Grint turned his attention back to his team. ‘Right, men, we’re out of here. Check you’ve got all the gear you came in with. The Medjay will be on their way. We’ll leave them to replace the grave goods. Good job, everyone. Whoever thought he might be the next Atticus Wolfe is about to wake up to a very bad day.’

He was right about not being caught here. Jane could see faint lights in the distance and hear shouts echoing off the cliffs. The Medjay were coming to investigate.

Anders turned to Grint. ‘Sir, Officer North reports the clean-up crews have dealt with the pods. The crates have been removed for evidence. They and all the prisoners are jumping back to TPHQ. It’s just us still here.’

‘Right, Parrish, you and Farrell take a quick look around. Make sure we haven’t left anything behind.’

He turned to Lockland. ‘And what about you, Lockland? You did clear the tomb before you came out? No lightsticks? No litter?’

Luke stiffened. Had she remembered to clear the site behind her? It would be understandable if she hadn’t – although not by Grint.

Jane shook her head, answering with unusual confidence. ‘No, sir. The tomb is clear. Everything accounted for.’

‘No problems in there?’

‘None at all, sir. It was all very quiet.’

Her legs were trembling, her clothes were glued to her body with cold sweat, and she was certain she’d never again be able to close her eyes without reliving the terror of knowing something stood behind her, but taking her cue from those around her and because something still seemed to be required of her, she enquired, ‘Did we miss all the fun? Did you get them?’

Grint nodded. ‘We did. It was a bit lively for a moment, but while you and Parrish were sitting on your backsides down here, yes, we got them all. And their pods.’

They took one final look around. ‘All clear, sir,’ said Kohl.

‘Right. Do the headcount and let’s get back. Alert Hansen we’re on our way. Kohl, you go first. Anders, keep an eye on Rossi. Make sure we don’t have to carry him. Let’s go, everyone.’

Back at TPHQ, everyone slowly dispersed, either towards the showers or the bar, depending on their own personal tastes. Luke, Matthew and Jane trailed slowly down the corridor towards the dormitories. For different reasons it had been an exciting night for all of them, with fear and exhilaration equally mixed.

Luke turned to Jane. ‘Are you all right now?’

‘Now?’ asked Matthew, turning to look at her. ‘What happened?’

She was reluctant to talk about it. ‘When I was in the tomb on my own . . . my mind started to play all sorts of tricks on me. I thought I saw something.’

There was a long pause and then Matthew said quietly, ‘Actually, so did I. Just for a moment. Something big. On the mountainside.’