Lifers 71

Nick knelt beside the hatch listening for the sound of mass movement. What he heard were muffled voices, subdued voices, like those of a congregation leaving church after Mass had ended. It sounded like there were hundreds of them down there. He walked outside to the 4X4 to inform Gregg.

‘They’re moving, they’re in the tunnel, and they’re heading for the cinema.’

‘Okay, once you’re sure they’re all inside, blow the tunnel, and then give me the signal.’ He looked over at Jill then back to Nick. ‘Make sure they get away from here, Nick.’

‘Don’t worry about that; they’ll be leaving right after you get that signal.’

Gregg nodded, raised the small crack in the window, then put his foot down hard and the 4X4’s engine roared into life and sent him speeding towards the town hall.

In the rear-view he saw Nick moving towards the white van as it grew smaller in the increasing distance he was putting between them. Turning to look ahead, he saw the plumes of black smoke and the bright orange flames of the fire growing ever nearer. If he’s to get in and get those girls out before the place burns to the ground, Nick better hurry and blow that tunnel.

As he reached the last fifty yards of Main Street, he slammed on the breaks causing the 4X4 to slide to a screeching stop. He looked back towards the van but couldn’t see it; the mist of the rain obscuring his view. Now all he could do was wait, the 4X4’s engine purring, his nerves screaming, searching for his signal.

Nick returned to the hatch in the garage and knelt, once again listening for the noise of the people passing to fade. When he heard nothing for ten to fifteen seconds, he picked up his electronic detonator, opened the little flap, and pressed the red button.

Three seconds later, the explosion directly underneath the concrete floor of the garage, caused each of the small puddles to be tossed a foot in the air and come crashing back down. The tin walls rattled, as did the open shutter. Nick waved to Jill as a signal and she flashed the single headlight of Nick’s van over a dozen times, making sure Gregg could see it. She hoped he could see it, because she couldn’t see him.