Of Lakes, Mysteries and the Odd Lunatic

Chapter XIII: In Which Lawrence confers with the long arm of the law

Chapter XIII

In Which Lawrence confers with the long arm of the law

That night was stormy once more, and the rain puddled in the dips and valleys of the hillside. The few people of Little Vale who had dared to venture out carried brightly coloured umbrellas which seemed out of sync with the dark and gloomy weather. The lights of the houses, shops and hotels were distorted by the rain.

At the Institute, the faint ringing of bells could be heard, seeming to emanate from the attic space. And, even quieter, was the muted cawing of a small bird perching on a branch on the tree that overlooked the drive.

If it were not raining and if it were not night, snakes of woodsmoke would been seen rising from the chimneys about town. Also seen would be two men in dark suits and hats, walking along the footpath, the rain collecting on their thick black coats and their shiny shoes paying no heed to the puddles that barred their way. They blended in completely with the night, only becoming visible as they passed under a window where a light was on, and then only for a moment.

The following morning brought with it a thick mist that settled on the hills like an old wizard’s beard, and flowed like a river until it smothered Little Vale below. It also brought yet another unwelcome visitor.

Lawrence was already in the lobby attending to a patient who had escaped his room when the knock on the door came.

“Take this woman up to her room would you, Mason? Just be careful of he fingernails, they’re quite sharp. I’ll get the door,” Lawrence said as he walked towards the doorway.

Mason nodded. “Yes, sir.” He, of course, knew every patient at the Institute as well as his master, but he did not let it on too much. Of course, he did not let much on at all.

Lawrence opened the thick oak doors to see two men in black coats standing there, looking rather damp and serious.

“Can I help you two men? I’m afraid visiting hours aren’t for another hour and a half.”

The one on the right spoke. “We’re not here to see anyone, Mr. Baker.”

“Oh.”

“We’re here to see something else. We believe you’ve found something recently.”

Lawrence smiled a little. “What kind of thing?” He stepped outside and closed the door behind him, making sure it clicked shut.

“Our sources say you uncovered something in a room in this building. Something in the floor.”

Lawrence realised they were talking about the underground passageway that lead to the laboratory. “Gentlemen, what happens in this Institute is none of your concern, now if I could ask you to leave...”

“This is entirely of our concern, Mr. Baker. We, you see, are from the government.” At this point Lawrence noticed that they each wore an official badge under their coats.

“Ah, I see. Well, all we found was a bit of rot, that’s all.”

“Nothing else, sir?”

Lawrence knew that he was lying to the government. This could get him, and the Institute, into some serious trouble. “No.”

The man who had spoken last looked at him for a moment. “We’ll be seeing you later, Mr. Baker. Good day.” And without any signal or command, they both turned simultaneously and walked briskly down the drive and back towards the village.

Lawrence quickly darted back inside, breathing deeply and leaning against the door.

“Is everything alright, sir?” Mason asked.

“Just two visitors, that’s all. Nothing to worry about.”

Mason knew his master was not telling him the entire truth, as he had watched part of the conversation from a window, but as the window was closed he could not hear any of the conversation.

Lawrence knew exactly how the two men had come to know of the passageway. It was the carpenters. They had found it first, and it was quite an event compared to their normal work day. They were bound to retell it to their friends, family and anyone willing to hear at the local pub. The government would have agents in places that were frequently visited by the public, and they would pick up any useful chatter or information they heard. You see, even a small town as perfect as Little Vale can have its secrets.