‘Well . . . and I think it’s important to remember that examining an event without context doesn’t always give an accurate representation of the actual occurrence . . . and indeed can be more than a little misleading, causing some people to . . .’

Max shifted her weight slightly and for some reason he abandoned what he had been going to say. ‘Yes, I’m afraid I did. Shoot him, I mean. Which was unfortunate. Although, and I think this is something which should be borne in mind by everyone . . . and by everyone, I mean . . .’

‘You shot him. You shot Matthew. Your own teammate. Another member of the Time Police. And my son.’

‘Actually, I think willing volunteer might be a more accurate description and . . .’

‘You shot Matthew.’

‘Only as part of a . . . a greater plan and if I could just take you back to my earlier remark concerning context . . .’

‘You shot my son.’

‘Yes . . . well, no . . . but actually . . . yes.’

‘You . . .’ Max appeared lost for words, which was in no way reassuring because he was almost certain that actions were about to speak louder anyway, and that most of these actions would be happening to him. He drew himself up.

‘I am a member of the Time Police and . . .’

‘Max, let him live.’

‘He shot Matthew.’

‘Max . . .’

‘They’ve had him less than six months . . .’

‘Max . . .’

‘I said this would happen . . .’

‘Max . . .’

She wheeled on Luke. ‘Bloody arseholing, witless, moronic, clueless, half-witted, useless fu—’

Both Peterson and Van Owen made a grab for her. Luke’s life flashed before his eyes. Especially the last twenty-four hours. Which seemed to be on a kind of loop.

And then a nearby bush said, ‘Excuse me.’

32

32

There are worse things to be threatened by than a talking bush, but few more surprising. For a moment, no one moved and then the bush rustled and a tall Time Police officer emerged.

‘Good afternoon. In the interests of no one being shot – no one else being shot, that is – may I suggest that everyone remain very calm and make no sudden moves.’

‘I think that applies to you, as well,’ said Markham, appearing behind him, stun gun drawn.

‘And you, shorty,’ said Anders as first he, then Grint, appeared behind him.

There was a pause. ‘Is that it?’ said Markham. ‘Because I thought you buggers always travelled in fours.’

‘Hello, Mum,’ said a slurry voice.

‘Everyone stand quite still,’ commanded Grint and was very nearly knocked off his feet as Max, Jane, Peterson and Luke rushed to get to Matthew who was gently urged to sit down. Someone passed him some water.

‘There,’ said Luke, unwisely. ‘As you can see. Completely unharmed.’

Max turned to glare at him.

Markham, ignoring Grint, shook his head slightly at Luke and made a surprisingly understandable I’d shut up if I were you gesture.

Peterson, observing Major Ellis closely, said, ‘I think you should sit down, too,’ and helped him to an empty statue plinth.