Doctor Who_ The Sleep of Reason - Martin Day [65]
She contrived an ‘accidental’ meeting with James in the stunted conservatory that overlooked the courtyard. She would be sitting there, just minding her own business; James, about to pass by, would stop and make idle conversation for a few minutes. Even if one of Dr Smith’s cronies were watching her, there would be nothing to see.
James ambled into view about five minutes later than she’d expected, looking even more distracted than usual. ‘They’ve upped security patrols,’ he explained. ‘Some jobsworth who pretends not to know me keeps asking to see my badge.’ As a mark of nascent rebellion, James always wore his badge –
James Abel, Psychiatric Nurse and the logo of the Retreat – at ninety degrees and low down on his shirt. ‘Can’t blame ’em, I suppose. The management wants this place to keep a low profile – they don’t need people thinking the Retreat is full of psychos or anything. But now. . . Everyone’s keeping an eye on everyone else – at least, until the police get here.’
‘That’s sort of what I wanted to talk to you about.’
‘Oh?’
‘Dr Smith’s been snooping. Or, at least, that blonde bitch of his has. I think he knows.’
‘Knows?’
‘About us.’
James puffed out his cheeks as he considered this: ‘Well,’ he said a few moments later. ‘Smith doesn’t strike me as the sort of bloke to make a fuss.’
‘No, but it means he thinks he’s justified in asking whatever questions he wants.’
‘What’s he been saying?’
asked James, perching on one of the floral—
patterned chairs.
‘Just digging around – about my past, about this place.’
James nodded. ‘I had a weird conversation with Trix a couple of days back,’
he said. ‘And I still reckon Fitz was following me. I guess they’re just digging 112
for info as well. Still, the important thing is, you don’t have to tell anyone anything you don’t want.’
‘That’s the theory,’ agreed Laska.
‘And a very good theory it is, too.’
Both James and Laska jumped in surprise. They turned to see Dr Oldfield, who had silently come up behind them both.
‘I become more and more concerned by Dr Smith’s methods,’ he continued.
‘He and his friends are becoming a menace to the sound running of this place.
I think it’s one of many areas that need a firmer hand. And now that we’ve got a murder on our hands. . . ’
James had said that Oldfield was quite shaken up by his discovery of the body in the basement. It seemed as if things were back to normal now, however.
‘I don’t think anyone could have predicted that,’ James said.
‘I am not so sure,’ said Oldfield. ‘I know I have a reputation for being “a bit of an old woman “. . . ’ He stared at James, who blushed – Laska had heard him use that very phrase often enough. ‘But does this not prove what I have been saying all along? I’ve lost count of the times I’ve asked Dr Bartholomew to look into our security arrangements. They have CCTVs at most schools now, but we let anyone wander in and out of the Retreat.’
‘Nobody wants to let me just wander out,’ said Laska so quietly she was surprised that Oldfield heard her.
‘Indeed,’ said Oldfield. He paused, then smiled as if something had just occurred to him. ‘Of course, if the Trust decide not to renew Dr Bartholomew’s contract – or even ask for her to leave – then who knows who will end up in charge. . . Or what regime for the recommended release of patients they might operate.’ He smiled again, and Laska knew full well who he imagined would end up in charge – and what sort of regime they might run. ‘There are always exceptions that can be made,’ he continued, staring resolutely at Laska. ‘Once word of this murder gets out into the wider community Dr Bartholomew’s stock will be at an all-time low. Perhaps it would be best not to prolong the agony. . . ’
He held Laska’s gaze just a moment longer, then turned away. ‘My office door is always open,’ he said, before sweeping away.
James waited until the man was well out of earshot before speaking. ‘That bloke gives me the creeps,’ he said. ‘Wouldn’t surprise me