The Unthinkable Truth, page 22
‘Well, it must be someone very nimble, and small enough to fit in a trolley.’
All eyes turned to Meghan. A nervous smile appeared on her face.
‘Hold on,’ George said. ‘Is it a good idea to send the one person that’s already had an attempt made on her life? Besides, why ride in the trolley? Sherlock would be blind anyway, so the person could simply walk out behind Jerry.’
‘Ah, you forget that Sherlock can hear and interpret any sound. Remember its impressive reading of Max’s heart? A second set of footsteps would be easy for it to detect, so my idea is that we’d eat our next meal, this evening, here in the lounge. That way there’ll be a good reason why the trolley is here, and Meghan can climb into it away from the orb’s eyes and ears. We’ll push it through into the conference room tomorrow morning, when the building will be busier than in the evening. We should all move back into the lounge with the full trolley, as a missing voice could be just as suspicious.’
‘Okay, I get it,’ George said, ‘but a lot of things can go wrong. What do you think, Meghan?’
‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘but a lot of things can also go wrong if we just stay here and do nothing. If that’s the best plan we’ve got, I’ll do it.’
‘It’s the only plan we have right now, unless someone has a better one.’ Takahashi looked around. Everyone remained silent. ‘Good. Luckily we still have quite a few hours to iron out the last issues and make contingency plans.’
‘Meghan, I’d better replace you on the watch tonight,’ Helen said. ‘You need a good night’s sleep.’
‘Oh, thank you, Helen.’
* * *
That evening George noticed that Takahashi was fiddling with his wristwatch. He thought it was strange, as his watch shift was not until the following night – so why was he setting an alarm? He decided to ask him tomorrow. Turning around on the sofa, he wrapped himself with the thin blanket and shut his eyes.
30
The following morning, at 7.10 a.m., George gently shook Takahashi’s shoulder. The bearded man turned around on the sofa to face him. Appearing unusually sleepy, Takahashi propped himself on his elbow and looked around at the morning to-and-fro for the toilets. ‘Damn, I missed my opportunity.’
‘What are you talking about? We still have nearly an hour till breakfast arrives.’
‘Remember how eager Gertrude was to volunteer for the 3 a.m. night watch? Well, half an hour into her shift, I caught her sneaking into the conference room, shutting the door behind her and staying there for a full 12 minutes.’
‘Were you awake all night?’
He sat up, still wrapped up in his blanket. ‘Of course not. I set my alarm to 2.55 a.m. on vibrate. You’re missing the point.’
‘So, what did she do in an empty room?’
‘That’s exactly what I want to know. It couldn’t have been for food, since last evening we brought the trolley in here. I think she is up to something, and I intend to find out what at the first opportunity.’
In the corner of his eye, George noticed Helen making her way elegantly across the lounge, barefoot, clutching her amenity kit and face towel. He acknowledged her with a small nod and she responded with a wave.
* * *
‘Hey, Meghan,’ Helen said as she entered the ladies’ toilets.
Meghan was at the basin, drying her long hair with her already wet towel. ‘It’s funny, but the thing I miss the most is actually a good shower. You just don’t appreciate the small things in life until they’re gone.’
‘Oh yes, a nice warm shower would be lovely, but you’ll be the first to have one.’
‘I hope so,’ she said, and laid the wet towel on the marble surface.
‘How do you feel about this plan?’
‘Kind of mixed feelings, really. I guess excitement to leave this place, but also apprehension in case something goes wrong.’
‘Have you been making preparations with Takahashi?’
‘Oh, yes. That man has an amazing photographic memory. He drew the corridors with the objects along the walls, the turns, the doors, including the emergency exits on the fourth floor, even distances. We also went through a few possible scenarios, so I think I’m as ready as I can be.’
‘You’re very brave, Meghan.’
‘Brave or just stupid?’ She laughed. ‘I’m not sure. I just feel some sort of duty to do something for all of us. I’ve done some fighting in court, but nothing physical, of course. Sometimes I think about what Olivier would do in this situation. He is so resourceful, always finding solutions when things look hopeless. Do you have somebody?’
‘No. In fact, I haven’t had anyone for years.’
‘By choice, I hope.’
‘I’m quite happy on my own.’ After a long pause, Helen added, ‘I guess I never found the right man, or maybe … I’m just too choosy.’
‘What about George?’
She chuckled. ‘What about him?’
‘Well, he is really nice, and he fancies you.’
‘You think so?’
‘I don’t think so, I’m sure of it. Haven’t you noticed how he looks at you? He adores you.’
‘Well …’ She giggled. ‘I’ll think about it, maybe when we’re out of here.’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t wait if I were you. He might not make the first move, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t. If the feelings are mutual, of course.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘Gosh, it’s nearly breakfast time. I’d better get back in there and get ready.’
‘Sure. You go ahead, I’ll join you soon.’
‘I’ll miss you, Helen, but hopefully we’ll see each other soon.’
As they hugged, Helen whispered in her ear, ‘Good luck. Do your best.’
‘Thanks, you too,’ Meghan said. She winked and left the toilets.
31
Meghan crossed the lounge in a quick and determined gait. The others already stood around the food trolley, moving the empty plates and bowls and used plastic cutlery to the top shelf.
‘Where have you been?’ Gertrude asked. ‘It’s almost time.’
‘All right, all right, I’m here now. Shall I get inside already?’
‘It’ll be quite cramped down there,’ Takahashi said. ‘So maybe just a few minutes before 8 a.m. Meanwhile, let me just remind everyone what’s going to happen.’ The group formed a circle around Takahashi and the trolley. ‘Once Meghan gets into the trolley, I’ll enter the conference room first, throw my hat on the orb and cough once when you can enter. Now, it’s really important that you all come in together, chatting between you while you take your seats around the table, just as normal. That should drown out the noise of the trolley, which Jerry will be pushing, in case it squeaks louder than usual because of the extra weight. I’ve oiled the wheels with some butter, but it might not be perfect. Jerry will park it in the usual spot just in front of the doors, waiting for them to unlock.’
‘Don’t you think Sherlock will notice by the sound of the footsteps that someone is missing?’ George asked.
‘Of course it might, but I have a plan for that,’ Takahashi said, and looked at Helen, who smiled and nodded. ‘Just be careful not to say anything that might reveal what’s going on until Jerry is back with the full trolley and Meghan is outside, because by then it won’t matter anymore.’
‘We don’t really know when they collect the empty trolley,’ George said. ‘So in case Meghan needs to spend some time in the perimeter corridor, it’ll be safer if Sherlock isn’t aware of it.’
‘Good point,’ Takahashi said. ‘So no talking about this until we are all outside.’ He looked at his watch and frowned. ‘Is everything clear?’
They all nodded.
‘Okay, we have five minutes. Let’s do it.’
Meghan crawled into the open bottom shelf of the trolley, hugging her knees and tucking her head between them. Takahashi bent close and wished her good luck. He then turned around and strode straight into the conference room. A few seconds later, they heard a cough. Helen held George’s arm nonchalantly and started walking towards the conference room, motioning with her other hand for the others to follow. George couldn’t decide whether his fast heartbeat was related to Helen’s soft touch or the risky escape about to unfold.
Jerry took the strand of hair he was chewing out of his mouth and started pushing the trolley. At first, it didn’t move. He pushed harder and harder until it was gliding almost effortlessly across the carpeted lounge with its well-oiled wheels. As soon as the trolley crossed over onto the smooth floor of the conference room, it gathered too much speed. Jerry used all his strength to bring it to a halt and managed to stop the trolley a few centimetres before the wooden doors. The chatter stopped momentarily while everyone watched the unfolding drama with alarm. They then took their places around the table and resumed their conversations. Jerry, looking relieved, pulled the trolley backwards a bit.
‘Hey, did anyone see Meghan?’ Takahashi asked.
‘Yes,’ Helen said, almost cutting him off. ‘She was in the ladies’ toilets, washing her hair, so we’d better keep some food aside for her.’
There were a few nervous smirks. Gertrude gazed at the clock hanging on the back wall and fiddled with her lapel. Max bit his thumbnail as beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Grinberg avoided the drama by turning away, staring at the city through the window wall. George was alternating his gaze between the clock’s second hand and all the people in the room when he noticed Helen’s concerned expression. Their eyes met and they exchanged a brief smile. Takahashi checked his trusted Citizen watch and raised two fingers to indicate the time left. All eyes focused on the clock, with occasional glances at Meghan, whose cheek was pressed awkwardly against the metal shelf above her. George thought he detected a smile on her face, but seeing her crooked neck, he concluded that it was more likely a grimace of pain.
‘What do you think we’ll get for breakfast today?’ Takahashi asked no one in particular.
‘The usual,’ Gertrude said, gazing down at the table.
The minute hand jumped. It was 8 a.m. sharp. The second hand continued past the hour in discrete little moves. George could hear the clock ticking with each second, which he’d never noticed before. When it reached thirty seconds past the hour and nothing happened, everyone turned to look at Takahashi, but he seemed just as puzzled as the others. After a full minute of silence, he spoke.
‘Sherlock, what’s going on? Why aren’t the doors being unlocked?’
The blue lights flashed twice. ‘I think you know the answer,’ the orb said.
‘No, I don’t. Would you care to explain?’
‘You covered my lens, so I can’t verify that only one person is standing by the doors.’
Takahashi got to his feet and mimed towards Meghan for her to take off her shoes, crawl out of the trolley and move away from it. ‘Oh, I’m sorry, that’s not a problem. I’ll remove my hat so you can verify whatever you need to,’ Takahashi said as he walked around the table, closely watching Meghan’s progress. She carefully slipped off each shoe and handed them to Jerry. She then got hold of the upper shelf from underneath, twisted her body and placed one foot on the floor. As she turned to put her other foot down, her trousers squeaked against the metal shelf. She winced and stood up slowly. Jerry handed her the shoes and she tiptoed towards the lounge, disappearing around a corner. When she came back with her shoes on, Takahashi signalled for her to approach the table. He then pulled his hat off the orb and placed it on his head.
‘Well, here you go,’ Takahashi said.
‘I’m afraid that’s too late,’ the voice from the orb said. ‘You haven’t played by the rules. But lunch is only four hours away. The doors will be unlocked at noon sharp – if there are no further irregularities, that is.’
‘Great, no breakfast,’ Max said as he got up to leave the conference room. ‘Even prisoners of war and criminals are fed regularly. What have we done?’
‘You didn’t play by the rules,’ the voice from the orb said.
‘Maybe we should all go on a hunger strike,’ Max said as he disappeared into the lounge.
32
George needed some time alone. The failure of their only plan so far was disappointing, but worse than that was the feeling of helplessness, of being cut off from the outside world, of being denied food by some damn orb, with no end in sight. A nightmare that might last days or weeks and could end badly at any moment. He crossed the lounge and stood by the window wall. Heat spread throughout his body, particularly his face. He touched his forehead, suspecting fever, but maybe the air-conditioning had failed; he couldn’t decide. After a while, he looked around and homed in on the nearest sofa, turned it around to face the window wall and sat down. Stretching his long legs, he clasped his hands behind his head and watched the view outside. The traffic on Avenue de Lowendal was getting busier. His eyes were drawn to the long stretch of green lawn in Champ de Mars leading to the majestic Eiffel Tower at the far end. A few people were walking in the park. He felt like a fish in a tank. The world was out there, doing its thing, while he and the others were stuck behind glass with no prospect of escaping or communicating with the outside world. Worst of all, they had blown their best chance to send someone out and call for help.
‘Hey, George,’ Helen said cheerfully as she approached from behind.
He turned around and smiled. ‘Hello, lovely.’
‘Ooh, that was unexpected,’ she said with a sweet smile, and joined him on the sofa.
He instantly felt embarrassed. ‘Sorry, I don’t know where it came from.’
‘Don’t apologise, nothing wrong with saying something sweet. Anyway … I was just wondering about something.’
‘Let me guess – what shall we do now?’
‘No, not at all. I’m sure we’ll get out of here somehow.’
‘What makes you so optimistic?’
‘Oh, nothing in particular. I often believe things will turn out well.’
‘And if they don’t …’
She laughed. ‘Even if they don’t, I know from experience that feeling sorry for myself has never helped me or anyone else.’
George scratched his head. ‘That’s very rational thinking.’
‘And I thought that was your speciality.’
‘Only when it relates to the abstract. I’m actually rubbish at it in my personal life.’
‘Ah, good, because I’ve an abstract question for you.’
‘Shoot.’
‘So, I’ve been thinking some more about all the discussions we had, and I was just wondering, what’s your view on mind over matter?’
‘Mind … over … matter,’ repeated George pensively. He wasn’t expecting a deep question so soon after the fiasco attempt to smuggle Meghan out. ‘I’m not even sure what that means.’
‘C’mon, George. You know what it means. It’s when your mind rises to an occasion and you do something out of character, maybe surprise yourself by being brave. I wasn’t thinking about bending spoons with thought alone.’
‘Well, to be honest, I can’t see how either would be possible, because the mind, whatever that is, cannot exist on its own. It’s always associated with a body, or more precisely, a brain. And the brain as a physical thing is …’
‘Okay, I get it, you think it’s impossible. I still prefer to believe that there are certain situations in which our mind takes control over matter and isn’t just a slave to all those other circumstances.’
‘Yes, that would be very comforting, wouldn’t it? I’d prefer that too, but unfortunately, nature doesn’t take our preferences into consideration.’
‘Oh, George, do you ever give your logic a rest?’
He chuckled. ‘I guess you know the answer to that already.’
After a long silence, Helen turned towards him. ‘You know, there’s one thing about the conclusion that really bugs me.’
‘Only one?’ He smiled. ‘What is it?’
‘In positive psychology and cognitive behavioural therapy, we teach our patients to accept what they cannot change – like external circumstances – and change what they can. That is, themselves, and especially their attitude. But since there is no free will, we can’t change even that, can we? To me, it sounds so hopeless, and frankly, even depressing.’
She sounded almost desperate. George looked into her eyes and took her hands gently in his. ‘Ironically, the lack of free will makes no difference whatsoever, unless, of course, the knowledge itself makes you behave differently. You see, we aren’t entirely helpless. We’re still affected by external events regardless. So when you teach your patients new skills, they can definitely benefit from them if they are open to change. The thing is that whether they can change or not is not up to them. Whatever they do at any given moment is the only thing they could’ve done, after all the influences they’ve been through up to that moment. Just like everyone else.’
After a long pause, he mustered the courage to say something more personal. ‘You know, I wasn’t entirely honest with you on the river cruise.’
Helen raised her eyebrows.
‘I told you that Ella died from Huntington’s disease.’ Helen nodded gently. ‘That was only partly true. It was actually early stage. She could’ve lived another decade, if not longer. The truth that I find hard to admit is that she decided to end it.’
‘I had a feeling it was more complicated.’
He interpreted her frown as concern.
‘Yes, it is. I’ve actually never spoken about it before. Well, it’s embarrassing to admit, but I feel both anger and guilt. There, I said it.’
