Disclaimer as norm…
The Cube
"So- How much of that have you had already?"
Reynolds raised a questioning hand at the bottle of whisky dangling from Cal's hand.
"So wot? – You came round ere just to find out how much I have been drinking? – Not that it's ANY business of yours, but just one so far….planning on a lot more tho…want some?"
"Nope – and ones just perfect. You're comin with me Lightman, and that bottle is stayin right here"
The complaints and swearing carried on throughout the trip back to the office.
Ben had made short, but non specific statements about 'new case' and 'urgent' and finally 'presidential request' to illicit Cals co-operation, but there was no way he was going quietly!
When Gillian had finally left Zoes office she was nearly as confused about her feelings as when the 'meeting' has started.
She needed to get home.
She needed a long hot bath.
She needed a big drink…..
Torres jumping out of the shadows had done nothing for her already raw nerves.
If it hadn't been for the panic and stress on Rias face there would have been no way she would have agreed to this ludicrous situation, but having explained that the case she and Eli were working on was a matter of 'national security' and they were both unsure on key points, – and they just COULDN'T track down Cal anywhere……What choice did she really have but to accompany her back to the Lightman Offices.
Loker had, somehow, managed to manoeuvre a smaller couch into the cube and then remove everything else. The lock code had been changed and…well all he could do now was wait…..
Reynolds was the first to arrive, "Yeah we got a guy in the cube you need to talk to, Lokers got him all set up"
As Cal found himself virtually thrust into the cube, they just caught the "Wot the bloody hell is a couch…." The door was shut and locked and the room was 'silenced' out.
"I am sooo gonna have to look for a new job..maybe one that pays this time…"
Ben gave a half smile, "One down – one to go…have you heard from Torres yet?"
Gillian felt sadness and a little remorse as she re-entered the building that had been – almost her home for 6 years, she steeled herself.
"So – Ria – what exactly do you want me to look at?"
"Oh, just through in the lab here"
As she walked through she expected to see Eli there, but was a bit taken aback by the sight of Reynolds, - Oh, of course, Ria had said something about national security hadn't she.
"Good evening Eli, Ben, …Why is the cube on 'white out'? is that..banging I can hear – from inside? Is someone in there?"
Reynolds jumped in, "Oh, Yeah, I brought him in just before you arrived…Good timing I guess. Glad Ria managed to persuade you to help us out here, I would really appreciate your take on this guy – if you would – don't worry about the banging, he's secured in there, just kicking the glass I think. I'll be right in there with you ..just maybe pop in a get yourself settled and I'll be right through with the case notes"
Gill was suspicious, they were all looking – somehow 'off' but she as too tired to try very hard to read them, and she needed to concentrate her mind to the stranger within…
"Well ok, I hope this isn't going to take too long Ben, I am really tired"
As she made her way round to the entrance door Ria and Ben followed, before she could really take it in Ria had punched in the code, opened the door and Ben had pushed her through. The door was re-locked.
Grinning at Ben Ria went back through to the control console, "Are you gona do the honours Ben, or should I?"
"I think I'll take this one, you will sound too smug and happy"
Pushing down the open comms button….
"Right you two. We have all had it with stupid games now, you two need to sort your crap out. Talk to each other damnit, get your acts together so the rest of us can all start going back to a normal life again. You are not being recorded or watched, you have one small pad of paper and a pen in there, if you need anything- write it down an push it under the door- DON'T waste them on complaints Lightman, you are not getting out until this stupid war is OVER."
Comms closed……