Doctor Who_ The Hollow Men - Keith Topping [83]
„That‟s Hatch‟s car,‟ said Denman as they drove up to the Wellton private clinic. The Doctor could see the chauffeur running from the ministerial limousine and towards the brightly lit building entrance.
„We‟ve arrived, and to prove it we‟re here,‟ said Trevor with a chuckle as he sat forward and followed the Doctor‟s gaze. „A bit of advance warning for Matt. You think he‟ll be pleased to see us?‟
„I was planning to ask him that,‟ said the Doctor, getting out of the car and rushing towards the building. Denman followed close behind, dragging the handcuffed Winstone with him. Beyond the deserted entrance hall were a series of anonymous corridors, but the Doctor made for the main stairwell, with the footsteps of the chauffeur echoing somewhere ahead of him. „Research-and- development labs,‟
the Doctor called over his shoulder to Denman, who was just beginning to climb the stairs. „Quick as you can.‟
At the top of the stairs the Doctor found himself in another long corridor. To his left a pair of lire doors were still swinging. „This way!‟ the Doctor called as Denman and Winstone emerged into the corridor behind him. They ran through the doors, then through another pair. And found themselves in a brightly lit operating theatre.
The first thing that Trevor and Denman saw was Rebecca Baber on one of the white leather couches. A gag had been stuffed clumsily into her mouth, and she wore a pale slipover operating gown. She struggled against her bonds, her eyes wide with panic.
Behind her stood three men. One was Slater, the chauffeur, holding a lethal-looking knife; another wore a surgeon‟s mask and gown. The third was Matthew Hatch, smirking, a gun in one hand.
„Doctor,‟ said Hatch brightly. „We‟ve been expecting you.‟
The Doctor moved into the room and cautiously approached the operating table. „For goodness‟ sake, Hatch, this is serious.‟
„Indeed,‟ said Hatch, turning his attention to Denman and Winstone. „You couldn‟t even carry out my instructions?‟ he asked Trevor angrily.
„Well, you know, I tried,‟ replied Winstone, holding up his handcuffs apologetically.
Denman took a pace forward, snarling like an animal, but Hatch turned the gun in his direction. „I really must have a word with my colleague the Home Secretary about you, ex-Chief Constable,‟ noted Hatch. „Search them for weapons,‟ he told Slater, who moved quickly towards Denman and Trevor.
„How did I know,‟ said the Doctor, „that whatever devious and overcomplicated plan you were hatching, if you‟ll pardon the pun, it would involve someone being tied up?‟ He peered more closely. „It‟s Miss Baber, isn‟t it? Good evening.‟ He doffed his hat.
„Very amusing,‟ said Hatch as Slater finished his search of the two men.
„They‟re clean,‟ he said.
„Good,‟ continued Hatch. „If they move, you know what to do.‟ He turned back to the Doctor. „You shouldn‟t have interfered, Doctor,‟ he said sadly.
„Couldn‟t help it,‟ noted the Doctor. „It‟s my job.‟
„Interference?‟
„Hmm.‟ The Doctor ignored Hatch, and walked around the table to the silent surgeon. „How do you do?‟ he said holding out a hand. „I‟m the Doctor.‟
„Nicholas Bevan,‟ said the surgeon instantly. „Erm, a doctor of what, exactly?‟
„Oh, this and that,‟ replied the Doctor. „What‟s your speciality? Genetics?‟
Bevan cast a nervous glance at Hatch and then back at the Doctor. „You‟ve heard of me, perhaps?‟
„No,‟ said the Doctor. He leaned over the operating table and gave Rebecca a reassuring pat on the head. „Don‟t worry, my dear,‟ he said. „We‟ll have you out of there in a jiffy.‟
„If you hurt her...‟ began Trevor, his voice overwhelmed with emotion. The chauffeur gave a menacing flick of the blade, and Trevor shrank back towards the door.
„She‟s more interested in monkeys than people, Trev,‟ said Hatch. „Has she never told you?‟ He pushed the Doctor away from the table. „She‟s screwed me up one time too many.
And, family or no family, nobody screws with me.‟ Hatch smiled. „Pardon my pun.‟
„Not even Jack i‟ the Green?‟ asked the Doctor quickly.