Page 216 of The Examiner

OK, something’s come up. Patrick just came over and said Jem’s invited the external examiner. He’s here, right now.

Suzie

RD8 didn’t want our driver inside the grounds, so how did the external examiner get through?

Ludya

He’ll simply want to see the installation before we dismantle it. Not an issue, right?

Jonathan

It’s an issue. Jem invited the external examiner, but the guy who just walked in is Ben Sketcher.

Ludya

What the FUCK?

Suzie

Shit! We need to go.

Ludya

How the fuck does he know we’re here?

Jonathan

Patrick gave him Cameron’s finger, so he could gain access to the staff entrance. I’m pulling us out. Get your things and walk calmly to the car park. Meet at the people-carrier.

Ludya

But the head? The phone?

Jonathan

Leave them. That’s an order.

WhatsApp chat between Jem Badhuri and Ben Sketcher, 30 May 2024:

Ben

Where are you?

Jem

In the event room, so I have to whisper and keep the volume low on my earphones.

Ben

What are you doing in there?

Jem

They put the old radio inside my head sculpture to weigh it down. They want to destroy both as soon as the event’s over, only I want to take them home. If I get the radio out, I might be able to wheel the head to my dad’s car.

Ben

Leave it where it is. There’s a chance it’s very old, very valuable technology that everyone thought was lost for ever.