‘An ambulance will be arriving shortly in the street outside,’ said Jicaque, ignoring him. ‘The way to the locker rooms is clear. Paramedics are on their way there. Get Rico out quickly and he will be taken to hospital. He’ll receive the medical attention he needs.’ He looked at Stacy intently. ‘Tell the paramedics Rico was attacked by a wild dog. Say nothing of what has happened here tonight.’ He glanced around and sighed. ‘The truth of what happened here must remain our secret. Think of the panic it could cause.’

‘But what about all these people?’ Kate gestured to the groups of men and women huddled in the bleachers. ‘They’re hurt.’

Jicaque shook his head. ‘Only I can help them. In time they shall recover their true humanity. If they allow me to administer to them my treatment, each day for a lunar month—’

‘What about Polar?’ Jasmine interrupted, sneering at the curled-up figure at her feet. ‘You gonna help him too?’

‘Yes. But for now, this boy needs real doctors, and must go with Rico. His injuries are severe, but he also shall recover.’ The old man looked at her meaningfully. ‘With the aid of his friends.’

‘Polar ain’t got no friends,’ said Jasmine, turning away. ‘Not anymore.’ She bent to help Stacy lift Rico, then together they carried him carefully across the slippery concrete towards the locker rooms.

‘We’ll see you later,’ Stacy called.

Tom raised a hand in farewell. Kate found she was shivering, and hugged herself for warmth. ‘So. What happens now?’

‘Takapa’s notes,’ Tom said. ‘The results of all his researches. We should destroy them.’

‘It is already done,’ Jicaque replied. ‘I have not been entirely idle since leaving you.’ He smiled wanly. ‘Yes, it is fair to say we have set back Takapa’s plans this night. But I fear he will not give up. And I fear there is some greater purpose that consumes him. We must discover what that is.’

‘We?’ Kate raised an eyebrow. ‘Jicaque, we’ve come a long way to find you because Tom needs to be cured. He wants his life back. This isn’t his fight.’ She looked at Tom. His face was pale and troubled. ‘Go on, tell him,’ she urged. ‘Tell him what we’ve been through to find him!’

But Tom said nothing.

Jicaque smiled at Kate a little sadly. ‘I can only cure those who truly wish to be cured,’ he said softly.

‘So?’ Kate responded. What was going on here?

‘Tom still has tasks he must accomplish. He does not wish to be cured.’ The ghost of a smile played around Jicaque’s lips. ‘Not truly. Not yet.’

Kate stared at Tom. ‘He’s wrong. Tell him he’s wrong.’