Betsy misfired as she turned off, then rolled to a halt at a striped barrier, with a rock fountain and Swallow Park signs either side of the road. Harry’s flash Mini had been waved through on Saturday, but two guards came out of their booth to inspect Betsy. One crouched and made a signal for Brad to lower his window, as the other went behind to inspect the smouldering exhaust.

‘Sir, is this a zero-emission vehicle?’

Brad smiled, and dabbed the gas pedal so that the guy up the back got smoked. ‘Does it look like one?’

As the guy behind started coughing, the one squatting down pointed at a zero-emissions sign next to the gate. ‘Non-residents can only enter Swallow Park in a non-polluting vehicle. You’re gonna have to turn about.’

Brad looked pissed. ‘Are you telling me my car’s not good enough for your snooty-assed—’

Charlie brushed Brad’s shoulder and interrupted. ‘It’s three minutes’ walk from here, so don’t worry. Thanks for the ride.’

As Charlie ducked under the gate and started walking, Brad did a U-turn. Then he furiously revved Betsy, before blasting the horn as she shot off. Charlie smirked, seeing the entry booth and fountains obscured by a silver-grey haze.

After a wrong turn, which led to a row of tennis courts, Charlie hurried into Maker’s Yard, conscious that she was a few minutes late. But that was the least of her problems.

It was like in an old movie where the baddie walks into a bar. People doing personal projects at the benches stopped stapling and gluing. The pink-haired teacher who’d been there on Saturday was finishing a class with an all-girl group, and tween mouths froze like they’d sighted the devil. Steve was at his messy bench, facing a skinny ginger guy in a striped suit and the big-mouthed Texan.

‘Charlie, welcome,’ Steve said, voice wavering with stress. ‘Can I talk to you for a moment?’

‘This doesn’t feel welcoming,’ Charlie noted, as a chill went down her back.

‘There have been some discussions regarding your attendance,’ Steve said quietly. ‘I’ve always felt that this maker community should be open to everyone.’

The big Texan interrupted with a grunt, and Steve scowled at him.

‘Unfortunately not everyone shares my view and objections have been raised to your membership.’

‘What have I done?’ Charlie asked indignantly.

‘Nothing,’ Steve said, louder so that people could hear. ‘You’ve done nothing.’

‘Would you say that to the little girl she left half burnt to death?’ the Texan bawled, shaking his chunky arm. ‘And you wanna let her come here to learn all the skills to make bigger and better bombs?’