Doctor Who_ The Algebra of Ice - Lloyd Rose [33]
‘Oh that would be Mr Amberglass,’ she said. ‘He went home that day.’
‘Amberglass. Of course. Jerry, wasn’t it?’
She shot him an amused glance. ‘Ethan.’
‘Yes, yes, yes. Ethan. Where was my brain? How is he doing?’
‘Quite well, apparently. Hasn’t had to come back here at any rate.’
Molecross smiled. ‘Lucky him.’
70
The Algebra of Ice
‘Oh not to worry,’ she said comfortingly. ‘We’ll have you out of here in a couple of days.’
But Molecross left that night.
Ethan stiffened when, at the beginning of the second movement, a late patron took the seat behind him. He had deliberately purchased a ticket for high in the gallery, where he would be isolated, and now some idiot had come and, in spite of the empty seats all around, sat right next to him. He was considering moving when the newcomer spoke:
‘Bach is one of my favourites too.’
Ethan’s head snapped around.
‘These particular cello pieces aren’t among his most popular, but I think they may be his most profound. I’m sure you share my opinion.’
‘You gave me your bloody word!’ Ethan hissed.
‘Erm,’ said the Doctor. ‘Not exactly.’
Ethan started to get up but the Doctor caught his arm. ‘I did come for the music.’ His eyes were innocent and sincere. ‘Stay and enjoy it. We’ll talk later.’
At the interval, Ethan made straight for the bar. ‘I’m bloody sick of turning around and finding you there.’
‘I wanted to hear the performance. She’s a genius in her way, don’t you think?’
Ethan swore and ordered a large whiskey and soda.
‘Hard day at work?’ said the Doctor sympathetically. Ethan didn’t answer. ‘I noticed the piano in your flat. Do you play yourself? Mathematical and musical ability are often linked.’ Ethan’s drink arrived, and he gulped down a couple of pills. ‘You know, particularly with alcohol, I’m not at all sure those are good for you.’
‘That’s a laugh coming from you.’
‘You’re not seeing me at my best.’
‘I’m afraid I am,’ said Ethan. He was livid and his dark eyes looked black.
‘I’m afraid this is what you bloody do. Stand out in fields in the middle of the night and summon strange powers –’
‘I didn’t –’
‘Materialise in peoples’ flats.’
‘I used the door –’
‘Confer with mysterious government officials. Operate under an alias.’
‘Doctor is not an alias –’
‘Who are you!’ said Ethan furiously. ‘Tell me now!’
Chapter Eight
71
‘Don’t you want to hear the second half?’
‘As if I could concentrate. Tell me.’
‘If I do, will you promise to go back in?’
Ethan drained his glass and slammed it on the bar. ‘Yes, goddamnit. All right.
Yes I will bloody go back in. Now who are you?’
‘I’m an alien from another planet. I’m here to save the Earth. It’s what I do.’
The Doctor checked his programme. ‘Hm, Mendelssohn. A bit frivolous after the Bach, don’t you think? Perhaps we should go after all.’
In the pub, the Doctor ordered an orange juice and Ethan got another whiskey and soda in spite of the fact that the first one had gone right to his head. He was glad he was foggy. More fogginess was bound to be better. Even as they left the concert hall, he had begun trying to persuade himself that he had heard the Doctor wrong, or perhaps simply made the remark up. Unfortunately he hadn’t made up the Doctor himself, who was sitting across from him primly sipping his orange juice. Why did he wear that hat? It looked as if it had been run over.
‘I need your help.’
‘Oh go away,’ Ethan groaned. ‘We keep having this conversation. You come, I tell you to go, you stay, and things get crazy.’
‘I think you’re exaggerating. That trip to the field was Ace’s idea. All I’ve done is ask you a few questions.’
Ethan finished his second drink. ‘And tell me you’re from outer space.’ He slumped against the bench back. ‘Are you from outer space?’
‘I think the phrase is rather vulgar,