The Lost Testament

62

As Bronson had hoped, the location which Anum Husani had specified was positioned on a street that offered ample parking on both sides of the road, providing plenty of places to view their meeting from. He reversed the car into the spot he’d chosen, so that he would be able to drive away immediately if the circumstances dictated.

‘We’re still about ten minutes early,’ Bronson said, ‘so I’ll come over with you and check there are no surprises at the café itself.’

There weren’t as far as he could tell. The café was just a café, probably chosen by Husani because it could be approached from multiple directions. As a rendezvous position, it wasn’t bad.

In his email to Angela, Husani had instructed her to sit on one of the tables outside, by herself, and order a café con leche and a glass of water. As soon as Bronson was satisfied that there were no potential dangers lurking within the building or anywhere near it, Angela took a seat.

Before he left, Bronson sat down beside her.

‘I’ll be in the car, with the engine running, less than thirty yards away from you. I’ll be watching you and anyone who comes anywhere near you. If there’s anything you’re unhappy about or you feel uncomfortable at any time, just get up and start walking towards me. I’ll pull out of the parking space immediately, and we can be gone from here in ten seconds.’

Angela smiled at him.

‘That sounds like the kind of briefing you’d have given when you were in the Army. Just relax, Chris, and I’m sure it will all work out well. Now go. I’ll be fine.’

Bronson nodded, gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze of encouragement, then walked across the road to the car.