“Now, now, Valerie,” the Director’s voice sounds world-weary, “I’ve given you a good position here, haven’t I? Food, shelter, productive work. You’re overwrought, my friend, you need to rest.”

The senior Black Mark takes another step closer to the two men. Another Black Mark is edging around to the side. I want to shout a warning to Boss. He only has a few seconds left before he’s ambushed.

“Yes,” murmurs Boss, loosening his grip a little, his shoulders sagging, “you’re right … I need to rest.” No, I’m screaming inside, don’t give up! But just like that, Boss steps away from the Director and the knife slips from his hand to clatter on the stone flags.

That’s when the officer raises his pistol and aims. Everything happens very quickly. The gunshot echoes around the garden. Boss crumples to the ground. The Director pushes the body with the toe of his shoe. Shaking his head, he takes out a handkerchief to wipe his face. The senior Mark bends over Boss, a hand to his neck, while the other Black Marks are milling around like overexcited dogs.

“Good work, shooting that man,” the Director murmurs, turning towards the house. “You’ll be rewarded.”

Behind the bush, I’m shaking. Now – it’s my turn. I step forwards and raise the pistol. There’s a cry as somebody spots me. The Director turns and I pull the trigger. The shot rings out, nearly knocking me off-balance. I’m paralysed, holding the pistol with both hands, arms shaking, smoke rising from the barrel. The Director staggers to the ground, a hand to his shoulder.

Screams. Black Marks running down the lawn. The senior Black Mark stands to train his gun on me, and I’m ready to meet my end.

“A doctor,” somebody shouts.

But then a woman runs out of the house. “The House of Law,” she cries, “it’s burning!”

The news is so shocking that everybody stops and looks at her. It gives me a single moment, and I grab it. I run for the gate, quick as a hare, and away.

* * *

The city is in mayhem. Shouts echo from buildings. Fires are burning in Travester shops. People run through the darkness carrying sticks, tools, whatever they can use as a weapon. And they are all heading in the one direction. I pass a scuffle in an alleyway and am amazed to see it is three Cerel boys setting on a lone Black Mark. I hurry on, back to Via Parada.