Xavier got into the car beside Jean-Claude, the handles of the canvas bag clenched tightly in his fist. Kim started the engine and the car drove on into the darkness. Inside, each of the four occupants was grappling with their own thoughts.
Kim couldn’t shake off a strong feeling of dread. The presentiment that something didn’t add up was really bugging her.
Joe was wondering whether or not he could swing a sickie tomorrow morning, to give him more time to deal with this odd situation at home. Heaven knew, he wouldn’t be able to concentrate on office paperwork or team meetings with all this going on. He massaged his abused knees, regretting his cavalier disregard for their welfare when he had knelt so quickly in the lane.
Jean-Claude’s brain was churning too. Had Xavier really said something to the effect that he would have a heart attack later? What had he meant? He rubbed at his chest automatically, willing it to settle into a more stable rhythm. From time to time Xavier’s elbow nudged him inadvertently, as the car rocked through puddles or bumped over humps in the road. The physical contact made him flinch.
Xavier sat staring forwards, the bag perched on his knees. The infrasound had not had the desired effect, he wasn’t sure why. He would have to think of something else.
Add comment
Comments