George folds himself onto a wooden bench, head craned forward to avoid the coat hooks that dot the wall behind him.

I reach for Archie’s tray, pull it towards me.

When I see what’s inside I can’t stop screaming.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Carly

Then

‘I’ve brought something that will help you,’ Doc said as he stepped into the room. He lifted up a carrier bag. ‘Magazines to pass the time. I’m not sure what you girls like. There’s a Beano, and a fashion one and…’ he wrinkled his nose. ‘Has someone been sick? Is everything okay?’

‘No.’ Carly’s voice cracked under the weight of her tears. ‘Everything is not okay.’ She raised her head, met his gaze. ‘Marie needs a doctor, please. She’s really ill, I… I don’t know what to do. I’ve nothing to clean her up with. Please. You have to fetch help.’

‘I can’t—’

‘Can’t or won’t?’

‘Kids get sick all the time.’ Doc sounded uncertain, as if he’s not used to children.

‘Marie doesn’t. This place is filthy, it’s not even fit for animals. If she dies, it’s on you.’ Carly heard Leah take a sharp intake of breath but Carly couldn’t reassure her. She didn’t believe Marie had anything serious, she was already looking much better but… You twist me around your little finger. She had to have one more try. The atmosphere was heavy with Carly’s expectation, Doc’s silent deliberations. She remained quiet. A game of chess – it was his move.

‘I’m sure… No one’s going to die.’

‘Are you positive?’ Carly’s gaze didn’t waver. ‘If you can’t let us all go, take Marie to a hospital, please. Can you really live with yourself if she doesn’t make it out of here alive?’

‘No… I… This isn’t what…’ Doc stepped forwards and then backwards. ‘Look, it’s not up to me. I’ll go and ask.’ He rushed from the room.

Carly heard the door slam behind him. The sound of Doc’s boots drumming against the concrete corridor, growing fainter and fainter. But the bolts? She hadn’t heard the bolts.

For a split second she was frozen in indecision before the blood roared in her ears. This could be their only chance.

‘Get up.’ She stood, tugging at Marie’s arm.

‘But I’m tired—’

‘Get up. We’re getting out of here, but we have to go. Now!’

‘Away from the germs?’ Leah rose to her feet, taking Marie’s other hand and pulling. ‘Come on, Marie.’

Carly felt a pang of guilt. Marie was washing-powder white. Angry violet bags were carved under her eyes. Vomit crusted down her school shirt. But if they didn’t go now, go quickly…

Tap-tap-tap, said the tree on the bars.

Hurry-hurry-hurry.

She rushed the twins over to the door. The handle was cool and hard in Carly’s hand; it creaked as she twisted it. Her eyes met the clown’s in panic.

Let us out, she silently implored.

You’ll be back, he grinned.

Slowly, slowly she cracked opened the door. Her breath hitching in her throat each time the hinges squeaked. Her heart felt as though it might burst out of her chest as she spotted Doc at the bottom of the corridor, leaning against the front door frame, smoke pluming from his cigarette. He had his back to them as he spoke on the phone, his voice low and urgent. Carly knew he must be asking Moustache if he could take Marie to a doctor. It wouldn’t take him long to say no – he was obviously in charge – but Doc’s voice was insistent. It was almost, almost as though he was on their side.