Free Skin and Bones by Tom Bale Page A

the
line.
    Craig had envisaged that he would insist on learning his father's
fate. Refusing to budge until he knew the facts. Probably everyone
else in the queue thought the same. But when the moment came,
faced with the implacable barriers of bureaucracy and innate politeness,
almost everyone accepted they couldn't be told anything right
now. The priority was to secure the scene and give help to the injured.
To protest would be not only unseemly, but also an insult to the
victims.
    'Best thing is to go home,' the officer told him. 'Soon as we know
something definite, we'll be in touch.'
    Craig looked for Abby before he left, but couldn't find her. He had
his press card and no doubt could have talked his way into the media
tent, but it was bound to lead to trouble. He knew exactly the kind
of morbid humour that journalists employed at times like this, and
he'd just end up picking a fight with someone. He had no desire to
mix with people for whom this was little more than a thrilling carnival.
    Now he forced himself from his car, knowing he didn't really have
the stomach for a fight with Nina either. It was tempting to turn around
and drive away, except that he'd told the police he would be at home.
    She opened the door while he was fumbling with his keys. She
looked emotional, under strain, but also immaculate. He'd always
marvelled at the way she could do a demanding job, bring up two
children and still devote time to hair and clothes and make-up. Some
of her friends teased her about it, calling her 'Superwoman', and
although Craig joined in he was secretly proud. Today, though, it
irked him. She had no right to look so good.
    She stepped forward as if to embrace him, but perhaps sensing it
wouldn't be welcome, settled for lightly caressing his arm. 'Is he all
right?'
    'No news yet. They said they'll let me know.' Again she reached
out, but he brushed her off and made for the living room. He felt her
freeze, slightly incredulous that she had been shunned. 'What are they
saying on TV?'
    'Mostly speculation,' she said, 'recycled over and over. Reporters
interviewing each other because no one will speak to them.'
    Craig grunted. He threw himself on to a sofa. Sky News was showing
what appeared to be the same aerial footage from earlier. The voiceover
said, '. . . now confirmed to be one of the worst spree killings in recent
years.'
    'Where are Tom and Maddie?'
    'Still at Mum's. They can stay over, if need be. I thought it was
best . . .'
    Craig nodded, rested his head back and stared at the ceiling. He
ran his hands through his hair and down around his neck, holding
them there as if he wanted to throttle himself.
    'Where were you this morning?'
    Nina flinched, but hid it well. She turned to the armchair behind
her and found some comics to tidy away before sitting down.
    'I was at work,' she said, imbuing the words with a scorn that implied
he had insulted her by asking.
    'No you weren't. The guy I spoke to told me he'd looked everywhere.
He said your PC was on standby, and your coat and bag were
gone.'
    The words tumbled into the room like grenades, turning their
familiar living room into hazardous territory.
    Nina's eyes sparkled with tears. She shook her head. 'Don't do this
now.'
    'What do you mean, Don't do this now ? How can you say that?'
    'I mean, let's have this conversation another time. When we know
your dad is safe.'
    He isn't safe , said a voice in his head. He's dead.
    He sighed. She had as good as told him already, hadn't she?
    'Who is it?'
    'Craig, please. You're upset because of this, and we're still—'
    'Who?'
    'No. Listen to me.'
    'Just tell me. Tell me his fucking name.'
    She leaned forward, pressed her knees tight and hugged her arms
together, as if making herself as small as possible. He looked away,
disgusted with himself as much as with her.
    She breathed in, held it, breathed out. Then she said, 'Bruce Abbott.'
    She got up and left the room. He listened to her putting on shoes
and a coat, pick up her