Page 97 of Stolen Ones

‘We are indeed, Mr Duncan. We’d like to know more about this fountain.’

‘You summoned me for a history lesson?’ he asked, reddening even further. Kim half expected his polka-dot bow tie to start spinning.

‘Only recent history, for example the renovation works that were carried out about twenty years ago.’

‘Why would you possibly need that information?’

‘Just humour us, Mr Duncan. We understand that it was quite a big job.’

‘It didn’t start out that way. There was an issue with the water supply to the centre statue. Everything external was checked before digging out the actual fountain. We did question ourselves on that decision, but it’s a big draw for the people not interested in the gory stuff, and it’s an original part of the site, historically integral to the building.’

Kim wondered how historically important ‘Choking Chamber’ and ‘Horrific Hallway’ were to the historic integrity of the building.

‘One of our benefactors came forward and volunteered to foot the bill to get the fountain working again. He agreed with us about its importance.’

‘And did he know the extent of the work involved?’

‘None of us did until the excavation work began to determine the cause of the water supply cessation.’

‘But it’s a fountain,’ Kim said, thinking that the water was just recycled from the base over and over again.

‘It doesn’t replenish to the degree it needs to. Rainwater helps to keep it topped up, but water evaporates in sunlight and as you can see…’ He pointed to the sun’s position, which told her it was being baked every day.

‘In all honesty, we weren’t sure of the water source, as previous problems had always been with the fountain heads.’

‘So how extensive was the work?’ she asked.

‘We thought it would be some damaged pipes or worn fittings, but it was nothing of the sort. The well had run dry.’

‘Sorry?’

‘The water source had been an underground well which had simply run out of water.’

‘And your benefactor didn’t mind the rising cost?’

‘No, he was very generous. He even brought in his own construction company to ensure it was done properly.’

I bet he did, Kim thought.

‘So what work was required?’

‘The crew had to dig down a good ten feet to make the well safe and then install a brand-new water replenishment system that feeds right from a collection tank, and which is also hooked into the water mains if the system ever gets too low.’

‘Sounds like a lot of thought and work went into the project.’

‘It did, but Mr Harte was very hands-on. He was here at all hours checking the progress. They were both incredibly diligent.’

‘By both you mean Mr Harte and Mr Butler.’

He appeared surprised that she knew both names.

‘Absolutely, yes. Their hard work and commitment, not to mention money, has ensured that this little beauty need never be disturbed again.’

Kim took a moment to consider everything she’d learned in order to make a judgement call.

There was the history and integrity of the fountain. The upheaval to the property and their business; the inconvenience to them and their customers. On the other hand, there was the involvement in the project of both Steven Harte and Jenson Butler, as well as the possibility that a little girl rested beneath it.

She turned to the day manager. ‘I’m sorry, Mr Duncan, but we’re going to dig it up.’