Nap

Brontë drove carefully, mindful of all the regulations.

“It’s obvious these rules are flexible,’ she said, accelerating to avoid a small green car that had shot through red traffic lights and cut straight across in front of them. ‘There do not seem to be sanctions for those who do not observe them strictly.’

‘Except possibly damage to themselves and other road-users,’ said Hugo, clinging to his seat. ‘I imagine a collision between two cars would be painful, depending on the speed, not to mention collateral damage to pedestrians who found themselves caught up in such a crash.’

‘I’m doing my best not to become involved in anything like that, but it would certainly help if we could use our APRS over packet radio. Enhanced by telepathy, I would have advance information about other drivers’ intentions. Like this, I’m operating blind.’

‘Just as well your reactions are so good then. Mind that one-’ he pointed at a youth on an electric scooter, travelling very fast in the road, weaving in and out of the lines of traffic.

‘Firstly, that’s an illegal vehicle,’ said Brontë primly, ‘and not allowed on British roads, secondly you are supposed to pass other road users by moving to the outside of the vehicles, not on the inside edges and thirdly-’

They never discovered her third point, as the car in front of them didn’t see or hear the electric scooter and struck it, throwing its rider into their path. Brontë manoeuvred deftly around him, mounting the pavement and causing a minor panic amongst the pedestrians.

‘Sorry,’ she mouthed as they leapt out of the way. ‘I’m not stopping though, the last thing we need is the authorities to delay us or record our journey in any way.’

She indicated left and turned down a side street. ‘I think we can get through this way. We’re almost there.’

Within five minutes they arrived at the complex. It was still early and employees were appearing one by one, to cross the parking area and slip their entry cards into the main door.

‘Not here, it would be better to leave the car a little farther off. Try that road.’ Alain pointed to a turning at the side of the buildings and Brontë drove along a little way until she found a space to park the car.

‘That was neatly done. Were there instructions online on how to position a vehicle in a small area or did you compute that yourself?’ said Hugo.

‘I’m not even going to answer that. You’re beginning to sound like Joe, did you know that?

He grinned. ‘Huge compliment, thank you. Now what do we do?’

‘We wait,’ said Alain. ‘We should rest for a little since we’ve been awake all night. I think Jean-Claude is unlikely to arrive for another half an hour or so. I’ll watch for him, you two try to nap.’