Thursday, November 30, 2006

So Much To Answer For- Part 20

The office buildings in the Science Park were identikit. It was only because he knew the company name that Joe could find the right one. "I'd like to see Sarah James." he told the man on reception.

"Is she expecting you?"

"No. But if you can tell her Joe's here to see her." The message was passed on and Sarah arrived within minutes.

"Hello stranger."

"Hi. You want to go for a walk?"

The professional reply died on her lips. She nodded. "Okay."

They stepped out into the car park It wasn't very scenic, but they could walk. Joe set off around the perimeter.

"Did Tommy visit you?"

Sarah was silent. They stopped walking. The silence stretched out. "I didn't kill him."

"I hoped that was the answer. What happened?"

"He was waiting for me. Like he knew when lunch was. Waiting almost exactly where you are now." Joe looked down, then scanned the car park and its surroundings.

"I didn't know what to do. For a moment I just stood there. Then he came toward me and I ran. I don't know what I was thinking. I just ran.

"There's a gap in the fence, just over there." Joe looked where she indicated. He couldn't see anything, but he believed her. "I'm shorter. And I know it's there. I ducked under it."

"It?"

"There's this bit, sticking out. There was a noise. I went back and there was blood all over the ground. His throat was cut open, he must have run into it."

Joe hugged Sarah. She was crying.

"I didn't do anything. I made my way back to my car and went home. I called in sick for the rest of the day. I didn't call for an ambulance or the Police. I should have called for an ambulance or the Police."

"It wouldn't have made a difference." Joe lied. He didn't know how much of a difference it would have made. "The Police are here." Sarah tensed up. "Just tell them what you told me. It'll be okay." He really hoped he was right. Across the car park Stevenson, Wood and Rachel got out of the car.

Part 21
Part 19
Part 1

Other fiction- check out Heavensent, the propeller-punk sci-fi war novel I recently wrapped up, or download Another Education/Ruby Red or Ten Years Asleep.

Donate Now I've started writing again I'm unlikely to stop, but it would be nice if I could eat during my breaks. So please feel free to donate some money to my starving author fund by clicking on the PayPal button below.

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Posted by Ian Pattinson at 6:04 PM
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Thursday, November 30, 2006

So Much To Answer For- Part 20