21
Fergus and Danny left their archway LUP at 0745 hours. They took everything with them, even though the plan was to return later that day. They left by the escape route, climbing down the rusted metal ladder fixed to the brickwork.
Between the arches and the already busy main road was a stretch of open waste ground strewn with empty cans and takeaway food cartons. But they were hidden from inquisitive eyes by the towering advertising billboards that fronted the road.
By 0805 hours they had found an e-mail phone at London Bridge and were ready to go online to Elena. The station was heaving: the same weary-looking commuters who had pushed and battled their way out of the city the previous evening were now pushing and battling their way back in.
'Do you use your real name on that?' asked Fergus as Danny prepared to log on.
'Usually. I never know what name to expect with Elena. Depends what mood she's in.'
Fergus frowned. He hadn't told Danny, but he was prepared for this to be the first and last contact with Elena. To ignore her now would be a mistake: she might panic and start shooting her mouth off. But depending on how she responded this could well be a 'thanks but no thanks'.
'Use a different name.'
'No one can get into this, it's just me and Elena.'
'I know that, but do it anyway.'
'She'll laugh if I call myself Dean.'
'Then use your imagination, think of something else.'
Danny was still thinking as he went online, but as usual Elena was one step ahead.
Oakeley says: (8:10:15 am)
have info
Fergus was looking over Danny's shoulder. 'Oakeley? What's that?'
Danny smiled. 'We have these houses at school – you know, meant to encourage teamwork and all that. Oakeley is Elena's house. I'll use mine.'
Stockwell says: (8:11:19 am)
good. how did u find it
Oakeley says: (8:11:49 am)
internet whos who, easy. will get other stuff u need now, travel arrangements, etc. how do u want it delivered
Fergus nodded. He was impressed. 'Good. She's thinking, not rushing in and blurting everything out.'
'I told you we could trust her.'
'Tell her I'll speak to her next.'
Stockwell says: (8:15:24 am)
my friend wants 2 talk now
Oakeley says: (8:15:35 am)
ok
Fergus replaced Danny at the keypad. He typed slowly deliberately and precisely. To him, it was the information that mattered, not the speed or the way it was typed.
Stockwell says: (8:17:06 am)
Put what you have in black bin liner secured with elastic band. Go to London Bridge station, then to top of Magnis Street, station end with station on your right. Start walking down street between 1755 and 1800 hrs. That's between five to six and six pm.
He sent the first part of the message and then turned to Danny. 'What was the pace count last night?'
'One four seven.'
Before Fergus could start typing, Elena came back to him.
Oakeley says: (8:17:26 am)
i have heard of the 24 hour clock
Danny grinned but Fergus simply ignored the interruption and continued with the information.
Stockwell says: (8:19:11 am)
Count the paces as you walk. After 147 paces you will see on your left a rubbish skip filled with cardboard boxes. An archway with wooden pallets will be on your right. Toss the bin liner into the skip and keep walking. Don't look around or look nervous. Be natural, you're just on your way somewhere. Think of it as acting, but don't overact. Got that?
Oakeley says: (8:19:24 am)
i'll try mi v best Boy_Soldier_02.jpg
Fergus looked at Danny. 'What does that mean?'
Danny laughed. 'She's winding you up.'
Once again, Fergus ignored Elena's sarcasm.
Stockwell says: (8:20:43 am)
Keep walking to housing at the end of the street and then make your way back home. And make sure the bin liner is secured tightly so no rain gets in. That's it. And thanks.
Fergus made Danny sign off before Elena had the chance to ask any questions. She had all the information she needed and it was time for them to move on.
'You've never thanked me for anything,' said Danny as they headed out of the station.
Fergus didn't look at his grandson. 'I'm waiting for you to get something right.'
He didn't see the V sign Danny made behind his back.
'So this Elena,' said Fergus as they walked, 'she's a real computer buff, is she?'
'Yeah,' answered Danny. 'You could say that.'