Category Archives: A momentary lapse of reason

Chapter Thirteen The Paper Cambridge News, Saturday 12th April 2008 Was Cambridge scientist’s death murder? The tragic death last month of brilliant young researcher Charlotte Stowell raises serious questions about safety in Cambridge’s new multimillion pound research institute. Ms Stowell, … Continue reading →

Chapter Twelve The Breakup Michel waited patiently for the barman to finish serving the group in front of him. He ordered his pint, and Toni’s wine. “Your other friend coming back, do you think?” Michel shrugged. “I do not know. … Continue reading →

Chapter Eleven The Interview Toni wanted to laugh. It was absurd: how could the scientist miss the whole thing; the shouting, the air so heavy with emotion? “Doesn’t seem like it, does it?” Toni tried to keep her voice normal, … Continue reading →

Chapter Ten The Volunteer Sabine checked her watch against the clock over the door. It wasn’t that she and Max ever agreed to meet, but his habit was to be at the lab half an hour after leaving his office. … Continue reading →

Chapter Nine The Confession Michel breathed in the freshness of the gardens, or the “Park” as it was known to the institute’s denizens. Part of the bequest that endowed the Wolfhaven (and persuaded a desperate government to part with more … Continue reading →

Chapter Eight The Infection Michel scanned the canteen. There were too many people, here; too much noise, but sometimes, if he concentrated, he could shut it out and actually think. There was Slater, not so much holding as clinging to … Continue reading →

Chapter Seven The Institute “You do not know what you say,” Michel said. “We have procedures, we have clean rooms—” “But she died of chikungunya fever. And you had some in the lab. Is it possible she could have been … Continue reading →

Chapter Six The Institute Max sat on a bench, smoking his fifth cigarette of the morning and keeping his eyes fixed on the main entrance of the Wolfhaven Institute. Its relatively new façade was already turning a dirty grey from … Continue reading →

Chapter Five The Retraction Slater watched Brad leave the room. Even after the door had swung shut, anger shot through his veins. Years of practice kept the evidence off his face. “I almost feel sorry for him,” Sabine said, giving … Continue reading →

Chapter Four The Outlier Sabine was thinking furiously, knowing she had said the wrong thing. She had seen the change in Slaters eyes; wry amusement replaced almost with boredom. Merde! Think, woman. She had to get Slater back on to … Continue reading →