The Damage (London Underground) by Eamon Moroney

Author:Eamon Moroney [Moroney, Eamon]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2012-09-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28

When they arrived at Victoria Station they split, Sophie went to find a quiet place to make her call, Robert went to find Benjamin. He would call her when he was finished and they would meet back to share what they had found. He walked quickly to the cafe, they had made good time getting to Victoria Station, however he did not know how long he would have until Benjamin would get on his train. After the disappointment of the meeting with Heenan, he had more hope for this one.

The man he saw reading Madame Bovary could have been the polar opposite of the business suited Heenan. He wore faded black jeans, a check shirt with its tails hanging low beneath a baggy well worn woolen jumper. An army disposal jacket hung on the back of the chair he sat on. A large red backpack and smaller dusty brown bag rested at his feet. Long strands of light brown hair pocked out from under a black beanie, the hair resting just past his colour. Ryan Benjamin lowered his book and smiled broadly in greeting when Robert approached. They shook hands and Robert sat opposite him. As he sat Robert glanced at the books cover, a classic, like the ones that were in Stuart’s room. Benjamin had the remains of a burger on his plate and a tall glass of water.

“Want anything to eat, the burger was quite good, considering.” He said.

“No thanks. When’s your train, do you have time to talk?”

“Some.” Benjamin said looking at his watch, “Enough I hope.”

“Where are you headed?”

“Today Liverpool. But it's just the first leg. I’m saying goodbye to London. I’ve been here long enough, now I’m heading home. Taking the long way though. Liverpool to Ireland, cross the US and Canada. Then home.”

“Where’s home.”

“Sydney. Well Blue Mountains actually, Springwood. Over here I get into the habit of just saying Sydney, so much easier. Having said that I’ll probably move down to Sydney once I’ve settled back.”

Robert found himself instantly liking Benjamin. Perhaps it was the contrast with the cold Heenan but he felt a genuine feeling towards this man.

“You on holiday here or do you live in London?” Benjamin asked.

“No I’m traveling to.”

“Good, I don’t have to be careful what I say, I can slag off London!” They laughed. For a few moments they shared travel stories, destinations, experiences. This conversation ended, both men aware it was not the main purpose of the meeting. Robert told him about the email and the message, about his concerns, again excluding the photos and what they might link to.

Benjamin took it in and seemed to be genuinely contemplating their meaning as he listened.

“Shit. That sounds serious. I hope he’s okay. I wish I could help you but I don’t have any contact details for him. I only ever had his mobile number anyway. Wish I knew, I’d help if I could.”

Robert believed him.

Benjamin continued. “What did Darren say, could he help?”

“No, he hasn’t spoken to him since October last year.

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