The Trespass(13)

“I’m not letting it go that easily. Keep an eye on the corridor.”

Sara stood at the door while Dracup flicked the diary pages over and pressed the button. The copier whirred. The results were barely legible. “Blast. Where’s the contrast button?”

Sara stepped over. “Here. Now try.”

After a few minutes Dracup had half the pages copied. Somewhere in the distance the sound of police sirens rose and fell. The paper ran out, and Sara hissed across the room, “Someone coming.”

One of the lab technicians peered into the room. “Hullo. Can I help?”

“Just borrowing the copier.” Dracup smiled.

“Are you –”

“Dracup – Anthropology. Our machine’s on the blink again.”

“Of course. Carry on.” The technician grinned back.

Sara nodded as the man left the office and walked back along the corridor. As she watched, another man slipped through the double doors at the far end. He was tall and grey haired.

“Simon?”

“What?”

“Someone’s coming.”

Dracup, intent on his task, waited for the next sheet before responding. When he looked up he saw Potzner halfway down the corridor and closing fast.

“Run.” He thrust the papers at Sara, grabbed her hand and bolted out of the office, turning right towards what he hoped was the way to the side entrance – if there was a side entrance. Behind him came Potzner’s voice: “Dracup...Wait!”

They sprinted the length of the building, and burst out in front of the large greenhouses to the rear of the Plant Sciences lab. Skirting the car park Dracup got his bearings and turned back onto the internal campus road. He shouted to Sara, “This leads onto Pepper Lane.” He dog-legged past the security box, stole a glance behind and saw Potzner’s elastic frame almost upon her. Damn. The man was fast for his age. Sara was mouthing something. He strained to hear what she was saying – her arm was flailing now... a warning? He turned – too late – and saw a car mounting the pavement. He dived to the left but the next second it was on him, catching him a bruising blow on his thigh and lifting him into the air. The world slowed down. He floated towards the ground, twisting his head sideways to avoid contact with the pavement. The dreamlike quality persisted until he landed, shoulder first on the tarmac. A curtain descended. He was vaguely aware of hands in his pockets, probing, pulling. An engine roared, so close it felt like it was in his head.

Then there was blackness.





Chapter 4





Dracup was unsure which part of his body hurt the most: his head or his shoulder. He opened his eyes and squinted in the bright light.

“Simon? Thank goodness...”

Sara’s face swam into focus. The curtain twitched and Potzner was at the bedside.

Dracup felt a sudden flare of anger. “I presume you’ve called the dogs off now you’ve got what you wanted.” The effort of speech made him wince.

Potzner studied the bedside cabinet. There was a Tupperware box containing Dracup’s mobile, car keys and wallet. Potzner shook his head. “This wasn’t our doing, Mr Dracup. We were trying to protect you.”

Sara seemed to be in agreement with the American. Dracup searched her face. She was pale, biting her lip. And then he remembered the body on the campus path. To Potzner he said, “You lost a man.”

“Yes.” The American’s expression remained impassive. Only the jaw worked at a slow tempo, masticating the gum with practised automation.

Dracup leaned back on the pillows. His head throbbed with a slow pulse. So Potzner was on his side; that was little consolation now. The theft of the diary had removed the only tangible link to Natasha.

“Fact is, Mr Dracup,” Potzner continued, “it would have been a lot better if you’d just complied with my request and passed the document to me. Safer.”

“That’s helpful.” Dracup’s mouth felt thick and there was a residual taste of antiseptic that made him feel nauseous. “You didn’t tell me there were other interested parties.”

“You handled yourself very well, Professor. But I think it’s time to leave the rest to us.”

Dracup raised an eyebrow. Even that small action sent splinters of pain across his face. “The rest?” Sara was vehemently nodding her agreement. She moved closer and took Dracup’s hand.

“Mr Dracup. I just came to apologize for the inconvenience that’s been caused. I wish you the best for a quick recovery – oh, and you needn’t concern yourself about the incident in the hotel room. The police know nothing.” Potzner turned to leave, one hand on the curtain.