Lara lifted her head away from its resting place and winced. Damn, it was sore. She rolled her head and neck forwards and took a deep breath. She still felt like vomiting. She closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them again. All she could see was a chunk of fallen masonry and the bluish-green of the copper roof turned to verdigris by time and the elements. The colour made her want to vomit more.
I’ve got a concussion, thought Lara. I’m alive. It’s just a concussion.
Lara couldn’t look at the roof of the tower any longer. The colour was too much for her. She closed her eyes. Everything was too black. It wasn’t the darkness of closed lids in daylight. It was something else.
Lara Croft’s torso slumped forwards over her legs. She was out cold once more.
Lara awoke and opened her eyes. She didn’t know what she was looking at. The image was fuzzy and rotating, but it was brown and green and beige. It wasn’t the verdigris floor of the tower roof.
“Can you hear me?” said a soft, low voice. “Can you wake up for me, love?”
Someone’s calling me “love,” thought Lara. Who would call me “love”?
She started to open her eyes again, but the swimming of colours before her eyes was off-putting, so she closed them again. She couldn’t see who it was, but it must be a person.
“Can you tell me your name, love?” said the voice again.
“Lara,” said Lara. There didn’t seem any point not answering the question.
“Good girl, Lara,” said the voice. “I’m Matt. I’m with the ambulance service, and I’m going to look after you.”
Lara thought about nodding, but her head hurt.
“Do you know where you are, Lara?” asked Matt.
Merton, thought Lara. The Fleece, Kennard. Oh, no. I can’t do this now. I’ve got to get out of here. Wake up, Lara. Open your eyes and get up!
Lara breathed hard. Then, she opened her eyes. She blinked a couple of times and tried to clear her vision. Gradually, the paramedic’s face swam into focus.
“My name is Lara Croft,” said Lara. “I’m at Merton College, Oxford. I’m on the chapel tower roof. I don’t know what happened. I think I fell. I have panic attacks.”
She looked around for clues. She saw the ridges on the copper floor, the raised joints where the roof panels had been sealed together. “I must have tripped on one of the ridges when I was hyperventilating. Clumsy of me. I banged my head.” She put her hand up to the left side of her head.
“Don’t touch,” said Matt, gently. “I’ll clean it up for you. It’d be better if we could get you off this roof. We’ll get a stretcher up here.”
“I can walk,” said Lara, hoisting herself up.
“You might have a concussion,” said Matt. “There must have been some dodgy masonry up here. It looks like a piece might have hit you.”
“I’m OK,” said Lara. “I think I just fainted. The panic attacks.”
“Sit,” said Matt. “Let me run some checks.”
The paramedic shone a light in her eyes and kept talking to her.
“Why are you here today, Lara?” he asked.
“I came to see Professor Babbington,” she said. “He’s professor of antiquities, and a family friend. I study archaeology.”
“How did you get on the roof?” he asked.
“I was frightened,” said Lara. “I just ran.”
“OK,” said Matt. “Your pupils are reacting. How do you feel?”
“I’m fine,” said Lara.
“Do you feel nauseous?” asked Matt. “You haven’t vomited?” He glanced around for signs that she’d been sick.
“No,” said Lara. “Really. I’m fine.”
“What about your vision?” asked Matt. “Any blurring or double vision?”
“No,” said Lara. Her vision had cleared. It wasn’t a lie.
“There are a lot of police milling around the college,” said Matt, “and quite a lot of people needing medical attention. I’d have to get someone else up here to get you stretchered out. It would take time and resources from other areas.”
“Don’t do that,” said Lara. “There’s no need, really.”
“It’s protocol,” said Matt. “I shouldn’t make an exception.”
“My name is Lara Croft,” said Lara. “I am at Merton College Oxford to visit Professor Babbington. There has been an incident involving gunfire. The police and ambulance are in attendance. I have panic attacks. I am sitting on the roof of the chapel tower, and by the way, the view from up here is stunning. I am talking to a lovely paramedic with brown hair and a green suit called Matt.”
She smiled. Her head throbbed, but she didn’t wince. She hoped it didn’t show.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I just had a panic attack and bumped my head. You should be doing something more important than looking after me. Now can we get down from here, please?”
“OK, Lara,” said Matt. “Just one thing though. If you feel sick or woozy at any time, just let me know. There are a lot of stairs between here and the ambulance, and if you fall down them, my job’s on the line.”
“I can do that,” said Lara.
Chapter 39
Lara did feel woozy, but she took the stairs steadily, with Matt helping her all the way down, and she made it. All she wanted to do was get her head wound dressed and get out of there.
Lara had no idea why Kennard hadn’t shot her, and she had no idea whether he would come back for her. She didn’t have Menelaou’s fleece or the ram statuette. She also realised that she didn’t have her bag. She didn’t have the Book.
Where did I leave my rucksack? she thought. It took her a moment to remember that it was in the Hall. She had to get it back.
Matt led Lara to an ambulance. He took her temperature and her blood pressure.
“You’re in perfect health,” he said.
“There,” said Lara. “I told you.”
“That head doesn’t look too clever though,” said Matt. It would take him some time to clean it and dress it, and while he set to work, they were approached by a police officer.
“Have all your patients been processed?” asked the policeman.
“This is the last,” said Matt. “You can talk to her now, if you like, or I can escort her over to the Hall when I’ve finished.”
“Now is good,” said the officer.
Lara put her hand up to her head and closed her eyes.
“I don’t feel very well, Matt,” she said.
Matt turned to her.
“Are you having any new symptoms?” he asked.
“It’s just my breathing,” said Lara. “I think I’m having another panic attack.”
Matt turned to the policeman.
“Thanks, officer,” he said. “I’ll just take her over to the Hall when she’s fully recovered.”
“Make sure you do,” said the officer.
Lara hated to feign anything, but the panic attacks were real enough when they did happen, and if she could get into the Hall, she stood a good chance of retrieving her rucksack.
“Just lie back for me, Lara, and breathe normally,” said Matt. “I’m going to stop treating your wound for a few minutes and we’ll deal with this, all right?”
“Thanks, Matt,” said Lara, and she meant it.
Five minutes passed. It didn’t matter. If Kennard Montez was watching, she was surrounded by emergency services personnel, and all the time she was with Matt or with the police she had to be safe.
Lara decided that it was better not to pretend a panic attack. So, after she had been lying down for a minute or two with Matt at her side she said, “I think, maybe, I was just a bit squeamish.”
“That’s perfectly all right,” said Matt.
“It was just the idea of my head bleeding, and you touching it,” said Lar
a. “I’m fine. I’m not panicking at all.”
She began to sit up.
“Stay there,” said Matt. “That way, if you feel unsettled or woozy, there’s nowhere to fall.”
“OK,” said Lara.
As he worked, he talked her through everything. He told her when to expect to feel cold, when he was applying a salve and when he was dressing the wound.
Lara felt terrible that she was putting him through it all. It felt so dishonest. At least the nausea was beginning to wear off.
“Now, just lie there for a minute,” said Matt, “and then I’ll take you over to the Hall.”
“Thanks,” said Lara, and she smiled at him.
Two minutes later, they were out of the ambulance and walking towards the Hall. Students were filing out of the building. Some had dressed wounds; many were simply walking out. Several looked as if they had been crying, and some were still pale and shaken. They were all in groups. No one was alone. They spoke quietly to one another.
The Hall was fairly empty by the time Lara was led in by Matt. The emergency services had obviously been very efficient.
Lara sat on a bench at one of the long tables usually used for dining, and Matt sat down next to her.
“You don’t need to stay,” said Lara.
“You were my last patient,” said Matt, “and I’d like to observe you for a little longer. That head wound is pretty nasty. You might still have a concussion.”
“If you’re sure,” said Lara. She didn’t want to put him off. She didn’t know how long she’d have to wait for her interview, or what sort of questions the police would ask. Matt might come in useful.
I’ll have to get rid of him before I leave here, she thought. I’ve got to get my rucksack, and I can’t do that with him in tow.
They only waited a few minutes before a policeman approached them.
He asked the same questions that Matt had asked. He wanted to know her name. He wanted to know where she was when the incident occurred.
“And what was your business at the college?” asked the policeman.
“I came to visit a professor,” said Lara, “an old family friend and associate.” She was cautious. She didn’t want to say too much. The whole thing had started at Babbington’s office, and he was dead. The student whose tutorial she’d interrupted could probably verify that she had been there and identify her. She needed to be careful.
“The name of the professor?” asked the policeman.
“Babbington,” said Lara. “Professor Babbington.”
The policeman looked sternly at her for several seconds.
“Is there something wrong, officer?” asked Matt.
“How did that meeting proceed?” asked the policeman.
“I interrupted a tutorial,” said Lara. “It was silly. I told the professor I needed to talk to him urgently. I have panic attacks, and I was overreacting. He knows me, so he dismissed his student. Anyway, I realised how stupid it was. I’d put him out, and he had to reschedule the tutorial. I was embarrassed. I apologised for disturbing him, and I left. I was only there a couple of minutes. Then, all hell broke loose, and, honestly, I don’t remember much more.”
“Lara had a fall and a mild concussion,” said Matt. “Combined with the panic attacks and the stress of the situation, I doubt she can remember very much of anything.”
“But you can confirm that you were with Professor Babbington this morning?” asked the policeman. “Where did that meeting take place?”
“In his office.” said Lara. She knew not to give more information than was asked for.
“At what time?” asked the officer.
“Eight o’clock,” said Lara, “or a minute or two after.”
“And when did you leave?” asked the policeman.
“I was only there for a few minutes,” said Lara. “I think the professor was cross with me for interrupting his tutorial, so, like I said, I left more or less straight away.”
“Did you see anyone else in the vicinity of Professor Babbington’s study?” asked the policeman.
Lara put her hand up to her head and closed her eyes.
“Are you all right, Lara?” asked Matt.
“I don’t know,” said Lara.
“She really doesn’t remember anything,” said Matt. “Anxiety is a complicated disorder, and she’s had a head trauma.”
“I left as soon as I realised what I’d done,” said Lara. “I was embarrassed. I shouldn’t have barged in while he was working. I don’t remember seeing anyone.”
“It’s all right, Lara,” said Matt.
“She’s been treated for her injuries?” asked the policeman.
“Yes,” said Matt. “I can’t give her anything for her anxiety, because of the concussion. You shouldn’t stress her, officer.”
“It’s all right,” said Lara. “I’d like to help if I can… Has something happened to Professor Babbington?”
The policeman looked at Matt, and then said, “Nothing for you to worry about, Miss Croft.”
“I was in and out in a minute or two,” said Lara. “Who would do anything to Professor Babbington?”
“It’s all right, Lara,” said Matt again.
“Do you have any identification with you, Miss Croft?” asked the officer.
“I lost my bag,” said Lara. The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them.
“There was a sweep of the college, and all property has been collected,” said the officer.
“Would you like me to go and look?” asked Matt.
Lara thought for a moment, He’s emergency services. They won’t ask him any questions. Maybe it’s better that way.
“I couldn’t ask you to do that,” she said.
“It’s no trouble,” said Matt.
“Well, if you’re sure,” said Lara.
“Can I leave her with you?” Matt asked the officer. “What does the bag look like, Lara?”
“It’s a grey rucksack with the straps tied together,” said Lara.
“I’ve got a few more questions,” said the policeman. “They’re processing property in St. Albans, the other side of Front Quad. Just turn right out of this building and straight across—”
“I know where it is,” said Matt. “I won’t be long. Keep the questions simple and don’t upset her. She’s been through a lot, and she’s fragile.”
“I’ll do my best,” said the policeman.
“If it gets too much, just lie down on the bench,” said Matt, “and don’t forget your breathing. I’ll be back.”
Matt returned only a few minutes later, and, in the meantime, the policeman didn’t dare ask any new questions. He simply went over the old ones and took Lara’s contact details.
Matt handed Lara her rucksack, which meant she had the Book. She realised that she didn’t have her jacket, but she didn’t care. She unfastened the rucksack, unzipped the inside pocket, and pulled out her ID. She showed it to the policeman, who made a note of it.
“If you could just cast your mind back, one last time,” said the policeman.
Matt glared at him.
“When you left Professor Babbington’s office this morning, did you meet anyone on the staircase, or did you see anyone in Front Quad, nearby?” asked the policeman.
Lara thought for a moment, pretended to think.
“I don’t remember anyone,” she said. “There might have been students, but there are always students.”
“And you went from the Front Quad up to the chapel tower?” asked the policeman.
“Yes,” said Lara.
“Why?” asked the policeman.
“I don’t know,” said Lara. “I honestly don’t know.”
There was a long pause.
“If you remember anything… anything at all, you will
get in contact with us, won’t you, Miss Croft?” asked the policeman.
“Of course,” said Lara.
“Someone will want to interview you again, so we’ll be in touch,” he said.
“OK,” said Lara.
There was another pause.
“Can I take her now?” asked Matt.
“All right, then,” said the policeman. “I suppose so. Pity though.”
“What’s a pity?” asked Matt.
“She might have been a useful witness,” said the policeman under his breath to the paramedic.
Lara pretended not to hear him as she stood up carefully and put the rucksack on her back.
“So, I can go?” asked Lara as Matt escorted her out of the Hall.
“It seems so,” said Matt. “Are you staying in Oxford?”
“I live in London,” said Lara. “I was going to head back.”
“You shouldn’t be alone for a while,” said Matt. “Just in case. I’d rather you didn’t travel, either.”
“You’re being over-cautious, surely,” said Lara.
“In better circumstances, I’d put you in an ambulance and take you to hospital,” said Matt, “but this is a busy day. Promise me you’ll stay in Oxford. Try to be around people. I don’t want you on my conscience.”
Lara looked at him.
“I don’t want to alarm you,” said Matt. “I’m sure you’re fine. It’s just a precaution. With everything that’s happened today, there’s a chance your anxiety might kick in, too.”
“You’re a real peddler of doom, aren’t you?” said Lara, smiling. Then, she regretted the smile. It made her head throb.
“Seriously, Lara, you should look after yourself,” said Matt.
“I’ll try,” said Lara.
If only he knew, she thought. With Kennard Montez still out there, I might need a lot more looking after than he thinks.
Chapter 40
Lara walked away from Matt towards the lodge. Front Quad was quiet. She was one of the last to leave, and she was walking out alone. She was only a few metres away when she heard someone jogging behind her. Lara turned to find Matt almost beside her.