The Trespass(90)

“I was relying on Charles to pinpoint their location. In any case, it seems likely that we’re talking somewhere abroad. In which case there’s not a lot you can do anyway.”

“Oh, don’t you believe it, Mr Dracup,” Moran said quietly. “I can be very persuasive when I’ve a mind to be that way.”

The door opened and Phelps reappeared with three plastic cups and a chocolate bar. He was walking stiffly with an odd, preoccupied look about him.

“Thank you, Phelps.” Moran pointed. “Just there will be fine.”

Phelps placed the cups between Dracup and Moran. He turned with an apologetic expression and looked at the door.

“Problem, Phelps?” Moran stepped forward, his face registering the first inkling of concern, but the door was already swinging open. There was a collective exclamation from the occupants of the room, and Dracup found himself looking down the meticulously rifled barrel of an automatic pistol.





Chapter 30





Potzner closed the door. He pointed the automatic steadily at Moran. “Gentlemen.” He smiled a greeting to each occupant of the room in turn. “I do apologize for this unorthodox approach. Professor – would you be kind enough to stand up and walk slowly over to me?”

Moran spoke quietly. “This isn’t a good idea, Mr Potzner.”

“We’ll be out of your way shortly, Detective Chief Inspector. My men are covering the building, so please don’t entertain any foolish notions of heroism.”

Dracup studied Potzner’s face. The eyes were glazed, the expression one of zealous conviction. Something’s happened. He’s lost it.

Moran was attempting to reason. “This will cause a serious diplomatic situation. Professor Dracup is helping the police with their enquiries. It’s a criminal offence to remove him.”

Potzner nodded. “Is that a fact? Well, Detective Chief Inspector, I have to warn you that if you attempt to stop me I will shoot you where you stand. Do I make myself clear?”

Dracup’s hands were hidden by his PC. Keeping a close eye on Potzner he eased the flash card out of the card reader and slipped it underneath his cuff.

Phelps was staring open-mouthed. Moran’s hands were clenching and unclenching, weighing his options. Dracup looked at Potzner and had no doubts. He’ll do it. He stood up slowly and raised a warning hand to Moran. “I think we’d best do as he says.”

Potzner led Dracup out of the room and closed the door behind him, locking it carefully with one hand. The other still held the automatic. Dracup looked down the corridor. Potzner’s men stood along it, spaced evenly like a wedding line. He looked in vain for Farrell. Surely he wouldn’t condone this madness?

“After you, Professor Dracup.” Potzner gestured with the automatic.

A sleek, black saloon awaited them in the car park. A number of agents were strategically placed like a scattered party of Mormon elders waiting for a sign. The sign apparently came and they melted into the anonymity of the campus. The engine purred into life. Dracup was in the back and the car was moving towards the exit.

Potzner holstered his automatic with an apologetic shrug. “Sorry about that, Prof. I don’t think you’ll do anything stupid, will you?”

Dracup had recovered from his surprise. “I think you’ve cornered the market on ‘stupid’. This is England. You can’t just kidnap a police suspect.”

“But you’re not a suspect, are you, Mr Dracup? I think DCI Moran senses something out of the ordinary and believes you can supply him with the answers. You’re no killer. Anyone can tell that. He’s fishing.” Potzner turned to Dracup with a strange smile on his lips. “And did he catch anything?”

Moran’s not the only one waving a net around, Dracup thought. To counter Potzner’s question he said, “I know what this is about.”

“Oh yeah. I imagine you do.” Potzner seemed pleased.

“But I can’t believe it.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“The discovery of Noah’s Ark is one thing. The preserved body of Adam is another.”

“Nevertheless, both are true.”

There was something disturbing about this dry confirmation. Dracup’s head began to spin. “Creation is a myth. Darwin set the record straight over a hundred years ago.” He shook his head. “It’s impossible.”

“No. Darwin took the world down the biggest blind alley it’s ever been down. You never heard of the Laws of Thermodynamics, Prof? I’ll be surprised if you haven’t.”

Dracup’s head was throbbing. “Of course I have.”