Page 193 of The Examiner

Those were different times and the temporary passport served me well. That and the old boy’s lack of attention to detail in his paperwork. Patrick Bright got a bank account, then another. Enough to get by and yet not enough to get back. Even now, there’s nothing I want more than to return. I simply don’t know if I can.

When the masked men crashed through the back door, my blood ran as cold as if I’d died. Was this it? The scary chaps finally tracked me down to make me pay for stealing their goods? Or simply my payback for not saving Finn, not reaching out to stop him jumping over the rail? Not being there in that split-second he needed me.

I saw something in them, despite the masks. Junkies desperate for cash and chemicals. Thought an art shop would have both. When they didn’t find either, they smashed the place up, scared the girls. Police said we were lucky and told us to get CCTV ‘for next time’.

All our regular customers got to hear what happened. Some sent flowers and cakes. After a bit, Gela mentioned her new MA. The girls were all for it, said I needed something to take my mind off things. How did they know what my mind was on? The chap that Finn and I spoke to at the harbour, the men who drove us, Ma and Da looking at me, their sad, worried faces in the glow from the TV. Finn’s da through the cottage window as we sat trapped in the back of the two-door car. His eyes.

I didn’t know what had gone on at the radio museum and didn’t care. If Jonathan had got himself tangled up with a woman who treated him like she treated his Assignment One model, it was his call. I’d had a drink and wanted to get my head down. Then we found out about the super family room. I said I’d sleep in the people-carrier and suggested Cameron came too, but he was on his phone and didn’t reply. I went to the bathroom for a slash and to throw water on my face. The pipes were noisy. It wasn’t until I switched the tap off that I heard raised voices next door. Cameron. Ludya. Alyson. Jonathan.

Message group: 2024 Examiners, 30 May 2024

Karen Carpenter

A human finger? You’re having me on!

Ben Sketcher

Set in a block of clear resin. It’s been dried.

Karen Carpenter

No! It’ll be something else. Who’d want a dried finger as an ornament?

Ben Sketcher

Someone who needs the fingerprint to activate a biometric device.

Karen Carpenter

That’s impossible.

Ben Sketcher

Not at all. You pour a layer of clear resin into a mould and allow it to set. Then place the dried finger on top and press or weight it, so the fingerprint is fully visible. Then pour the remaining resin on top to seal it.

Karen Carpenter

Do people do that? I’ve gone all cold.

Ben Sketcher

They probably drained the finger of blood, then cauterised the stump with a soldering iron. The fingerprint is very clear. I know it can bypass biometric security software because it fooled the technology at RD8 just now.

Karen Carpenter

Why did Patrick have a finger in resin? He sounds like such a nice man.

Tilda Ricci

Sorry, folks. I’ve been at a formal dinner and unable to check messages. I see you two have been busy. Have I missed anything?

Karen Carpenter

Scroll back ONLY if you’ve finished eating, Tilda. Ben will fill you in on the MMAM’s event!

Karen Carpenter

Looks like he’s gone offline. Don’t blame him. Feel a bit queasy myself.