Voices in Stone - Emily Diamand Page 0,63

pulled his anorak hood closer around his face and wound down the window.

“The road’s closed,” said the policewoman. “You’ll have to turn around.”

“Is it an accident?” asked Stu.

The policewoman shook her head. “There’s a problem ahead.”

“Problem?” Stu asked, his voice sharpening. “What’s that meant to mean?”

“There’s a protest up at the quarry which is causing some disruption. Representatives from the mine are available if you have questions.” She pointed further up the road, to where Isis could just make out three people wearing high-visibility jackets with the UK-Earths logo.

“I do, actually,” said Stu.

The policewoman sighed, and raised her hand to wave at the group. One of the people began walking over, a woman. Next to Isis, Gray stiffened.

“That’s Dr Harcourt,” he hissed.

“Really?” Stu’s face lit up.

He turned back to the policewoman. “I know why you’re keeping the public out: so no one will find out what’s really going on.”

“I’ve told you what’s really going on,” said the policewoman, sounding tired. “Now if you go back about four miles, you’ll come to a turning…”

“I know my way!” said Stu. “I just don’t believe you. You’re doing their dirty work, aren’t you?”

The policewoman pursed her lips. “I’m directing traffic,” she said, just as Dr Harcourt arrived.

“Can I help?” she said brightly, until she got close enough to see inside the car. Her eyes widened a little, as if she was shocked. “Oh. So. Um, do you have a question?” Her eyes were fixed on Gray and Isis.

“I do,” said Stu. “I’d like to know how you explain the large number of sightings in the vicinity of your mine.”

Dr Harcourt’s gaze snapped his way. “Sightings?”

“Of UFOs,” said Stu.

Isis expected Dr Harcourt to laugh, but she didn’t. Her eyebrows pulled together a little, her mouth stiffening out of its false smile. She was silent a moment, then she said, very pointedly. “These are your children, are they?”

“Yes,” said Stu.

“No,” said Isis and Gray together.

Now the policewoman frowned.

Stu gave a little laugh. “You know kids. Joking about.” He flicked a furious glance back at them. “Why did you say that?” he hissed.

“You’re not my dad,” said Gray.

“But I’m looking after you!” exploded Stu. “In loco parentis!” He glanced at the policewoman. “That’s what I meant, not that they’re related to me.”

Dr Harcourt checked her watch. “Shouldn’t they be in school?”

“I’m sick,” said Gray quickly.

Isis didn’t say anything; she couldn’t bear to tell a policewoman she’d been excluded. And it probably wouldn’t be a help, given the situation.

“You don’t look very sick,” the policewoman said to Gray.

“I… um…”

“He’s experiencing a psychotic breakdown,” Stu said, scowling at Dr Harcourt.

“Psychotic breakdown?” said Gray.

“Yes!” said Stu. “He’ll probably have to go on sedatives and see a psychiatrist, and it’s all the result of exposure to toxic substances being released from your quarry!”

“This boy’s mental illness is nothing to do with toxic substances at UK-Earths’ quarry,” snapped Dr Harcourt, “because there are none! You are misinformed if that’s what you believe.” She flicked a glance at the policewoman, and let out a short, brittle laugh. “He thinks there are UFOs flying around. Are you going to take him seriously?”

“Please,” said Isis, leaning forwards. “Can’t we just turn around?” The stack of paper she was perched on top of slid, pitching her forwards, so she fell almost between the seats.

“Are you wearing a seat belt?” asked the policewoman. She leaned her head through the car window. “Where are the seatbelts?”

“They, um…”

“Right, could you step out please?” The policewoman opened the driver’s door.

“I know my rights!” cried Stu, not moving.

The policewoman rolled her eyes, and spoke into the walkie-talkie on her shoulder. “Could I have some assistance, please? I’ve got a right one here.”

“You have no evidence!” Stu said to the policewoman. “I know what you’re up to, but they won’t get me that easy!”

The policewoman looked down at him. “I do have evidence,” she said. “It’s right here in your car. You have children sitting in the back, but no seat belts.”

“But I never have children in my car normally!” cried Stu. “This is the first time in years!”

“If you don’t get out of the car, I will be obliged to additionally charge you with failure to comply with an officer’s directions.”

“Additionally?” sputtered Stu, flinging himself out. His anorak hood fell backwards, but he didn’t seem to notice. “Don’t you see you’re doing her dirty work?” He pointed dramatically at Dr Harcourt. “This country is in the grip of a takeover by malign forces!”

“I wouldn’t know about that,” said the policewoman.

Dr