Lily Frankburg thanked PC Queely and hung up.

She reached the Birmingham turn off and so she decided to drive home.

200

Michael Davies thought he’d lost the police. He had a quick car. They were too slow. Weren’t expecting him to run. He wasn’t expecting to run either. He was sick in the back. The sweat was popping out over his brow and his hands were clammy. He rang up every contact he knew and told them he was quitting all stowaway operations until further notice. He’d had enough. The heat was on and running made him puke. He didn’t get through to the American team. They had their phones switched off. He tried playing Sinatra but found, to his irritation, that he’d stolen a tape by an artiste called Sinita and it wasn’t doing the trick at all.

199

Graham Johansson arrived at the airport. He checked in, booked in and was going through his flight procedures in the cockpit of SA109.

“You all right?” asked his copilot.

Johansson nodded.

198

John Heron was being escorted through KKRC’s building toward Penny Lock’s studio. It was still the news break. Penny okayed him. She was reluctant at first but Ali had pointed out to her that he would know what happened to Beth on the bridge. Penny liked to update her listeners and told reception to show him up right away. Edward followed. Reception thought they were together.

197

I was shown into the wheel housing. From apartment to undercarriage was a very slick operation. There was even a little ladder to help me over the wheels. I was surprised that Michael could be associated with such an effective outfit. I would’ve thought he’d have botched it. I asked what I was supposed to do with the duck tape. The guy shrugged. “Tie up a duck?” How was that for service? A little joke even under these circumstances.

196

Michael stopped outside a telephone box. He didn’t think he’d been followed but accepted he wouldn’t have a clue one way or the other.

He dialed a number in the United States and finally persuaded a man to tell him the names of that night’s SmuggleAir passengers. All passengers were paid up and aboard.

When he heard “Stephanie Wiltshire,” Michael kicked the telephone box till the glass smashed.

Yobbo, thought a passerby.

195

Emma heard the last call for flight SA109 to Birmingham. She picked up her bag and posted the envelope containing her hair and nail cuttings to the morgue. It was easier if she thought she was already dead. She made her way to the gate. Hobbling on her silly shoes.

194

John asked the production assistant if he could do some magic on the radio. She told him it probably wouldn’t come across too well.

Did either of them want to check in their coats? John said yes, the other guy said no. Even though he was sweating.

193