Free Lair by James Herbert Page B

the forest's head keeper. Dugdale from the Safety Inspectorate will also be there. Don't worry, Luke, we'll soon sort things out."

    We'll need to. Fast. You know how the situation in London got out of hand."

    "Of course I do. I was in the thick of it. But look, I feel certain this is just an isolated case."

    "I wish I shared your confidence."

    "I don't want you to discuss this any further, Luke, not until the meeting." The forced lightness had left the research director's voice.

    "In case I upset anybody else?"

    "No, because the matter must be treated in the strictest confidence,"
    came Howard's curt reply.

    "A party of schoolchildren and their teacher saw the rats, too."

    "Yes, but I understand they've been convinced they saw something completely different."

    "Oh, have they," Fender said flatly.

    "Until later then, Luke?"

    "Okay." Fender replaced the receiver and found himself looking into the eyes of Milton. "I need a drink," he said.

    "I wish I could join you," Milton replied, smiling apologetically. "I'm afraid I have a lecture due to begin shortly and I have to greet our guest speaker."

    Fender nodded and left the Warden's office, suppressing the anger he felt. If anything disastrous happened while they wasted time ... And yet, he could see their point of view. It would be a massive operation to clear the whole woodland area, and would undoubtedly send waves of panic, not just through that green belt area, but through all the surrounding districts. London, itself. And if it did prove to be a false alarm ... He pushed the thought of consequences from his mind.
    The girl had seen the rats, and she didn't seem the type who would put the fear of God into everyone if she thought there might be some doubt.

    He walked the length of the corridor and entered the reception area.
    Jenny Hanmer, talking to a tall, bearded man, saw him and gave him a smile. The bearded man turned at Fender's approach.

    "Hello, Luke," Jenny greeted him. This is Vie Whittaker, our Senior Tutor."

    Fender nodded. He judged the tutor to be in his late-thirties, prematurely grey hair streaking his close-cropped, black beard.
    Whittaker looked fixedly at the rat catcher

    "I'm rather disturbed at what Jenny tells me, Mr. Fender," he said.

    "It's something to be disturbed about," Fender replied. He turned to the girl. There's going to be a meeting tonight, Jenny, here at the Centre. The powers-that-be want you to attend."

    "But aren't they going to do something right away?" Jenny asked.

    They'll decide exactly what to do at the meeting. First we've got to convince them there really is a threat."

    That's ridiculous! Surely..."

    "I know, I've just been through all that. I suppose it's sensible to hold an inquiry before they decide on a plan of action. So far, you're the only reliable witness, so it'll be up to you to assure them you're not just over-imaginative. The other evidence we have will help."

    "Do you think they will be convinced?" asked Whittaker.

    Fender paused before he spoke. To tell the truth, I just don't know.
    My guess is that they'll play for more time. All I want to do now is to get a bite to eat and a beer. Care to join me, Jenny?"

    Jenny said, "Yes, I would," and Fender caught the sharp look the senior tutor gave her.

    "What about the lecture this evening? Aren't you coming to that?"
    Whittaker said.

    "I don't think I'm really in the mood for "A Naturalist's Journey to Iran and the Persian Gulf" at the moment, Vie," she replied. "After what I saw today, I could use a stiff drink myself."

    "I'll see you later then." Whittaker turned and strode off down the corridor leading to the classrooms.

    Fender ignored the exchange. "Okay," he said, smiling at Jenny, 'lead me to a pub."

    They drove past the huge public house close to the Centre and headed south, using the car's lights at full-beam because of the total darkness that had descended on the forest. The road had sudden dips and Fender kept to its centre because of