Free Numbers 3: Infinity by Rachel Ward Page B

know.’
    ‘You’re right. Other people do see them. Other people tell, and it’s okay.’ I don’t know if this is just a line. Something to make it easier for me to tell him what he wants to know. ‘What’s my number?’
    I’m squirming now. They just won’t let it go, will they? My body’s tense against the restraints, my mind’s twisting and turning. I told Saul I’d cooperate for Sarah’s sake, I know I don’t have any choice … but this feels wrong.
    ‘I don’t want to say it.’
    ‘Just say it.’
    He’s too close to me, right in my face.
    ‘I don’t want to.’
    ‘Say it.’
    ‘I can’t.’
    I want him to back off, but he won’t. A fleck of his spit hits my cheek.
    ‘Say it. What’s my number? Say it. Say it. Say it.’
    ‘8112034.’
    The fight goes out of me. I sink into the chair, exhausted. My head flops down onto my chest.
    ‘There. Wasn’t difficult, was it?’
    I don’t answer. I got nothing to say.
    He’s looking back at the screens, running a paper printout through his hands.
    ‘You told the truth. There’s no harm in telling the truth.That’s what we deal in here – facts, measurements, evidence.’
    He sounds smug, like he’s got the answer to everything. I’ve just told him when he’s going to die and there’s no reaction, no human, emotional reaction. He puts down the printout and tucks his hair behind his ears.
    ‘Let’s have a few more questions, shall we?’
    ‘No,’ I say, ‘I’m done.’
    ‘We’ve only just started.’
    ‘Na-ah. I’m done.’
    ‘Adam, this is important work. We’re trying to save the British nation here. People like you hold the key. We need a generation of strong leaders, people who can establish order, put the country back on its feet, get us back where we should be.’
    ‘What’s that got to do with me?’
    ‘We need people like you,’ he says. ‘You can help us understand the future. We need intelligent early warning systems. Resources are scarce, Adam. We need to know where we can help, where it’s not worth our while.’
    ‘You don’t need me for that. Just walk outside this place and start looking. There are people starving everywhere. Just start somewhere. Do something.’
    ‘But what if they’re going to die anyway? We can’t waste our resources, Adam. It’s about targeting them effectively.’
    ‘So you want me to tell you where not to bother? Screw that.’
    Newsome pauses and moves back from me. He looks to Saul, who’s sitting quietly, listening intently.
    ‘You can’t be emotional about this, Adam,’ Saul says. ‘Governments have to make tough decisions.’
    ‘I’m not part of the government.’
    ‘If you’re not with us, you’re against us.’
    The room falls silent.
    ‘We need you to cooperate fully, Adam,’ Newsome says. ‘It’s important. We need to understand how your gift works. We need you on side. You could be a huge asset to us. You could be a leader.’
    ‘I want to understand, too, believe me, but why tie me up? Why humiliate me?’
    ‘You killed a boy two years ago. You killed one of our best operatives two days ago. What did you expect?’
    That old charge again and a new accusation on top. How many times do I have to tell people? When will they believe me?
    ‘I never killed anyone.’ I try to sit up, pulling against the straps, thrust my chin out. What’s he saying isn’t right. He shouldn’t be saying this stuff.
    ‘You lose your temper. You’re not in control when you’re angry. You’re unpredictable.’
    I twist my head away from him. But he’s right. I do lose my temper, and I do lose control. I’m feeling like I could lose it now, if he pushes me any further.
    ‘You’ve got a choice, Adam. You can help us, support us, be part of something great, something noble. Or you can resist, be stubborn, be childish and be crushed. Or disappear. You and Sarah. Gone.’
    There’s a long silence.
    ‘What do you mean?’
    I know what he means but I want him to say it. I