Nick Price’s confinement lasted a full week. On the last day, Magee travelled to the hospital in Haywards Heath hoping to receive the doctor’s assessment first-hand. He had been waiting patiently in a reception room for an hour before a white-coated doctor entered and caught his eye.
Magee rose from his seat out of politeness and asked, ‘How is Nick Price, sir?’
‘He’s reasonably fit for his age, Chief Inspector. And he’s quite sane. In fact I’d go as far as to say there’s really nothing wrong with him at all.’
‘Will you discharge him then?’
‘Absolutely. You can take him away now if you like.’
‘Thank you. I’m sorry to have wasted your time; I really thought he’d gone over the edge.’
‘Far from it. He’s as sane as you or I. Well, me, anyway.’
Magee ignored the doctor’s attempt at humour. ‘What about the flashbacks he suffers from? Aren’t they serious enough to cloud his judgment? Isn’t it possible for him to do things he can’t remember later?’
‘You’re clutching at straws, I’m afraid. Yes, he’s suffering anguish, guilt, depression and anxiety. That’s because he’s never recovered from the loss of his wife, even though it’s been, what, nearly two decades. Some people never get over the death of a loved one, especially when there’s no chance of getting closure.’
‘No funeral you mean? No body to grieve over, no one to say goodbye to, no grave to visit?’
‘Precisely. He may stay the same for the rest of his life. Sad, really. There are many people in the world suffering the same condition. Usually, it’s a parent whose child has been abducted and not found.’
Magee nodded his understanding. He’d met a few grieving mothers in his time. ‘What about his mental state with regard to murder?’
‘We’re all capable of murder, Chief Inspector. Whether we’re sane or otherwise. I suggest you stick to hard evidence.’
Magee shook his head. ‘That’s my problem, sir. I don’t have any, but I need to keep him locked up.’
‘Well, I’m sorry, but I can’t do that for you.’
‘I know,’ Magee replied in a resigned tone. ‘Thank you anyway for all your help.’
‘You’re welcome.’
‘I’ll take you up on your offer if I may, of discharging him now. I’ll take him home.’
‘Sure, if you’ll just wait in reception, I’ll get one of the nurses to bring him out to you.’
Magee thanked the doctor and approached the reception desk. He signed out, sat back down and picked up a Country Life magazine. It was half an hour before Nick Price emerged, ashen-faced. He looked ill.
‘Nick, I’ll give you a lift home if you like.’
Nick nodded his head and followed Magee out to the car park. As he got inside the car he said, ‘You know something, Magee, I’ve been in hospital too many times in my life. I nearly didn’t get out on at least two occasions. I’ve learned to despise them.’
‘I’m not keen on them myself. They’re far too depressing for my liking.’
‘There was a young nurse in Saigon once, she was the only good thing I’ve ever come across in a hospital,’ he paused and stared out the window for a few moments. ‘I’ve done a lot in my life, Magee. I’ve done many things I wish I hadn’t. I’ve suffered a lot too, but I’ve never really been bad, not in the evil sense. I couldn’t commit murder, not the cold blooded, calculated type we’re up against at the moment. Whoever’s been doing this is sick. Really sick. A right mental case.’
‘You know I was hoping it was you.’
‘Yeah, I know, Magee. You’re still trying to nail me for what I did as a kid.’
Magee smiled. ‘Old habits die hard.’
‘I’m sorry to disappoint you.’
‘Actually, though it pains me to admit it to your face, I’m glad it isn’t you. I’ve spent a long time talking to Nittaya and Somsuk these last few days. I wouldn’t like to see them suffer with you locked up for life.’
‘I’ll take that as a compliment.’ Nick returned a smile in Magee’s direction. ‘Look out!’ he screamed, as a lorry pulled out from the T-junction they were approaching.
Magee realized it was too late to steer clear of an accident, but he quickly turned the wheel to avoid the worst. They braced themselves for the impact as the car spun to the left, up on to the pavement and into a low wall.
‘Bloody hell!’ Magee cursed. ‘Are you all right?’
‘Yeah, I’m okay, but we’ve got company.’ Nick pointed to six armed men rushing towards them.
The last thing Magee recalled, before passing out from the effects of a spray gas, was watching Nick Price being forcibly removed from the car.