Lockdown

Fifty-seven

‘You OK?’

Carrie hadn’t even noticed Gail Reindl getting into the elevator.

‘Fine. Why?’

‘Your hands are shaking.’

Carrie faked a smile. ‘Over-caffeinated.’

Gail seemed to search Carrie’s face. ‘Sure that’s all?’

‘Some jerk in a Hummer ran a stop sign when I was crossing the street. Almost took me out. Shook me up a little. I’ll be fine in a second.’

Gail made a whaddaya gonna do, this city’s crazy face. The doors opened and she stepped out, much to Carrie’s relief.

What else was she going to say? That it was a Hummer just like the one that had run down Gray Stokes’ wife, except this one had been black rather than red. That she didn’t think it was an accident. That someone was trying to kill her. That just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Ever since the movie Network got a release, complete with barking mad anchorman, the one surefire way to get canned as an anchor was to show any sign of mental instability. And Carrie hadn’t even made it there yet. No, if she was going to talk to anyone, it’d be Lock.

Carrie stopped at the water cooler. One of the producers was there filling his coffee mug.

‘You got a guest,’ he said, nodding towards her desk.

The first thing Carrie saw was the wheelchair, then Janice Stokes. Before she could censor her next thought it had already flashed into her mind.She looks like death.

Carrie sat down, shifting her chair so she was side on to Janice.

‘They’ve arrested my brother.’

‘What’s the charge?’

‘Aiding in the abduction of a minor. Lock promised us that if we helped him he’d keep us out of this. Don wouldn’t cope with being in jail.’

‘Did he do it?’

‘No. And I need to get him out of Rikers before something bad happens to him.’

‘Wouldn’t you be better off talking to a lawyer?’

‘I already did.’

‘And what did they say?’

‘That I’d have to wait until it comes to trial.’

‘Your brother could ask to be placed in protective custody.’

‘Which would make him look even more guilty.’

‘Sorry, I don’t mean to seem unkind, but what do you think I can do?’

‘I thought you might know where Ryan Lock is, for a start. I’ve tried calling him, but his cell’s switched off. Can’t get hold of his buddy Ty either.’

Carrie believed her. She’d called Lock straight after the incident with the Hummer and left a voicemail. ‘It’s not unusual for Lock to go off the radar. Believe me, I know.’

Janice paused, like she was making a decision. Then she reached down the side of her chair and pulled out a manila envelope. ‘Some friends helped me sort through my parents’ stuff. I couldn’t face it until yesterday.’ She handed the envelope to Carrie. ‘Ryan asked if my dad had something on Meditech. You know, to make them change their mind about animal testing.’

Carrie put her hand in the envelope and came out with a single sheet of paper. Printed at the top was a web link: www.uploader.tv/Meditech.