Getting a lift

Now that he'd decided to head for safety, Adam's paranoia was back.

So when he emerged from a side street onto a road that offered few opportunities to duck out of sight if need be, he felt very exposed. Still, a few hundred yards, and he could slip down an alley between two houses.

When he heard the car behind him, he was wary but steeled himself to keep walking.

When it slowed, he decided to bend over and pretend to tie his shoelaces> He'd wait for it go past, ready to run if it should stop.

The car, it seemed, crawled slower. The seconds dragged.

Given the position he was in, when he heard the single whoop of a siren so close behind, it was a miracle he stayed on his feet. Turning around, he saw a police patrol car, with a female officer stepping out from the passenger-side door.

She came toward him. "Mr Cotter? Thought it was you sir. Hope my colleague didn't frighten you just then, but he wanted to make sure we had your attention. Good to see you're safe and well. Were you aware that we've been looking for you? It seems there are some people who are concerned about your well-being."

Adam was stunned; surely Alice and Margaret hadn't gone to the police to track him down?

"So sir, if you wouldn't mind coming down to the station with us, I'm sure we can get this cleared up in no time at all."

Not seeing an alternative, Adam got into the front passenger seat as directed, while the policewoman got in the back.

The male police officer said nothing, simply nodding a greeting as Adam fastened his seat belt.

It was only after five minutes in the car that he realised they were driving away from the direction of the police station.



Part Two begins here.