Doctor Who_ Camera Obscura - Lloyd Rose [61]
The box suddenly shifted. The Doctor stiffened, confused – then it shifted again, and he realised that the caravan was rocking because someone very heavy was coming up the steps. Please, he groaned inwardly, don’t let it be Sabbath. No more humiliation in that area, please.
‘Doctor?’
The Doctor almost sat up in surprise but stopped himself in time. ‘Hugo?’
‘Are you all right? Soon have you out of there.’
The bedding thudded to the floor, the bolt scraped, and the Doctor found himself blinking up at the giant, who was bending over him with a lantern. ‘I must say, this is a surprise.’
‘You all right?’
‘Yes, thank you, I’m fine.’ The Doctor took the proffered hand and climbed out of the box. ‘You’re camped here?’
‘About a hundred yards from here. There’s a number of us uses this field.’
‘Scale took a chance.’
‘Well, we keep out of each other’s business most times.’ Hugo bent through the door, the Doctor following. Once outside, he straightened and stretched his spine. ‘You get all types in the carnival trade. Best leave well enough alone. But Scale had the signs of being involved in something nasty. Can’t have that. Bring the law down on one, it comes down on all of us. They don’t make distinctions.’
‘It’s my good fortune you’re so public-spirited.’
‘I’m surprised it’s you. You must have upset him something bad.’
‘It seems so.’
‘Cup of tea?’
‘Well,’ said the Doctor, ‘as long as you’re having one.’
Hugo fetched the tea things from his caravan and they sat out under the stars around a little stove. Before the kettle boiled, a sleepy, cross Vera appeared.
‘Oh it’s you,’ she said to the Doctor without surprise.
‘Micah’s been messing up again,’ said Hugo.
‘Well, what a wonder that is. What’s he done now?’
‘Kidnapping.’
‘Tsk,’ she said. ‘I hope there’s enough water for three cups?’
‘There is.’
‘And are there three cups?’
‘I brought an extra one just in case. Two extra, actually.’
‘You think ahead, Hugo.’ She settled herself in the grass. ‘So, what’d he want with you?’ she said to the Doctor.
‘I’m not sure exactly.’
‘Bound to be money in it.’
‘I would imagine.’
‘You’re a close-mouthed one, ain’t you?’ The Doctor smiled noncommittally. She sniffed and started to roll a cigarette. ‘It’s all right, you know. Your secret’s safe with us.’
‘Vera...’ said Hugo.
‘No harm getting things on the table. We know you’re a freak,’ she said to the Doctor.
‘How?’ he said after a beat.
‘Your blood’s funny, your skin’s too cool, your heartbeat sounds like nothing I’ve ever heard. Course, maybe you just have some exotic disease. In which case, I hope it ain’t contagious.’
‘I don’t.’
She nodded, eying him assessingly. ‘Pity it don’t show. No way for you to make a living from it. Course you’re lovely, so you could be tattooed all over and display yourself.’
The Doctor laughed.
‘Vera!’ said Hugo.
‘Well,’ she said defensively, ‘is it true or not?’
‘How’d you get so far on the bad side of Micah?’ said Hugo quickly.
‘I asked too many questions about his mirror.’
‘Aye.’ Hugo sloshed some hot water around in the teapot to warm it. ‘He’s very protective of that mirror. Won’t even leave it up at the Palace; brings it home each night.’
‘Excuse me?’ The Doctor sat up straight, like a squirrel sensing that a passer-by has a nut. ‘Do you mean to say it’s here?’ Hugo nodded towards the dark hulk of a large caravan. ‘I don’t suppose I could have a look at it?’
Vera sighed and moved the kettle off the boil.
‘Hauls it home every night,’ said Hugo, as he led the Doctor to the caravan. ‘Great heavy thing it is too.’
‘It’s amazing he hasn’t broken it.’
‘Well, that’s a funny thing. I’ve seen him bang it or drop it more than once. But it’s never broken.’
‘Really?’ the Doctor murmured. Hugo had undone a heavy lock.