Page 70 of No Safe Place
That was where Field was when she got the call from the hospital. Halfway through an illicit cigarette, bummed off a drunken football fan at kicking-out time.
She didn’t stub it out, but she didn’t take a drag either. The cigarette burned in her hand as Dr Wheatley explained that David Moore had suffered multiple system organ failure, and died without regaining consciousness.
Chapter 45
D:You said you felt unsafe, but you are safe here. This place – it’s designed to keep you safe. That’s our job.
Pause
P:There isn’t a safe place for me, D—.
Pause
P:I am the danger. My brain, it’s hardwired to make me suffer. I’m not safe anywhere.
Chapter 46
Friday | Midnight
Andy
He opened his eyes.
Andy didn’t know how long he’d been lying on his bed, headphones on, eyes tight shut. Days?
You need to go.
The room was still spinning, and he looked down at his chest. His T-shirt was stiff with blood.
He removed the headphones, wincing in pain.
You can’t stay here.
The house was silent.
He got up from the bed, breathing heavily, dragged his large rucksack from under it, and placed it on the bed.
It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay.
He carefully added black clothes, a few books and his late father’s pocket watch. Last in was £1,000 in cash, which his mother had given him for emergencies, before she went into the hospice.
Anything that could be used to trace him was left in the drawer of the desk, in orderly rows. Phone, cards, Oyster. A short note on top of the desk said he was going to his mother’s house, if any of his housemates even noticed he was gone.
He hoisted the rucksack over one shoulder.
Chapter 47
Friday | Early hours
Field
Zara opened the door to Field, expression grave. Even at one in the morning, she managed to look well put together.
‘How is she?’ Field asked quietly.
Zara just shook her head.
The lamp in the living room was casting an incongruous cosy glow. Simon Dawes was sitting just beyond the puddle of light, tears on his cheeks.
