Chapters (69)
“I don’t think it’ll come to that. I think a show of strength would be enough.”
“We don’t want to fight no other kids,” said Whitney.
“We might have to,” said David. “If we want to control all of London.”
“No way,” said Whitney.
“You should see them,” said Franny angrily. “We had amazing stuff planted there, they just ripped it all up and then attacked us when we went to try and fix things. We’re stuck here in the palace gardens now. And with all these extra mouths to feed . . .”
“You got us here as mercenaries, didn’t you?” said Maxie, giving David a withering look.
“Jester tells me you’re really good fighters.”
“Yeah, what’s the problem?” said Achilleus. “We’ve had to fight to survive. If these other kids are causing problems, we sort them out. It’s what we do. I’m with you, David.”
“What about the rest of you?” said David.
“I need to think,” said Blue. “Maybe see these kids for myself. It’s a lot to take in, man.”
“We are not fighting other kids,” said Whitney. “I’ll decide,” Blue snapped. Jester suppressed a smile. Maxie turned to Ollie. “What do you think?” “We need to talk.”
39
Sam had had a bad time, slipping in and out of sleep and troubled by half-waking dreams. It didn’t make it any easier having his hands locked together. Although he could just lie down on the seats, the handcuffs bit into him and rubbed his skin.
He was woken by a sound from outside. Something scraping along the roof of the car. It moved, and stopped and waited, then moved again. Little cautious movements like an animal would make. The car creaked slightly. Sam stared up with gritty, sore eyes. They were playing tricks on him in the half-light, and he kept thinking he could see something coming through the roof. Some dark and twisted animal unfolding out of the shadows. Then he would blink and it was gone.
He felt groggy and confused. Cold. Helpless.
After a while he became aware of another sound. Like some small creature whimpering. He eventually realized it was one of the twins crying.
It was the boy. Sam talked to him and tried to comfort him. His name was Jason. He was very weak and wanted his mom and dad. Sam didn’t really know what to say. He wished he had someone to comfort him, but at least it took his mind off his own troubles for a moment.
Suddenly there was a roar and a thud, and Sam nearly jumped out of his skin as the door slid open. Nick came in, carrying a plastic basin. In the permanent nighttime world of the tube station, Sam had no idea what time it was.
Nick looked around at the four kids.