2nd December 2019
Night
Running downstairs, I fumbled my shoes on, barely able to tie my laces as I couldn’t stop my hands from shaking. Finding Michael’s keys, I let myself into his car and fired up the engine. I knew exactly where to go. I knew where the Drifter wanted me. If I let myself be hopeful, if I let myself believe his note, then my childhood friends would be there, still alive. What choice did I have? If I ran, like I did all those years ago, he would hurt the people whose lives I’d already ruined. I had a chance to do something right for the first time in my life – I had to do it.
The drive seemed to take forever, the headstocks glaring at me as I struggled to keep control of the car. I kept my foot to the floor until I reached the edge of the village. Then I slowed to the speed limit, hoping I would pass through without being seen by anyone. As I came close to The Miners’ Arms, I tried to keep myself low in my seat, but still able to watch the road, and look at the pub to try establishing the mood. It seemed to be busier than ever. Scores of people stood outside, smoking, drinking and talking despite it being so cold. There was nothing to suggest any one of them knew what was happening right now, and I didn’t know if I was relieved or not. Close to the group of drinkers, I could make out the shape of who I thought was Thompson. He sat on his own, a pint beside him. Far enough away from the group to not be involved, but I suspected, close enough to listen. As I passed, I saw in my rear-view mirror him looking at my taillights before he took out a note pad and considered something. I was confident he didn’t know it was me. I didn’t know if that was reassuring or not. No, it was a good thing. The Drifter told me to come alone, and I would, and I hoped by doing so, he would let go of my friends.
Half a mile away from the pub, I turned into a cul-de-sac, pulled over and stopped the engine. I was close to the lane and didn’t want to leave Michael’s car anywhere suspicious. Then, climbing out, I quietly walked towards the lane, towards the hut. Towards the mine.