He launched with clerical confidence into a soothing address to the crowd. ‘Officer … everyone … no harm done, as you see. A touch of the hysterics but sound in wind and limb, I think we can say. But the mind? Ah, the mind! And the soul?’ He shook his handsome head in sorrow.
‘She’s lucky you were passing, Padré,’ someone commented.
‘Indeed! I thank God for the guidance He has given me. I had intended to take the Tube this morning. But now I shall need to have a quiet word with this poor young thing and explain to her the Almighty’s views on her impulse to self-destruction. Do feel free to stay and hear His words …’
An invitation guaranteed to start the crowd moving off. But the beat bobby knew his job. Suicide was more than a sin in the Metropolitan district — it was a crime. He advanced officiously on Lily, notebook in hand.
The vicar produced a small bible from his pocket. He took a card from it and passed it to the officer. At the sight of it, the custodian of law and order began energetically to move the remaining spectators on and then, after a certain amount of huffing and puffing and saluting, marched off himself, back down the bridge to the southern bank.
The crowd had gone, leaving Lily eyeing her saviour with suspicion. ‘Cor blimey, sir! In that suit and dog collar, you’re almost unrecognizable. If you were following me, why did it take you so long to step in?’
‘I was following you. You seemed to be on such good terms with our friend I thought I’d let you finish your conversation. And, at the moment critique, I was mobbed by a crowd of tourists wanting to know how to get to St Paul’s. Quite took me by surprise — you were there one second and gone the next! It’s some time since I did basic training in shadowing … I clearly need a refresher. Should have sent Fanshawe … No — perhaps not. I say — you didn’t really try to jump, did you?’
‘I was going to be her next victim. Murdering, vindictive cow!’
‘Mind your language, constable, and stop fussing. All’s well, isn’t it? I don’t think I see you swimming for shore exactly.’
‘You were never likely to. Sir, I can’t swim!’