Doctor Who_ Cave Monsters - Malcolm Hulke [35]
'Who?' Dr. Lawrence was so lost in thought that he couldn't remember any Mr. Masters.
'The Permanent Under Secretary,' said Miss Travis. Dr.
Lawrence was still confused. 'You mean he's left London to come here? When will he arrive?'
'He has arrived,' she said. 'He's coming down in the lift now.
The guard at the top 'phoned down and I answered the 'phone.'
'Thank you for letting me know.' Dr. Lawrence stood up, buttoned his jacket. 'Any chance you could rustle up some coffee for us?'
'I'll do what I can,' she said and left.
Dr. Lawrence looked at himself in a wall mirror and straightened his tie. Then he cursed himself for behaving like this.
Masters and he were at prep school together, had known each other since they were children. He had nothing to fear from Freddie Masters. On the contrary, perhaps Masters could sort out the whole awful mess. These thoughts were running through his head as the door was opened by a security guard and the Right Honourable Frederick Masters, M.P., entered. As always Masters was smiling, as though he had just won a General Election.
'Charles,' he said, advancing on Dr. Lawrence with outstretched hand, 'I do hope you'll forgive my arriving unannounced like this.'
'You're most welcome,' said Dr. Lawrence, remembering to add the friendly, 'Freddie.'
The smile on Masters's face faded for just a fraction of a second. 'I've rather dropped "Freddie" these days. "Frederick" seems to fit the image more, don't you think?' With this remark Masters made it clear that he was now rather important in the government, and Dr. Lawrence, was not.
'Yes, of course,' said Dr. Lawrence. 'What can I do for you?'
Masters looked about the office, and ran a finger along a ledge which hadn't been dusted for some time. Then, as though he owned the place, he sat down in Dr. Lawrence's chair behind the desk.
'What can you do for me?' he said, 'or isn't it rather what I can do for you?' He produced a perfectly white handkerchief, dusted the desk top before placing his elbows on it. 'I believe you are in terrible trouble.'
Dr. Lawrence quaked. 'You mean with the government?'
'With everyone, dear boy,' said Masters. 'When I read your latest report, I just didn't know how I dare pass it on to the Minister.'
Dr. Lawrence leant over his own desk and spoke earnestly.
'Something very strange is going on here, something outside of science as we know it...'
'You don't have to tell me,' Masters cut in with a wave of his immaculately manicured right hand. 'A dead potholer, another one gone mad; another technician killed by your own security officer with a blow on the head; and above all else, these extraordinary power losses.' He paused for effect, as though making a speech. 'You see, Charles, all these incidents might be acceptable to the government if at the same time there had been any progress in your work. But there has been no progress at all!' Then he put on the famous smile. 'Am I being beastly?'
'No,' said Dr. Lawrence. 'Everything you say is true. In fact, since my last report the situation has worsened.'
'If that is possible,' said Masters. 'Do tell me more?'
Dr. Lawrence knew there was no point in hiding anything.
'Major Barker, our security officer, was attacked by some person or persons unknown in the caves, and has since run away from the sick-bay. Dr. Matthew Quinn has been murdered. Miss Dawson, one of our most important technicians, has become mentally unbalanced.'
Masters looked at Dr. Lawrence for a full half-minute without speaking. 'Well, well,' he said at last, 'it just isn't your day, is it?'
'Look, Frederick,' said Dr. Lawrence, lowering his voice.
'You've got to help me, for old time's sake. Is there any chance I could get out of this place?'
'You just get into that lift and press the button...'
Dr. Lawrence cut in on Masters'