Chapter Twenty-Nine
I’m so glad to see Auntie’s that I fairly sob. I know I should take us to a safehouse--if there even is one--but I can’t think anymore. I just want to go someplace familiar, someplace we can regroup. When I see it is still standing and it looks like it always has, I sag in relief. I am getting ready to cross the street, but Dham’s hand on my arm stops me.
“We should check first. Make sure it’s clear.” He leaves his pack with Cat—they contain his bells—and heads off to scope the building.
We’re huddled in an alcove between two buildings. Dham disappears into the back garden. I wait anxiously, until the front door opens and Dham waves us inside. We dodge across the street and into the safety of the house. Auntie’s there to welcome us.
“What happened?” she demands as soon as we’re safely inside.
I give her the short version, beginning with the failed raid on the false Gate and ending with the bombs in the tunnels. I tell her that we found Cat in the tunnels, but no one else. “We don’t know if anyone else got out. Not even Ry—.”
“Hush now,” Auntie tuts. “You all need to clean up and get some rest while we wait to hear something. But one thing’s for sure—you’re going to have to get out of London.”
“And go where?” Dham asks.
“We’ll figure that out.” She looks at each of us in turn. Then she spots Trick. “Who’s this then?”
“He was on our team. This is Trick.” I lever myself to my feet, feeling drunk with exhaustion and spent adrenaline.
“I’ll find him a place to stay,” Auntie says, about to bustle off.
“No!” I nearly shout. I’m so tired it came out louder than I planned. “No. He can bunk with me.” I give her a meaningful look.
She doesn’t say anything for a long moment, just stares at me. Finally she nods. “Very well. Trick stays with you.”
I beckon Trick and we head up the stairs. “You can have first shower.”
“My joy is boundless.”
“Wanker.”
The Iron Bells Page 37