We sat and contemplated each other for a while.
‘So,’ he said, ‘Director Maxwell.’
I grinned.
‘Dare I hope this has given you a unique insight into the daily problems of running this unit?’
‘Indeed it has, sir. Many things have now been revealed to me. But there is just one thing about being Director that does still bother me.’
‘And that would be?’
‘What do you do after lunch?’
Holding my gaze, he said, ‘Disciplinary issues, mostly. Recently, not so much. Although I am expecting that to change any time now.’
I thought it wisest not to push my luck any further.
He picked up my file and flicked through. I could hear his old clock ticking in the corner.
Finally, he said, ‘I am becoming increasingly concerned at the toll this job is taking on you. I would like you to take a fortnight’s leave.’
Well, that didn’t sound too bad. I could happily do that.
‘These last twelve months have been interesting.’ I couldn’t argue with that. ‘Mrs Partridge informs me that apart from some sick leave, you’ve had no real time off since before your assignment to the Cretaceous.’
Well, good for Mrs Partridge.
‘I would, therefore, like you to spend today tying up any loose ends in your department, writing a report on your recent experiences, with particular reference to your tenure as Director, and making all necessary arrangements for fourteen days leave. You and Chief Farrell will present yourselves at The Redhouse Centre at 11.00 a.m. tomorrow morning. You don’t need to take anything with you. In fact, they prefer it if you don’t. They will provide everything you need. I will speak to Chief Farrell separately. That will be all, Dr Maxwell.’
Bloody hell! The Redhouse Centre, or just The Red House as it was usually known, was the place where they shoved royalty, high-ranking politicians, and captains of industry who had gone off the rails a bit. Rumour had it Princess Alice had spent some time there after her month-old marriage to that rock star had broken up so spectacularly, and the Defence Secretary had been taken there after he raced naked through the corridors of power, shouting, ‘I’m Titania, Queen of the Fairies!’ Given the balls-up he and the government had made of everything, that might have been the most accurate statement he ever made in his entire life.
Anyway, this was where the rich and powerful went when feeling ‘tired and emotional’. They were opulent, effective, discreet, and utterly trustworthy. The man in charge, Dr Knox, reportedly held the secrets of the nation in his hands.
But, mostly, it was incredibly, horribly, enormously, expensive. About a year’s wages for just an overnight stay. Of course, that said more about our levels of pay than Dr Knox’s prices.
I gaped at him. ‘You’re sending both of us to the Red House? For fourteen days?’
‘Yes, I believe that was what I said. Which part was unclear?’
‘Can we afford it?’
He smiled. ‘I’ve known Alexander Knox for some time. He’s interested in Chief Farrell’s condition and is happy to take you both at short notice.’
‘But do we have a cover story?’
‘Dr Knox is aware of St Mary’s. He knows what we do here. You can speak freely to him. Dr Foster has informed me she does not have the necessary expertise to be sure of the best treatment for Chief Farrell. You are going, ostensibly, as his carer. In reality, you are going for a spot of R&R. I believe the facilities at The Red House are among the finest in the country and I expect you to avail yourselves of them. Make sure you get my money’s worth. On your return I intend to work you to death, so make the most of it.’
He stood up. The caring manager was back in the box. I left before he started talking about making deductions from my pay. Always one of his favourite subjects.
I spent the rest of the day briefing and being briefed. I dictated my reports to my assistant, David, for onward transmission to the Boss after I’d gone. The place had ticked over pretty well without me, which was gratifying. I have no time for people who ensure their departments can’t function without them. I’ve always had a sneaking suspicion mine functions slightly better when I’m not around. Still, they seemed pleased to see me back.