Nature of Ash, The by Mandy Hager Page A

so?’
    ‘Someone’s let the cork out of the bottle and every-thing’s bubbling up. There have been more outbreaks of violence in the last twenty-four hours than the last three months — attacks on businesses and anyone suspected of connection to the UPR. Threats to power, water, communications … By tomorrow we could well be in the middle of an outright war. Parliament has called on the UN to try to calm things, but that could take weeks. Right now, we’ve all been told to defuse anything that has the chance of flaring out of control.’
    There’s a deliberateness to her words that suggests I should take extra note. ‘What’s this got to do with me?’
    She shakes her head slowly. ‘There are threats of protests at the funerals of those killed by the bomb.’
    Jeezus! Why didn’t that occur to me? Funerals are hijacked every day in other countries, so why not here? They’re often the excuse for people’s anger to erupt on the streets.
    ‘You think this’ll happen at Dad’s?’
    ‘It’s definite. The unions have put out a call for ademonstration, and already there’s talk of counter-protests by supporters of the UPR.’
    ‘But I’ve only just confirmed the time and place.’
    ‘Word travels fast, even without access to the net.’ She shifts in her chair. Crosses her legs. Uncrosses them. Clears her throat. ‘I think you should consider calling off the funeral — just have a private farewell, then get out of the city. With Parliament just down the road from here, you’re right in the thick of it should things get rough.’
    ‘Whoa! Hold on! Dad didn’t give in to threats, so why the hell should I?’ Even as I say this I realise it’s a load of crap. Dad played the silent hero, and now he’s dead. I flick my gaze up to Jeannie: she knows I’ve clicked. One of Dad’s favourite phrases pops into my mind. Irony is just hypocrisy with style . I never quite understood what he meant but now, for some reason, it seems to fit.
    ‘I’ve been instructed to ask you to make a statement to the media, saying there will be no public funeral. The other families have been approached as well. It’s a matter of security for everyone involved.’
    ‘Bugger off! I’m not talking to those bloodsuckers again. All they want’s a juicy headline to sell the news. I’m buggered if I’ll give them the satisfaction.’
    ‘We won’t let them question you. All you have to do is read a prepared statement and then I’ll whisk you off. The Silvermans are down there now.’
    George’s family have already agreed? ‘Then I don’t have much choice, do I?’
    ‘I’m sorry,’ Jeannie says, and it’s clear from the strain in her voice she means it. ‘These orders come directly from the top. I’m just the messenger. But look, I want totell you something that’s definitely off the record. You understand?’
    I nod, though it’s like an invisible hand is clenching in my gut.
    ‘There are things happening that don’t seem right. Okay? Stuff I can’t quite put my finger on. But I promise I’ll try to find out. For now, all I can tell you is that those threatening notes sent to your father have been commandeered by the top brass, and when I tried to chase them up this morning I was cautioned to butt out. But I think the threats about possible riots at the funeral are real … I’m just not sure who’s driving what.’
    ‘What do you think’s going on?’
    She shrugs. ‘God only knows. I will find out, but right now I want you to say your goodbyes as quickly as possible, then leave. I’m sending Travis off to my mother’s farm near Inglewood first thing tomorrow on the train. I want you and Mikey to go as well. She’ll take good care of you — there’s plenty of food and water — and it’s well off the beaten track. Just for now, until it’s clear how things will pan out.’
    It’s so bizarre. I only met this woman the night before last and now she wants to send me to her mum? ‘I’m quite capable of