Ducie by Chris Freeman

  Chapter 59. Do not do all you can

  PC Kevin recognised Kate instantly as he steered the patrol car around a traffic island and onto the dual carriageway

  - That’s her there.

  He pointed to an unfathomable figure in the distance.

  - You sure Kev?

  - Yeah, I’m sure. I know that walk.

  - Bingo!

  Paul reached for the siren, but Kevin slapped his hand away firmly.

  - She’ll run if we start flashing blue you idiot. Pull over just short of her there and follow me out.

  Paul brought the car to a stop and the two men jumped out. Kate turned round at the sound of car doors slamming and shaped to run away, but instantly thought better of it, whether due to sheer fatigue or the fact that she was still a good half a mile from the Institution, the only safe haven she knew of. She stopped dead in her tracks and waited for the officers to catch up.

  - Ok. Do your thing boys. Take me to the station.

  - We’re not going to take you in Kate. You haven’t broken the law as far as we know.

  - They think I busted Adam out though don’t they.

  - They did. Becky said you hadn’t moved from the waiting room though.

  - So what do you want from me?

  - This place, the underground prison.

  - The institution.

  - That’s the puppy!

  - What about it?

  - Take us there.

  - You’re wasting your time.

  - So you made it up?

  - If you like.

  - Something tells me you didn’t.

  - Well you had a good laugh at me earlier when I mentioned it.

  - Well since then, your buddy has apparently teleported himself out of a locked police cell. I’m entitled to think anything’s now possible. So you’ll take us there?

  - Why?

  - Well if what you’re saying about the place is true, then it’s something we need to be looking into. Check it’s all legit, you know. The place isn’t showing up on any register, so something must be up with it. Who’s running the gaff? Immigrants? Squatters?

  - Government.

  - Give me a break!

  - It’s government run. You can raid the place if you like, but you’ll be overridden once they call on the PM. Then you’ll be part of it, because you know the secret.

  - What’s the secret Kate?

  - Look, you’re better off turning round and going back to the day job. Look for Adam. Whatever. You don’t want part of this, trust me.

  - But what if I do want part of it?

  Kate looked Kevin in the eye, searching for some sign that would validate her trust in him.

  - Just go, Kevin.

  - But, Kate, I….

  - Just go!

  Kate shot Kevin a look that he recognised all too well. A look that spoke of underlying truths. That all was not what it seemed. He got it.

  - Well, ok. We’re going. But if you change your mind….

  He handed her a card with his name and number on. Kate took it and feigned disinterest. Kevin gestured to his colleague.

  - Come on pal. We’re out of here.

  And with that came the beginning of the end.