Chapter 185: Alphas, Part 11

James

Once they are out of sight, I join Richard, where he is standing by, watching Stanton directing operations.

Already two men are marking out an area some twenty yards square, roping it off as they go. The geophys team are setting up their equipment….

“Magnetic survey?” I ask Richard.

“Ah-ha. The ground was thoroughly disturbed during the original demolition and flattening of the area. Hopefully, this way we can find the cellar before we bring in the Cats and the diggers.”

“Is that why you’re hanging around?”

“They’re my diggers,” he huffs, but then, “No, not really. It just feels like something that…. I don’t know….”

“Something that should be witnessed?”

He nods. “That’s about it, yes.”

Two ops with their magnetic contraptions start at opposite ends of the marked-off area, pacing in a steady, practised way. “I don’t think there’s much you can offer here right now,” says Richard. “Perhaps you’d be better going to see if Charlotte’s alright?”