, ma’am. But even if they did round them up, some of their friends might slip through the net. For all we know, they might already be in the crowd somewhere, waiting to cause trouble.’

Jallow snorted with contempt. ‘This would never be allowed to happen in Karatandu. We have ways of dealing with such scum.’

‘I bet you do,’ Kember murmured.

Lungu glared at him before she turned to Bowman. ‘This new route . . . you’re sure it’s safe?’

‘We’ve recced it. The police have sent in a clearance party to check the drains, lamp posts, choke points, all of that.’

Lungu looked at him sceptically.

‘Trust us,’ Bowman said. ‘This is for the best.’

Lungu looked from the SAS men to Jallow. ‘Samuel, you’re happy with this arrangement?’

The bodyguard shrugged. ‘I guess.’

Lungu said, ‘You’ll have to notify Mr Seguma’s driver, of course. Go through the changes to the route with him.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

‘Fine.’ She nodded, brushed a rogue strand of hair back into place. ‘Now, there are a few things we must cover before you meet Mr Seguma. First, remember that you are working for a great man. You will behave appropriately at all times in his presence. That means no smoking or drinking while you are on the job.’

Bowman said, ‘We’re trained professionals, ma’am. We won’t be doing any of that shit.’

‘No swearing, either,’ Lungu replied. ‘Don’t talk to Mr Seguma unless spoken to. When you speak, you will address him as “sir” or “Mr President”. If you have any questions or concerns, you should raise them with myself or Samuel,’ she added.

‘Anything else we should know?’ asked Bowman.

‘Mr Seguma doesn’t like being touched by strangers. Anyone from outside his own tribe. He thinks it transmits bad juju. You are to keep a respectful distance from him at all times.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

‘You have your own transport, I presume?’

‘We’ve got wheels,’ said Kember. ‘But it’s better if one of us travels with the principal in his own vehicle. We can respond much faster if something goes wrong.’