Read Online Church of Sin (The Ether Book 1) by James Costall - Free Book Online Page B

his phone vibrating in his pocket but he ignored it. It was probably his stalker anyway.
    “But what makes Anwick different?” asked Alix. “He’s not untreatable. Where’s the section statement?”
    “ I told you: there isn’t one.” Harker looked at her sternly. The sort of look that ended most conversations. But Alix wasn’t the sort of woman to engage in ‘most conversations’.
    “Can we be clear on one thing, Mrs Harker,” she said. “ Is the reason why you’re not telling us the truth about Innsmouth because you choose not to or because you don’t know?”
    For what seemed like an age the two women stared at each other. Ash broke the silence.
    “What happens when Anwick goes before the Magistrates to enter a plea?”
    “Eugene Anwick will not appear before the Magistrates,” said Harker. “He will not stand trial. He will not be convicted. He will not need to. He will never leave Innsmouth.”
    Alix opened her mouth to speak but said nothing. Her brain ticked over as she assimilated this new information. But what intrigued her most was Baron’s reaction. The twitch of his mouth which he tried to conceal by rubbing his chin. He was as in the dark as they were.
    Alix leaned forward a little across the table, her eyes fixing back on Harker.
    “Which begs the question: why are you here, Mrs Harker?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “If there’s no trial then there’s no need for a prosecutor.”
    “I’m here in my capacity as the Attorney-General’s representative,” Harker said through gritted teeth. Then, when no one reacted: “I act for the government.”
    “Perhaps, Amanda,” Baron said slowly, “you could extend the courtesy of explaining how we fit into all of this if indeed it is the case that Professor Anwick will never see the inside of a courtroom.”
    Alix looked at the older woman expectantly. She crossed her legs, cocked her head to one side a little. All of these things were the signs of absolute confidence. In truth, her heart was in her mouth.
    Harker spoke slowly and carefully, every syllable of every word emphasised with utter precision and care: “You are all about to participate in a cleansing process. Like it or not, there are forces at work that are greater in proportion and significance than anything you have come to understand about your jobs, about the administration, about this world and you are being asked not to question the instructions you receive, but to faithfully and diligently adhere to them so that any consequences that arise from the Laicey murder and Anwick’s alleged involvement are mitigated.”
    “And these higher forces,” said Baron. “They include the rule of law?”
    Harker turned to him and met his gaze. “ Especially the rule of law.”
    “Why are we involved?” said Ash.
    “You are required to lend the legitimacy that this investigation requires so that, if there is a media frenzy, the world will believe that Professor Anwick was captured, tried and found guilty.”
    “My report then,” said Alix, “is a charade. You won’t actually consider the contents. It’s just a thing you’ll throw at the media if they work out what’s happening.”
    “The basis for the insanity defence, yes.”
    “Insanity? But I haven’t assessed Anwick yet. I might find-”
    “You’ll find, girl, what I tell you to find.” Alix felt a strong urge to jump up round the table and jam the expensive looking fountain pen down Harker’s throat. Ash looked pale, anxious, any element of amusement with Harker’s oddities having quickly evaporated. Baron remained stock still, eyes down, lips pursed. He was evidently as unhappy with what he heard as they were.
    “I’m out,” said Alix.
    “Don’t be so hasty, doctor Franchot,” Harker warned. “This situation-”
    “No, wait.” Alix cut her off and to her surprise she stopped. “This isn’t one of those rash decisions you’ll later persuade me to change my mind about with a n inspiring speech about playing my