The hound padded over to the pick-up, and started sniffing round the back of the vehicle.

Amanda didn't dare risk a glance at Jane. «What are you doing here? Why did you come?»

Derry was frowning at the hound. «We're assigned to Harrisburg's C15 Division.»

«I'm sorry, I don't really know much about police force divisions. What does that mean?»

«C15 is responsible for counter-insurgency. Basically, we hunt down terrorists, Amanda Foxon. And right now, we're after a particularly nasty specimen. Abdul Musaf. He planted a viral vector squirt in the Finsbury arcade last night. Fifteen people are in hospital with cancer runaways sprouting inside them like mushrooms. Two have developed brain tumours. They're not going to make it. So obviously, we're rather keen to talk to him. You seen anyone like that around here?»

I should tell her, Amanda thought. A viral squirt was a terrible thing to use against innocent people. But I can't be certain she's telling the truth, a woman who thinks Jews are a plague.

«No. Why, should I have?»

«He killed one of our pursuit dogs a couple of kilometres south of your track. But he was hurt in the fight. Can't have got far.»

«OK. We'll keep watch for him.»

The hound had wandered over to the big patch of wet ground outside the kitchen door.

«Right.» Derry pursed her lips, suspicious and ill at ease. «What about you, Jew girl? You seen him? He's a Muslim, you know, one of the Legion.»

«No. I haven't seen anybody.»

«Huh. Bloody typical, don't know crap about anything, you people. OK, I don't suppose you'd harbour a towelhead anyway.»

«If you're a Christian, why have you got an affinity-bonded dog? I thought the Pope banned the faithful from using the bond over a century ago.»

The hound raised its head swiftly, swinging round to look at Jane. The lips parted again, allowing long strands of gooey saliva to drip onto the soil.

«Don't push your luck. The only reason you're not under arrest right now is because I don't want to waste taxpayers' money on you. You get back on that road when you're done here, head for your precious Tasmal.»

«Yes, sir.»

Derry snorted contemptuously. «Take my advice, Amanda Foxon, kick this thieving rabble off your land the second your crop's picked. And next year, hire some decent Christians. Get in touch with the Union, they have plenty of honest casual labourers on their books.»

«I'll remember what you said.»

If Sergeant Derry was aware of the irony, she didn't show it. She pulled on her reins, wheeling the big stallion round. The hound trotted out of the gate ahead of the horses.

Amanda realized she was sweating, muscles down the back of her legs twitched as if she'd just run to town and back. Jane patted her gently.

«Not bad for an amateur rebel. You faced her down.»

Guy pressed himself to her side, and hugged her waist. «She was horrid, Mum.»

«I know. Don't worry, she's gone now.»