Sycamore Gap by Ross LJ

Author:Ross, LJ
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-09-09T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

Her Majesty’s Prison Frankland was another architectural triumph, set on the outskirts of the city of Durham. The plain red brick buildings which housed an interesting mix of standard and high risk Category A male prisoners certainly fulfilled its raison d’être, being at once depressing to look at and well-fortified.

“Charming place,” Phillips muttered from his hunched position in the passenger seat of Ryan’s car. To say that he had misgivings about being here at all was an understatement.

“It’s not meant to be a holiday camp,” Ryan returned.

Phillips folded his lips.

The car slid along the driveway, past an enormous sign reading, ‘H.M. PRISON FRANKLAND.’ As if there could be any doubt that the boxy buildings with their flat, metal-topped roofs and strategically-placed cameras could constitute anything other than a place of detention.

Drawing on a core of pure will, Ryan managed to suppress his personal feelings throughout their journey through the various levels of prison security. A couple of the prison guards recognised him and wondered, but none of them questioned his right to be there. Phillips risked another glance across at him.

“Does it bother you, knowing how close he is?”

They stood outside one of the many steel gates, waiting for the buzz and the metal clank which precipitated its opening.

“I prefer to keep my enemies close.”

Phillips tried to choose his words with care.

“There’s such a thing as being too close, mate. What does Anna think about it?”

“She understands.”

That wasn’t quite true, Ryan admitted. She had listened to his explanation of where Edwards had been incarcerated, had continued to listen as he detailed how it would not be a problem for him, in the future, staying at her home in Durham. But she hadn’t said that she understood, or that she thought it was a good idea, for him to be within such a short radius. The fact of Edwards’ presence was a constant reminder of what had happened.

“Look, Frank. I don’t need you chewing my ear off about this. Not now. Focus on why we’re here.”

Phillips drew his chin up, telling Ryan more clearly than words that he was offended. Well, that was tough luck. They had more important things to think about than hurt feelings.

The barrier creaked open and they stepped over the threshold, into the Westgate Unit of the prison, an area reserved for those prisoners requiring more secure detainment, or segregation. Ryan cast his eye around the foyer and his lip curled slightly at what he saw. This area was almost brand new and sparkling clean. He knew that there was a library, a faith room and access to TV, video games; all manner of hobbies, crafts and classes. The men here could enjoy an hour of Pilates, if the mood struck them and they needed to find their inner zen.

He concentrated on emptying his mind, slowing his breathing. Before the events of last year, he had maintained a balanced opinion of the criminal justice system. It was easy to do that, when you didn’t know any of the victims, or their families, personally.

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