THE SENTINEL
AWAY WITH WORDS 

By Tessa Harvey

    A man looking like a well-built bodyguard guided her to a very small room with a few small seats opposite each other. "Phones off," he ordered sternly. He checked again when he came back after a few minutes. 
    This time a young police officer came in and sat opposite, dressed in black work-office clothes. She had a bulky file which she refused to leave with the guard who intently watched the entrance to the Supreme Court.
    "All phones off. Follow me." The older lady followed obediently. The court was large and grim. All was grey.
    As quickly as she could, Polly saw herself move forward. She was aware now she was dreaming, but it was so real. A smiling older lady greeted her and she realised there was a was a witness box.
    The judge was bathed in the only light in the huge room. He said, "Take your stand in the witness box." There were several tricky steps going up, then more twisted higher sideways. She reached the microphone. There was a complete silence. No-one stirred, coughed, sighed, whispered. It was unearthly.

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