‘Yeah,’ he replied, not taking his eyes off the butler, who watched the Yorkshireman with equal intensity, waiting for the first micro-flash of movement that would signal an impending attack. ‘The lift was a bit crowded, though. What about you?’

‘Oh, super-fine. Eleanor here’s been telling me about her plans to set herself up as the next Queen of Thunderdome after civilisation ends by putting herself into suspended animation.’

‘She looks more like Davros to me,’ he said, indicating the wheelchair, before fully registering what she had said. ‘Wait, suspended animation?’

‘The creature inside the sarcophagus from the iceberg isn’t dead,’ said Eleanor impatiently. ‘It’s in a state of stasis. The key can be used to open the sarcophagus and resurrect it – or close it and restart the suspension process.’

‘That’s what she thinks, anyway,’ said Nina. ‘What she’s pinning her chances of survival upon.’

‘There’s one way to find out, isn’t there?’ Eleanor told her. ‘You have to use the key.’

‘Nina’s the only person who can use it, right?’ said Eddie, glancing at the old woman.

‘That’s right.’

‘Then . . . you can’t risk anything happening to her, can you?’ He looked back at the butler, readying himself—

‘Before you do anything foolish,’ Eleanor said, her voice taking on a commanding tone, ‘bear in mind that I’m still alive despite being confined to a wheelchair for almost twenty years. Broates’s gun is pressed against the base of your wife’s spine. She probably won’t die if he shoots her there – but do you want her to live the rest of her life like me? Knowing it was your choice that crippled her?’

Eddie hesitated – and Eleanor smiled. ‘You have two choices: cooperate, and you’ll both get to see your little girl again. Or . . . well. I always get what I want. One way or another.’

The Englishman looked at Nina. They both knew there was no way out of the stand-off without one or both of them being shot. ‘Buggeration and fuckery,’ he muttered.

Eleanor glowered. ‘Gutter language. Now, are you going to put your gun down?’

Eddie tossed it aside angrily. ‘I suppose you want this thing too.’ He threw the pouch to the floor in front of Eleanor’s wheelchair. ‘There. Get it yourself.’

‘I don’t like your sense of humour, Mr Chase. Professor Wilde, pick up the key.’

Nina did not respond immediately, prompting Broates to jab her with his gun. ‘Do as Mrs Miller says.’

She reluctantly picked up the pouch and opened it. The key rested inside, precious metal reflecting the harsh overhead lights.

Eleanor eagerly craned her neck to see. ‘Good,’ she said. ‘Good!’ She turned, gesturing down the passageway. ‘Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s wake our guest.’

Chapter 20

20