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Cronin.
    Stella faced front again. “Nothing,” she said. “I just caught a flash of movement. I’ve got a suspicious nature. That’s what years in Special Branch does to you.”
    â€œWell at least I know I’m in safe hands,” laughed Cronin.
    Stella took one last look behind and drove away. She kept her eye on the exit of the car park until she turned out of view. Satisfied that they weren’t being followed, she relaxed. “Thanks very much for this afternoon Father,” she said.
    â€œIt’s no problem,” said Cronin. “Like I said to you – I’m only staying at Our Lady’s, I’m not obliged to attend their services. I felt that you needed my assistance more.” He paused and smiled. “And besides, I don’t think I would have had half such an interesting time in church.”
    â€œNo, I guess not. I suppose the Angel is interesting, if nothing else.”
    Cronin gazed out of the side window. “I’m quite looking forward to next week actually.”
    Stella stubbed out her cigarette. “Are you going to come then?”
    â€œOf course. I thought you might like the moral support. And anyway, it’ll be fun. I’m sure Stratton knew a lot of colourful characters. I know it sounds like a cliché, but I really believe that you should celebrate somebody’s life.”
    â€œYou’re right,” said Stella. “The only thing is that they’ll be keeping his spirit alive, when all I want to do is let go.”
    â€œI’m sure it will be more of a help than a hindrance.”
    Stella felt comforted by Cronin’s optimism. He was the sort of person you needed around when things were looking gloomy. He was patient and kind, and never became exasperated or lost his temper. She imagined that, even if the world was about to end, Cronin would retain an inviolable equanimity. He would make someone the perfect husband, she thought. If only he wasn’t married to God.
    Crossing Vauxhall Bridge Stella did a double take in the mirror. Four cars back she noticed a silver Vectra. This was nothing in itself, but she had seen a similar vehicle in the Angel car park. Of course, it was a common enough car – there was just something about the way it was being driven that made her suspicious.
    â€œIs someone on our tail?” said a bemused Cronin.
    â€œI don’t know,” said Stella. “Maybe. But like I said – I’m naturally suspicious.”
    Cronin took a quick look back. “If I might ask – who would want to follow you? Have you got enemies?”
    â€œNot that I’m aware of,” shrugged Stella. “It’s just a feeling I’ve got. It’s probably nothing.”
    â€œWhich car is it?”
    â€œSilver Vectra, four cars back.”
    Cronin craned his neck to get a view. His eyes flashed briefly with concern. Stella didn’t notice. He kept his composure. “I can’t see it,” he said. “I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about anyway.”
    â€œYou’re probably right. I’m just being paranoid.”
    She turned onto the Embankment and headed towards Earl’s Court. The two cars directly behind went the other way, leaving only one between her and the Vectra. She adjusted her wing mirror to try and get a view of the driver, but to no avail. To her relief, it turned right at the next set of lights.
    â€œWell, I guess it was paranoia,” she said, smiling and thumbing another B&H out of the packet.
    â€œIt’s gone then?”
    â€œYeah,” she nodded.
    She lit the cigarette and took a sharp drag. She didn’t understand what was making her so edgy. After all, as Father Cronin had pointed out, who would want to follow her? Her links with Special Branch had been all but severed, and she was no longer involved with private security. The only people she’d pissed off recently were acne-ridden