Page 191 of The Examiner

Jem

Is Patrick with you, Ben? People are moving into the auditorium and we can’t find him.

Ben

He was here a few minutes ago. I saw him go back past security. What’s wrong with him?

Jem

You mean, why is he so sad and low? I’ve no idea. You’d think, with Alyson having turned up, he’d be happy.

Ben

You mean Suzie Danners – the student you’ve known as Alyson Lang.

Jem

Yes, but Jonathan said she self-IDs on this course as Alyson and that her real name is none of my business. I can’t really argue with that.

Ben

Is she there now?

Jem

Yes, but if I’m honest, she doesn’t seem herself.

Ben

Could it be her sister, the real Alyson?

Jem

No. Her voice is her voice, if you know what I mean. But she sounds exhausted. As if she hasn’t slept in ages, and smells as if she hasn’t had a bath for just as long. I also overheard a man’s voice say, ‘Look at the state of her’ and another replied, ‘Must be one of the art students.’ Rude.

Ben

How’s Jonathan?

Jem

All fired up for the event, same as Ludya and me. Patrick and Alyson have done hardly any meeting and greeting.

Ben

OK, well, it looks as if they’re getting ready for the presentation.

Jem

Good. The catering staff have saved some canapés for us. I’ve been looking forward to them all evening. Are you sure you can’t come in and see the installation?

Ben

I’ll wait out here until the time is right. Thanks, Jem.

Metropolitan Police digital evidence log/Case no. 4617655/24/files retrieved 5 September 2024

WhatsApp chat between Ludya Parak and Jonathan Danners, 17 January 2024: