Breaking Britain (Completed)

Chapter 20

20
Saturday 5th January 2030
20:50

          'Turn the volume up', Justin shouted abruptly.

           Billy increased the volume on the television, as he watched a sheet of paper being passed to Mark Watson.

           'Junior, Clarise, get in here'

           Junior was waiting for the kettle to boil. Clarise was stood at the side of the counter tucking into a packet of crisps. Junior had been telling Clarise of his boredom at his dad's house and how he was grateful to be back.

           'What is it?'

           'Just get in here'

           'We best go see what he wants', Clarise suggested.

            The kettle had just finished boiling, but he left it and followed Clarise into the lounge.

            Billy had increased the volume on the television and soon as Junior entered, his attention was drawn to it.

            "We're outside St.Albans City Hospital, where they are still counting up the loss of lives. So far we've heard of young and old bodies being moved to a special ward set up for the dead. Police have been in and out of here, attempting to minimize the disruption these deaths have caused. This is a truly a sad day in English history"

           'Shit, we have to get over there'

           'Wait, try ringing her first', Justin responded.

            Junior rushed to the phone, 'Shit, I can't remember the number'

            'Where do you keep it'

            'On my mobile phone. In the kitchen.'

            Clarise rushed into the kitchen, returning with Junior's phone. She handed it to him, without saying anything.

           'What's going on?', Billy asked.

           'It's Junior's mum', Clarise replied, 'she works at the hospital'

            Junior fumbled with his phone until he had his mum's number and started to dial. He waited, gripping the handle tight to his ear. The others looked on not daring to break the tension that hovered menacingly over them. The call went to voice mail.

            'No answer', he stated and waited for the bleep, 'mum, please call me as soon as you get this message'

             He hung up and fumbled with his mobile again.

             'What now?', Justin asked.

             'I'm trying the hospital'

              He held on for two minutes. There was no reply. He hung up the phone.

              'We have to go there', he said more certain than the first time he had stated it.

               'I know', Justin confirmed, raising from his seated position, nervously, 'I'm sure she's fine', he said, with little conviction and pulled his car keys out from his pocket.