Rabbit fever, p.36
Rabbit Fever, page 36
It seemed to her there was some form of broader spread initiated by Zak, yet tightly concealed.
She read with tedium the conjecture about potential involvement of larger entities, like a wider terrorist organisation or shadowy forces pulling strings, dismissing it as fanciful. One remark about Zak caught her interest: the possibility that if he were still alive, despite the limited success of his actions, the government might have considered discussing immunity if he agreed to collaborate and share information.
“So the one at the core of this, they’d want on their side, while poor Will rots in jail,” she commented angrily.
Yet, she acknowledged from the Security Service’s perspective that if this entire mess were the work of two twenty-something individuals acting independently, Zak, who appeared central to the scheme, could indeed be a valuable asset.
She also delved into the note that cautiously suggested the exact extent and impact of Zak’s actions might remain forever unknown. The summary extensively discussed known unknowns and unknown unknowns, with the author striving to cover all bases by emphasising that due to these unknown unknowns, it would be impossible to ever confirm the case resolved.
Tutting in disapproval, the Health Secretary felt the Security Services were losing interest in the case, attempting to dismiss it as something that might never be explained.
Finally, she scrolled back to the beginning of the summary, intrigued by the section concerning Gillian Kauffmann.
When George had been ousted as the head of the Health Board, Gillian had put herself forward for the role. She possessed all the necessary qualifications. As the Health Secretary understood it, the majority of the Health Board, individuals like Clive and Tina whom she’d encountered six months ago during her visit to that dysfunctional organisation, had either endorsed Gillian’s appointment or stepped aside to allow her ascension.
Gillian’s exile to Porthaven had ended; she was rehabilitated and was now being held up as an example among her peers, spending most of her time travelling the country, instructing others on how she believed they should manage their roles in Health Boards.
The Health Secretary was convinced this was a role Gillian relished—visiting others and candidly expressing her opinions about their practices. In fact, the reason for their scheduled call later was because Gillian had been requested to visit a struggling hospital on the outskirts of London and provide her expert opinion on its situation, reporting back to the Health Secretary.
The media had forgotten about the car park incident with burning braziers six months earlier. Which had been explained at the time as an episode of panic, with the right actions taken due to the lack of resources for proper disease control procedures.
Gillian had emerged from this situation relatively unscathed.
There were lingering questions posed in the report that also troubled the Health Secretary.
What precisely was Gillian Kauffmann doing on that cliff top the morning her son was presumed to have left the country? She had denied burning anything, but forensic analysis indicated a recent fire.
How it was coincidental she decided to undertake an impromptu journey from her hospital to the cliff top location. Who had called her, prompting her abrupt departure from the hospital?
Additionally, there was the peculiar circumstance of her car supposedly being stolen while she popped into a local shop on her way for the apparent urgent walk. Reportedly left running and taken for a joy ride by a local drunk down to the port. Something Gillian decided to report only after she had returned from this important outing and not as soon as the theft had occurred. Apparently, being ‘not concerned’ the car had been taken as she had been tiring of her current model and was considering purchasing a new one.
Despite efforts by the Security Services and police to connect the dots, there was no concrete evidence or proof linking Gillian to the presumed meeting on the cliff top with her son and his escape using her car.
No matter how hard they tried, the police and Security Services could not find evidence to substantiate their suspicions.
Encountering an endless line of Porthaven locals willing to corroborate whatever new alibi Gillian provided whenever she was questioned about another twist in the bizarre series of events.
“You’re quite sharp, aren’t you?”
The Health Secretary almost congratulated Gillian but knew there was so much more to which she was privy. She made a mental note, acknowledging to herself,
“Things won’t stay hidden forever, Gillian,” anticipating the potential fallout.
A small calendar notification popped up in the corner of her screen, reminding her of the impending video call:
‘Gillian Kauffmann is waiting to join your meeting.’
With a sigh, she accepted the call and found herself faced with Gillian’s image. Gillian, as usual, sat puffing away on a cigarette, blatantly disregarding the Health Service rule against smoking on the premises.
The Health Secretary didn’t feel up to arguing with Gillian today. Though she admitted Gillian was an excellent doctor, she also knew Gillian was adept at winning arguments unless presented with irrefutable evidence. With recent events and Gillian’s newfound position, she felt Gillian had established a level of immunity, boldly informing the Health Secretary she’d be smoking wherever she pleased in her new role.
Observing Gillian’s screen, the Health Secretary noticed Gillian had settled into George’s old office. She’d brought an array of items from her Porthaven office, almost trying to recreate the sombre setting she’d inhabited during her banishment.
But there was something else, something Gillian had displayed subtly but provocatively, challenging anyone to comment on it, aware they wouldn’t in this new era of her apparent immunity.
The Health Secretary peered closer at a picture on Gillian’s shelf, noticing it in more detail. Gillian noticed her gaze and smirked with a sense of knowing, allowing the Health Secretary to take it all in.
Taking a sharp breath, the Health Secretary couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Gillian Kauffmann sat on a call with her, in front of what appeared to be a family photo featuring Gillian sat with a young black man alongside a white, blonde guy.
The Black man suspiciously resembled Zak, and the white blonde bore an uncanny resemblance to her son, Ewan.
More astonishingly, the Health Secretary pondered, it looked like a recent photo, as implausible as that seemed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Glen resides in West London, having grown up in Devon near the coast. He lives with his partner, Peter, and their Dachshund, Saucisse.
Glen is an avid fan of true crime, mystery, and suspense literature and podcasts. While he had contemplated writing a novel for some time, he’s finally decided that now is the moment to put pen to paper and start writing.
Glen Tooke, Rabbit Fever
