We're up through the night working. As we slip out of the fire exit of the library at five thirty in the morning, the product of all our labours sits on the front counter of the library, right where Mari will see it in the morning. I've left a letter thanking her, explaining that I've gone with Lynch, and setting out the full story. Lynch has written up a statement, and we've included maps of what we think is the location of the Academy, along with photographs and Missing Persons' reports for Darren and others, all printed out from the library computers. From the talks I've had with Mari I know that she's in touch with a good few reputable journalists. Hopefully, if all goes well, me and Lynch will be away and safe before the story breaks.
It's not far to the train station; just ten minutes walk. It feels like miles. Every time a car approaches down the semi-dark street my heart leaps into my mouth, and every time we catch sight of another pedestrian I feel a twinge of terror at the thought that it might be the police.
"It's okay," says Lynch. "Just stay calm." Despite her tone there's tension in her voice.
We arrive without incident, and enter the ticket hall. It's cold but brightly lit, and the only people about are the early commuters, striding about all suits and briefcases. We head over to the ticket machines and pick up Lynch's ticket; Mari texted me the number an hour ago, along with her wishes of good luck. Lynch uses some of Mari's money to buy me a ticket as well. Checking the boards, I see that the first train north leaves in twenty minutes. Wordlessly, we make our way to the platform and take a seat on a bench to wait.
The time passes slowly. Both of us are too tense to speak, and I feel like every few seconds I'm glancing at my watch or at the steps that lead onto the platform.
At last, at long last, the approaching train is announced. It looks like it's only us and two or three other men in grey suits catching this one. Me and Lynch stand up and move to the front of the platform as the train hisses into place in front of us. Lynch's hand finds my shoulder and gives it a reassuring squeeze.
"Last chance to do the sensible thing," she says seriously.
I don't even have to think about it now. "I'm coming with you," I say. And it's then, just as the doors open, that I glance up the platform and see the policeman.
