Read Chapter 11: — THE CLOSED STATION

The volunteer driving network became a proper group by Boxing Day.

Mark Hughes, a delivery manager with the organisational instincts of a field marshal, created a rota. Drivers submitted licence details, insurance, emergency contacts and vehicle information. Hospital staff joined a separate request channel. Nobody accepted cash.

"Free is suspicious," one nurse told Ethan.

"That's why Mark wants verification."

"I still photographed your plate."

"Excellent."

They began with twenty-three drivers.

By the end of the day they had forty-one.

Protective equipment remained the problem. One driver wore swimming goggles. Another had converted a builder's face shield. A university student arrived in a disposable rain poncho and bright yellow washing-up gloves.

People shared what they had.

Ethan gave away his spare goggles. Mark divided two bottles of disinfectant into smaller containers. A pharmacist donated gloves. A dentist's office provided masks.

The network grew because stories travelled faster than official instructions.

Claire told another doctor. That doctor told a porter. The porter told his brother, who owned a warehouse. The warehouse had three boxes of respirators intended for sanding work.

Not medical grade, but useful for drivers.

"This city is being held together with WhatsApp and gaffer tape," Jamie said.

"Historically, that's how Britain works," Ethan replied.

For the first time in days, everyone laughed.