I was jostled and shoved and yanked along. At least there was a proper tarmacked road so I didn’t stumble as much. I sensed someone else join us, muttering a barely audible conversation to the guard as we shuffled towards wherever we were going. Then something scratched at the back of my neck and I felt the fabric of the hood shift. A moment later, Bob’s weight settled in its usual spot behind my ear.

‘Don’t speak,’ he warned in a low whisper. ‘This is the first time they’ve been distracted. They’re watching out for me and I have no desire to become genie kebab because of you, Uh Integrity.’

He was all heart. I exhaled and let out a soft murmur, simply to let him know that I understood.

‘Good. Now listen. You know from my message about Taylor how he’s doing. It’s not looking good for him at all. He’s a lost a lot of blood and I’m not sure he’ll make it beyond the end of the day. I think there might be some organ damage. You need to prepare yourself for the worst.’ He sighed. ‘Humans are so delicate.’

Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. No. I was not going to let him die. Not if it killed me.

‘Tipsania is here too. She’s been locked in a room in the hotel. I can’t get near the place. There are guards and magic barriers everywhere. Aifric Moncrieffe isn’t taking any chances. Byron is somewhere in that building as well but he’s got people round him constantly. I don’t think he’s a prisoner but his father’s not leaving him alone. Angus has gone to see if he can sneak in but he’s a lost cause. They both are.’

I hissed. Bob was taking far too much for granted ‒ and he wasn’t finished yet.

‘Speck and Lexie are waiting offshore in a fishing boat they nicked in Mallaig. After I give them the signal, I’m going to count down from twenty. There will be an explosion. I can’t do much about the handcuffs but I’ll get this hood off. As soon as I reach one, you’re going to run left. Just keep running. It’s less than five hundred metres to the shore then a short swim. I’ll make sure everyone is kept off your tail. After that, you’ll be free and easy.’

He had to be kidding. I had never heard Bob sound so serious in all the time I’d known him but this had to be a joke. I was not going to run away and leave everyone else behind. I shook my head vigorously.

Bob tutted. ‘Integrity,’ he said, using my real name for emphasis. ‘Byron and Tipsania can look after themselves. Aifric is not going to hurt them, no matter what happens.’ That was probably true but I wasn’t leaving. ‘Taylor is dying,’ Bob continued. He did his best to sound matter of fact but I heard his voice catch. ‘I’ve spoken to him and he understands. All he wants is for you to get away safely. If you stay here, you will die alongside him. That much is a given. I need to start the countdown. We don’t have much time.’