Water's Edge

Chapter XLIX

Getaway

"I am sorry, I just froze." Womack apologised when we got to the bottom, Becky in a silver blanket. Everything was illuminated as it had been when I had first got here, blurs of blue across the estuary.

"I understand." I did. I had felt that strange urge to just leap over the edge, as if that would end the fear of heights.

Becky could barely see me, frozen not just from the chill but from the horror. Thorngumbald had become quite a place for terror, and I had dragged her into it. I could feel her blaming me from here.

I only felt safe when the Zee arrived. I sighed, approaching her. I had asked a copper to collect it for me, and here it was. I realised it had been the one who had called me 'scab' all these days. He handed over the keys and for a second I thought he'd say something, but no—people respect those who can shoot straight. I never knew if this was a good or a poor mark of character.

I stood by the car, waiting for someone to approach me as a sign of good faith, but nothing was moving forward. Elle Thompson even arrived, which shocked everyone. A few coppers saluted without knowing why. I leant against the Zee and smoked a Marlboro; I had earnt this one, for sure.

Whilst everyone congratulated each other, arrested the Saxons, and crimed the scene – none approaching me to discuss what would happen next – my eyes were drawn away from everything to a dot of light. A car sped away—

Evgeny was the dogsbody, but Barnaby was the mind behind this operation. We had assumed so much about everyone, but this assumption – this twinge – I knew I should follow.

I stepped into the Zee and powered her up, the tape player whirring into action.

I was riding, I was riding

The sun was rising up from the fields

I got a feeling I just can't shake

I got a feeling that just won't go away

Her headlights illuminated Elle. She had been approaching. She'd need a statement.

Too late. He was getting away.