Remember, after their near-extermination in London, those that survived would have become even more elusive than usual."
Those that survived the extermination would have died of old age by now."
"But their offspring would have inherited the fear. The monster Black has developed incredible intelligence according to all the reports: they would certainly know how to keep themselves hidden."
Then, if that's the case, there can be no immediate danger, can there?"
Whitney-Evans' voice had taken on a new tone, softer, almost coaxing.
Fender decided he liked the man even less than before.
Then why this sudden evidence of them?" he said firmly. "Why are they suddenly losing this timidity?"
"Just a combination of circumstances, Fender. If and that's a big if as far as I'm concerned if they do exist, they still haven't attacked a human, have they?"
"Not yet. But they might."
"Look, Fender, I've stated my case quite frankly to you. Now, I'm not trying to prevent you from doing your duty, Lord knows I haven't that power, but I am asking you to reconsider your action. Why not investigate further before you recommend evacuation and quarantine? I have a staff of over seventy who I'm sure would be only too pleased to assist you in any way possible. My forest keepers and woodsmen could help you in your search. I'm not saying you shouldn't inform the Ministry, of course, you must do that, but all I'm saying is, don't jump to hasty conclusions. By all means, bring your people in, but surely we can keep what's the expression? yes, a "low profile" on this. Until you're absolutely sure. What do you say?"
Fender shook his head wearily. "I'm sorry, Mr. Whitney-Evans, I really am. But the risk is too great. If anything nasty should happen while we're still searching, then it would be my responsibility."
The Superintendent's tone was acid. "No, not your responsibility, Fender. Your company's. But I wonder what they would say about this inflexible attitude of yours?"
Well, you can find out." Fender rose and made for the door. "Why don't you ask them?" He paused and looked back at the Superintendent, whose face was, yet again, flushed bright red.
"I'll do just that, Fender. I also have some very good connections in the Ministry of Agriculture we work closely together, you know. I'll see what they have to say about the matter."
Fender could not be bothered to reply. He resisted the urge to slam the door behind him, and made his way out of the house.
"Bloody idiot," he allowed himself to say as he crunched his way back down the lane.
By the time he got back to the Conservation Centre, phone calls had been made. His intention had been to inform the Warden of his decision, then to get in touch with Stephen Howard at Ratkill, who would advise the appropriate authorities. But Alex Milton was waiting for him in the reception area of the Centre, a concerned look on his face.
"Ah, Mr. Fender," he said, striding forward to meet the rat catcher We weren't sure if you'd return to the Centre this evening. We thought you might go straight back to your company to make your report."
"No, I wanted to have a word with you first. Can we go into your office?"
"Of course. In fact, I've just had your Research Director on to me. He said he'd like you to ring him immediately if you showed up here."
Fender looked at the Warden quizzically.
"He said it was important," Milton said somewhat lamely.
Fender had his suspicions before he even picked up the phone. He dialled the Ratkill number and asked to be put through to Stephen Howard.
"Stephen? It's Luke."
"Ah, Luke. Good. Now what have you been up to there in Epping Forest?
Seems you've stirred things up."
"Meaning?"
Well, I've just had old Thoraton from the Ministry of Agriculture on to me. Says you've been upsetting a chum of his by the name of Whitney-Evans. Superintendent of the forest, isn't he?"
"Oh, for Christ's sake! The man wants to do a cover-up. He doesn't want the forest to be evacuated."
The Warden looked both embarrassed and startled. He sat down.
Howard's voice on the other end of the phone was sharp. "Evacuate.
That's a bit drastic, isn't it? What makes you think the Black rat is in the forest?"
Fender quickly told him what he'd seen, been told, deduced. The phone buzzed with static for a few moments.
"Sorry, Luke, I'm afraid that's not enough."
"Not enough? You've got to be kidding."
"No, old boy, I'm not. Look, I'm going over there for a meeting.
Thornton's already set something up with this Whitney-Evans for nine o'clock. Can you hang around until then?"
"Yes, I can hang around." Fender felt a heaviness dragging him down.
Howard had obviously been asked to soft-pedal by Thornton, who was a Private Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and a major contact between Ratkill and the government. Ratkill had always worked closely with the Ministry's Safety Pesticides and Infestation Control Division, even though the Ministry of Defence had become involved in the London Outbreak, and in the subsequent years after the supposed elimination of the Black rat, they had become even more united in their joint work. Howard was unlikely to go against the wishes of one of the Ministry's private secretaries, and it was obvious Thornton was one of Whitney-Evans' 'good connections'.
"Are you still there, Luke?" Howard's voice interrupted Fender's thoughts.
"I'm still here," he said.
"Right. The meeting will be held in the Conservation Centre itself.
Apart from the Warden, I'd like this girl, the tutor who says she saw the rats, to attend, as well as the forest's head keeper. Dugdale from the Safety Inspectorate will also be there. Don't worry, Luke, we'll soon sort things out."
We'll need to. Fast. You know how the situation in London got out of hand."
"Of course I do. I was in the thick of it. But look, I feel certain this is just an isolated case."
"I wish I shared your confidence."
"I don't want you to discuss this any further, Luke, not until the meeting." The forced lightness had left the research director's voice.
"In case I upset anybody else?"
"No, because the matter must be treated in the strictest confidence,"
came Howard's curt reply.
"A party of schoolchildren and their teacher saw the rats, too."
"Yes, but I understand they've been convinced they saw something completely different."
"Oh, have they," Fender said flatly.
"Until later then, Luke?"
"Okay." Fender replaced the receiver and found himself looking into the eyes of Milton. "I need a drink," he said.
"I wish I could join you," Milton replied, smiling apologetically. "I'm afraid I have a lecture due to begin shortly and I have to greet our guest speaker."
Fender nodded and left the Warden's office, suppressing the anger he felt. If anything disastrous happened while they wasted time ... And yet, he could see their point of view. It would be a massive operation to clear the whole woodland area, and would undoubtedly send waves of panic, not just through that green belt area, but through all the surrounding districts. London, itself. And if it did prove to be a false alarm ... He pushed the thought of consequences from his mind.