From the Book…

Out in the park, the huge Marble Arch monument, built to celebrate British victories over Napoleon, was half hidden in mist. Juno was nestled within it, her shape mirroring the larger triumphal gateway. Flanking the central arch were smaller arches.

Sophie coughed. Tiny particles of coal in the warm air tasted bitter on her tongue.

Freddy scanned the park. ‘What beastly fog.’ Above them, invisible birds were chattering in ghostly trees.

Charlotte barked and inside a minor arch of the monument, a shadow moved. A raised arm? A pistol?

The sound of someone clapping, and something hit Sophie square on the chest, the force of it flinging her backwards, the bullet absorbed by her vest.

Clap.

‘Back into Juno!’ Hugo’s order was a panicked gasp.

They scrambled towards the ship. The entrance was still open and only yards away but getting there took forever. Clap, clap.

Everybody threw themselves in, landing on the bay floor. Freddy landed on top of Charlotte who’d got there first. Sophie squirmed around, holding the bag up as a makeshift shield.

‘Juno, shut the door,’ Hugo yelled.

Silence.

‘Juno, shut the door,’ Sophie said in a rush. If the shooter came in, they’d be finished.

The brick exit changed into solid hull with a click, sealing off the park, and Sophie took a quivering, relieved breath. 'Juno, obey Hugo as you would me.'

They’d been out of the ship for just minutes. Losing Hugo’s status with Juno had wasted precious seconds, could have cost them dearly. She put aside the bag, staggered to her feet, and touched a tiny hole in her jacket. Her breastbone hurt but there was no blood. ‘Saved by the magic vest.’ Charlotte was unhurt, and Sophie wheeled around to check on Hugo and Freddy. ‘Are you okay?’

‘No.’ Hugo was clutching his arm, his face ashen.