Page 166 - My Home on the Earth

explained the company problems, then a fire and loss of contracts. ‘Supply and demand. Eventually, the bubble burst and I had no choice after the fire except to cease trading. The land is worth a fortune but selling for the sake of blocks of concrete will never happen,’ he said, pointing to the flats across the heathland. They followed a well- trodden path through the dilapidated buildings. ‘This is Jake’s short cut to the cabin. Otherwise, it’s a long trek around the far side of the buildings.’
Alan stopped at the cabin and Stuart beckoned for him to knock on the door. ‘Jake – it’s Dad. Will you open the door?’
Stuart looked around and took out his mobile phone and pressed a button. ‘He’s not here. Do you know when he left? OK, we’ll wait for you here.’
‘Where is he?’ asked Alan anxiously.
‘We’ll know in a minute,’ said Stuart, turning to the buildings opposite. A woman appeared from out of nowhere dressed in overalls and a combat jacket.
‘Alan, meet Kate, my security guru. When did you last see him?’ asked Stuart with a precise military tone of voice.
‘At 0.800 hours. He hasn’t returned although he has stayed out all day before and usually comes back at around 16.00 hours.
‘You seem to know a lot about my son?’ said Alan to Kate, staring at her beautiful face.
‘We can’t allow homeless people to live here,’ said Stuart smartly. ‘Their presence quickly attracts drug
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