by Olly Jarvis
Ella wasn’t so sure. Years at the Bar had taught her when to trust information. ‘Are you saying his people shot Broady?’
‘We’ve got nothing on him in relation to any crime, just snippets of intelligence.’ Harris clasped her hands together. ‘He’s got all these brainwashed young techies working for him. Loads of different skill sets, all totally devoted.’ She opened her hands in a gesture of exasperation.
‘But why Broady, why me?’
‘Maybe you’ve got something they need. Or they think you might know what they’ve got planned.’ She shrugged. ‘Everything seems to be linked to this Genesis thing.’
‘And what is it?’ Ella asked, already reading the answer in her face.
‘Haven’t got a clue.’ Their eyes met properly. ‘My people think it’s a sideshow but I know it’s important. It’s the key.’
Ella felt a certain kinship with Harris despite everything. ‘Key to what?’ It was obvious to Ella that Harris was holding something back. ‘What’s the main show?’
‘That’s all I can say.’ Harris was saved by a knock on the door. McDonald came in. ‘Car’s ready.’
Harris gave him a nod and stood up. ‘Remember what I said, Miss Blake. ‘Twenty-four hours.’ She made another attempt at giving Ella her card.
This time Ella took it. Her head was spinning.
Chapter Fifty-Four
The car pulled up outside the Accident and Emergency Department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Flanked on either side by firearms officers, Ella and Jay climbed out of the back seat and into the bright sunshine. It was already mid-morning. Members of staff stopped and stared as they were taken in and escorted past the queues of patients, waiting to be seen. The walls were magnolia and bare apart from a few whiteboards with work shifts written on in marker pen. Ella could smell the disinfectant.
They turned a corner on to a long corridor, blocked in the middle by people milling around outside a room with an armed police officer by the door.
‘Mum,’ shouted Lizzie, rushing towards her out of the crowd, followed by Simon Carter.
‘Thank God you’re all right,’ Simon said.
Ella threw her arms around her daughter. ‘I’m OK,’ she replied, looking over Lizzie’s shoulder at Desmond who was approaching. ‘How’s Broady?’
‘He’s going to be OK,’ Desmond replied with a reassuring nod. ‘The doctors said he’s very lucky.’ He glanced at Jay. ‘Have we met before?’
‘My assistant,’ she explained. ‘Jason Pitois.’
Jay gave him an awkward smile.
‘This is Mike Stone,’ said Desmond, ushering a man in a trench coat into the huddle. ‘From the US Embassy.’
He reached out to shake her hand.
Pleasantries over, Ella could see that Desmond was about to erupt.
‘Ella Blake?’ said a tall man in a white coat above the heads of those around her.
‘Yes,’ she replied, pushing her way over to him.
Desmond’s eyes followed her.
The doctor rested a hand against the wall. ‘He’s been asking for you.’
Ella’s eyes widened. ‘He’s awake?’
‘Yes, he’s had a blood transfusion.’ The doctor steered her into a space by the door. ‘The bullet imbedded itself in fatty tissue at the side of his waist. He’s lucky.’
Ella let out a deep sigh.
‘The recovery should be quick.’ He smiled. ‘It’s when it hits bone or an artery that things get trickier.’
‘Thank you, doctor,’ she replied, trying to get a view through the panel. ‘Can I see him?’
‘Of course.’ He pushed open the door to let her through. ‘But keep it brief.’
Broady was in an apron, his head and torso in a slightly raised position, with a drip connected to his left arm.
‘Hey,’ Ella whispered, on reaching the side of the bed.
‘Hey,’ he replied with a tired smile.
She touched his arm and gave it a gentle stroke. ‘You saved me.’ Her eyes welled up.
His eyelids were still heavy. ‘Someone has to.’
She couldn’t find the words.
‘What’s happening?’ he asked weakly.
She sat down on a metal chair, painted white. ‘Someone from MI6 has told me it’s like the wild west in Cambridge right now.’
He chuckled then grimaced.
She felt his pain shoot through her. ‘They’ve offered protection for twenty-fours while I decide if I want to go into some kind of custody.’
He gave her a look.
She read it. ‘I’ve got to think of Lizzie.’ She paused. ‘And Jay.’
‘I’ve got to get out of here,’ he said, trying in vain to sit up. He gritted his teeth and tried again.
She gently pushed him back on the pillow. ‘Hank, you need rest, then you’re going home.’
His eyes followed her. ‘No.’
‘They reckon that climate change guy Lizzie was talking about is involved in all this somehow.’ Now that she said it aloud it sounded even more far-fetched. ‘There’s nothing more you can do.’ She gave his arm another stroke.
He lifted his hand off the bed. She held it.
He squeezed. ‘I need this.’
She gazed into his green eyes. ‘Why?’
A slow blink. ‘Don’t do anything without me.’
She didn’t know what to say.
What strength he’d got back appeared to be leaving him. ‘Promise me?’
She glanced around at the door.
The embassy guy was staring through the glass panel, but too far away to hear.
‘OK,’ she said, squeezing back. ‘I promise.’
Broady’s eyes closed. He was asleep.
It reminded her of the bridge. She shuddered.
As soon as Ella went back out onto the corridor, she saw Desmond and Simon cross-examining an anxious-looking Jay.
Lizzie waved her over, causing Desmond to switch his attention to Ella. ‘Are you going to tell us what the hell’s going on?’
‘Not here,’ she replied, marching off.
The others followed.
She saw a sign for the canteen and led them past an old man in a dressing gown, leaning on a zimmer frame. She skirted around a lady in a wheelchair with a leg sticking out in a new cast and found an empty table in the corner.
Jay stacked some dirty plates and put them on the next table.
The others sat down, Desmond facing her. ‘Well?’ he asked, sticking out his chin.
Ella could see the blood rushing to his face. She was determined to remain calm. She quickly scanned the other tables, then said quietly, ‘Whatever Matthew was doing, other people want to know.’
‘That much is obvious,’ he seethed. ‘What did you find out?’
‘Do you think that’s a good idea?’ she asked, failing to mirror his emotion. ‘You’d have to tell the committee, right? That’s a dozen or so people who would then be in danger.’ She leaned forward. ‘And I bet it leaks like a sieve.’
Desmond’s eyebrows shot up. ‘You are working for me, not the other way around,’ he hissed. Foam was forming in the corners of his mouth. ‘I’ve just had the third degree from some woman called Harris telling me to close the whole inquiry down.’ He gulped in some air. ‘I’ve got McDonald breathing down my neck and—’
Simon put a hand on Desmond’s arm and gently pulled him back. ‘Let’s all calm down.’
Desmond exhaled. ‘Nothing like this…’ He rubbed his forehead.
Simon gave Desmond’s shoulder a couple of light pats. ‘Everyone’s under a lot of pressure.’
‘No one at De Jure has been shot at,’ she said, her voice only just above a whisper. ‘I…’ She paused to glance at Jay and Lizzie. ‘We, have been through hell for this inquiry, for you, and all I’ve had in return is ultimatums.’
Desmond flopped back in his chair. He lifted his hands, palms up. ‘Tell me, what am I supposed to do?’
‘Help her,’ said Jay. ‘Let E
lla do her job.’
Desmond looked at him like he was from another planet, then at Ella. ‘And what if something were to happen to you?’ He looked Jay up and down. ‘Or this young man?’
Simon looked at her gravely. ‘Or Lizzie?’
Lizzie scoffed. ‘Living in the shadow of death.’ She glowered at Simon. ‘I’ve been doing that for too long.’ She turned to her mum. ‘This is too important.’
Ella understood her daughter in a way no one else ever could. She gave Lizzie a knowing smile then pulled a serviette out of a metal holder on the table. ‘Give me a pen.’
Desmond took a silver ball-point from inside his jacket and handed it to her.
Ella unfolded the tissue and began to write.
The others watched.
A sympathetic nurse helped a crying couple to a table and lingered for a moment before leaving them with their grief.
Desmond’s patience was the first to wear out. ‘What are you doing?’
She carried on writing. ‘It’s a waiver.’ She looked up at the Master. ‘Absolving you and De Jure of all responsibility.’ She signed it at the bottom, causing a small tear, then slid it across the table to Jay.
He took the pen and signed.
Lizzie did the same.
‘Ella?’ said Simon. ‘Are you sure about this?’
She looked at Lizzie, then at Simon. ‘Never more so.’ She carefully picked up the fragile document and handed it to Desmond.
He held it with two fingers. ‘You think this solves everything?’
‘No’ said Ella with great sincerity. ‘But if you let others dictate what happens it may turn out to be your greatest regret.’
He flinched.
‘One thing we’ve learned,’ said Jay, ‘is that Matthew didn’t trust anyone with what he knew.’
Ella nodded. ‘Don’t hand this over to McDonald, or some other government agency. I don’t trust them. Cambridge is above politics.’
Desmond studied her, as if searching her face for an answer.
Ella could see he was still unpersuaded. She sighed. How was she going to get through to Desmond? Then, slowly and deliberately, she began to recite: ‘Hinc lucem et pocula sacra.’
Jay looked bemused. ‘What does that mean?’
‘It’s Latin,’ said Simon. ‘The Cambridge motto.’
Desmond gave Ella a solemn nod. ‘From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.’ He carefully folded up the waiver and put it in his breast pocket. ‘Bring us enlightenment, Miss Blake.’
Chapter Fifty-Five
It was a relief to be back in the flat, but unnerving to have an armed police officer outside the door.
Ella stood in the shower, desperately trying to wash away the previous night. She noticed some of Broady’s blood still on her hands and cleaned it off. She couldn’t stop thinking about Lizzie’s safety, questioning her bravado with Desmond. She’d never forgive herself if… And how would Lizzie take the news about Greg? She got out of the cubicle and rubbed her hair with a towel, craving a drink and a cigarette.
By the time she was dressed, Jay already had dinner underway. ‘Thought I’d do a Mauritian curry,’ he said on seeing her come into the living area.
Ella envied him the resilience of youth as she watched him slide some grated ginger into a pot.
Lizzie looked like she couldn’t keep still, walking around the flat, making half-hearted attempts at tidying up.
Ella remembered the behaviour of old when she had something to confide or confess.
Jay added the chicken breasts and turned up the heat.
Lizzie stopped moving around. ‘There’s something I need to tell you.’
‘Me too,’ said Ella dreading what was to come.
‘You first,’ said Lizzie, fiddling with her hands.
Ella sat at the table. ‘Sit down,’ she said, using her foot to pull out the chair next to her. The aroma of garlic and frying meat wafted over.
Lizzie obeyed. ‘Go on?’
Ella took Lizzie’s hand and cupped it in hers. ‘That MI6 woman I told you about, Harris…’ She didn’t know how to break the news.
‘What about her?’ Lizzie replied impatiently.
Ella patted Lizzie’s hand. ‘She says Greg is working for David Kline.’
Lizzie stared at her, without attempting a response. She pulled her hand away. ‘Kline?’ She took a deep breath, then exhaled. ‘Since when? They don’t know each other.’
It was torture watching her daughter process the revelation. A tear rolled down Lizzie’s cheek.
Ella attempted to hug her but Lizzie got up and stood in the middle of the room, playing with her hands. ‘He told me he works for the government.’
‘What?’ said Ella. ‘When?’
‘Last night.’ Lizzie walked over to the balcony door and stared out over Cambridge. ‘He said he had no choice.’ She gave a humourless laugh. ‘He targeted me to get to you. Did it for Britain.’
Ella went over and stood behind her, placing her hands on her shoulders. ‘I’m so sorry, darling.’
Lizzie turned around and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. ‘Yeah, well, I should’ve known it was all about you.’
Ella felt wretched. She pulled Lizzie to her and held her in a tight embrace.
This time, silently weeping, Lizzie didn’t pull back. ‘I feel so embarrassed. Dirty.’
Jay turned off the hob and came over, placing a hand on her back, but said nothing.
‘He arranged the robbery at yours,’ she said between sniffles.
Teeth gritted, Jay’s whole body stiffened.
‘Said he thought I’d already left because of the text I sent him.’ Lizzie untangled herself. ‘That bastard.’ Her brow furrowed. ‘Why hasn’t he been arrested?’
Yeah,’ said Jay. ‘It’s like nobody wants to rock the boat.’
Lizzie went over to the sofa and sat down. ‘There’s something else.’
Ella joined her.
‘He said he thinks it’s all about a weapon.’
Ella didn’t respond at first, then said, ‘It’s always about power.’ She glanced over at Jay who had his hands on his head.
‘What kind of weapon?’ he asked.
‘That’s all he said.’ She ran her hands over her head. ‘That could’ve been a lie too.’
Jay went over to the table and turned on the laptop. He opened up Genesis and stared at the dots on the screen, as if the new information would somehow help him decipher it.
‘Why did he tell you all this?’ Ella asked, thinking out loud. ‘He must’ve wanted something.’ She got up and began to pace.
‘He did,’ Lizzie replied. ‘The password.’
Ella stopped. ‘They’ve got the stick?’
‘Must have.’ Lizzie put her elbows on her knees, with her hands on her forehead.
Jay looked over at her but it was Ella who asked the question. ‘Did you give it to him?’
Lizzie’s hands parted. ‘No.’ Her eyes welled up. ‘But I nearly did.’ She rubbed her face. ‘If you hadn’t texted me about Broady…’
Ella’s mind was racing. ‘So, he knows about that?’
‘Not from me.’ She became stronger. ‘I just told him I needed time to think about it.’
It was Ella’s turn to stare out of the window. She felt like she’d let everyone down, made the wrong decisions. She needed to take control, attack it like she was defending a case.
Sideways rain drummed softly on the glass door, then grew into a pounding beat, providing a backdrop to Ella’s swirling thoughts. After a minute, it eased off. Something made her shut the curtains, even though it was daylight. She watched Jay go back to the hob and tip a tin of chopped tomatoes into the pot and then heap in some spoonfuls of curry powder, before mixing it in. A plan of sorts began to form in her mind. ‘We need to get out of Cambridge.’
Jay stopped stirring and gave her a quizzical look. ‘And go where?’
‘It doesn’t matter, just out of this go
ldfish bowl.’ She went over to the table and started writing a list. ‘How do we get a vehicle without using our names?’
‘How quickly? Jay asked, leaving the pot to simmer.
Ella looked at him gravely. ‘By first light, that’s when we’re on our own.’
Jay took out his phone and scrolled down. ‘I may know somebody.’ He didn’t seem convinced. ‘He’s got an old ambulance, converted it to go around the festivals.’ Uncertainly he added, ‘It’s a right shed.’
‘Sounds perfect,’ said Ella. ‘Tell him to leave it in the underground car park, right next to my van. And to leave the keys on the rear tyre.’
Jay put the number in the pay-as-you go and texted. It didn’t take long for the phone to ping. ‘Says he wants two grand?’
Ella gave him one of her thinking stares. ‘Tell him there’s a diamond ring in the glove of my camper, worth more. There’s a spare key taped behind the petrol cap. But, he keeps the whole thing to himself, and no logbooks filled out. I want it in situ by 3 a.m.’
‘Mum,’ said Lizzie. ‘Your engagement ring from Dad?’
Jay waited for further orders.
Ella shrugged. ‘I’m glad to have found a use for it,’ she said, sounding matter of fact.
Lizzie didn’t press her.
Jay sent another text. After a minute, his phone bleeped. ‘Done.’ He looked at Ella. ‘What about Broady?’
She ignored the question at first. Then, without making eye-contact, she said, ‘He comes with us.’
Jay glanced over at Lizzie but didn’t question the decision.
‘How?’ Lizzie asked. ‘There’s cameras everywhere.’
Ella pondered for a moment. ‘He’s going to have to get out of Addenbrooke’s and meet us somewhere.’
‘In his condition?’ she queried.
Ella wasn’t interested in problems. She shot her daughter a look.
‘All right,’ said Lizzie. ‘Tell him to get to the recreation ground on Nightingale Avenue, there are some trees by the side of the road.’
‘Thanks.’ Ella knew it was a big ask of the others, but she wasn’t going to break her promise.
Chapter Fifty-Six
