Steps

‘No longer available...?’

Delphine spoke quietly. ‘She means he’s dead.’

‘But he can’t be. He went into that warehouse with Xavier and...’ Kim's voice tailed off as she saw the clones exchange the briefest of glances. ‘Oh. You mean you think Xavier-’

‘Xavier came out alone. There has been no communication from Jean-Claude ever since. This is what we feared might happen.’ Delphine gave a little sob. ‘He’ll come for the rest of us - Alain, Brontë and Hugo first probably, and then us.’

Joe's brows came down in a frown. His eyes darted to left and right, a sure sign he was thinking hard. ‘They just said he hadn’t come into work. Bit of a leap to decide he's dead, isn't it?’ 

Emma shook her head. ‘No Joe. It's actually just a small step. Delphine and I have reviewed everything that has happened since we first left the facility and there is only one explanation for Xavier's actions. He is working for an outside agency that would have him as the sole sentient for some purpose unknown. Therefore he must dispose of all other sentients and anyone who knows we exist. Clearly, that means Jean-Claude and also inevitably, you and Kim. I think the colloquial term is "collateral damage" for unfortunates caught up in an operation involving harsh and speedy action where the final outcome is more important than some of the details.’

‘Collateral damage?’ Kim thought Joe might have some sort of apoplexy, he was so angry. ‘After all we've done for him? And to think of killing his fellow clones? This can't be right. It doesn't bear thinking about. It's madness.’