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‘So Santa, Triton, and whoever else, are actually what? Soldiers or something?’
‘We’re a team of men who make sure dicks like that,’ he says, gesturing over his shoulder, ‘don’t take over the fucking planet. They want to run the show. We can’t let them, so yeah, we fight. It’s not all the time, but the bastards are getting braver.’
‘I can’t process this.’
He squeezes her leg which doesn't put her at ease, thanks to the fact it’s covered in purple blood. ‘I’m afraid you’re going to have to. They’ll know where we’re going.’
‘Are you saying they’ll be waiting for you?’
But Nick doesn’t answer. Scarlett looks across at him. His eyes are squeezed shut and he’s breathing strangely.
She leaves him to it. There’s not a lot she can do for him while running away from those creatures. And he needs to save his strength. They’re still behind her. Every now and again she catches the glow from their eyes in the rear view mirror, spurring her on. She’s terrified, but with Nick out of action, she can’t afford to let it take over. It’s up to her to help him now, and she’s not going to let him down.
Scarlett sees the turn she’s looking for, but doesn't slow down, taking the exit at the same speed. Her poor pick-up is beaten up as it is. It’s not like she can make it much worse. The change in direction jostles Nick awake again.
‘Nearly there, Nick. Hang on, okay.’
‘Hanging on.’ His voice is weak and laced with exhaustion. He’s deteriorating... fast. If those creatures are waiting for them at the top, they’re in serious trouble. There’s no way she can fight them off alone.
11
The last three minutesof her drive up to the reservoir are the longest three minutes of her life. Scarlett keeps her eyes on the track ahead of her. There’s no point constantly checking how close the Púca are. It’s not going to make her car go any faster.
Beside her, Nick is drifting in and out of consciousness, his breathing coming in shallow rasps. She knew he was playing down his condition. This is so much more than his magic going a bit crazy. He’s dying in the car beside her, and she honestly can’t see what she can do to help him.
Finally, she reaches the top, the black water of the reservoir stretching out in front of her. Scarlett unfastens her seat belt then nudges Nick on the arm. ‘We’re here.’
He opens his eyes and looks around. ‘Any company?’
She gets out of the car, hurrying around the front to help him. ‘I think they’re still following us, but I don’t know how much of a lead we have on them.’
He struggles to stand unaided, taking the support offered by Scarlett. ‘I’m sorry about this.’
‘Don’t be silly. Where do you want to go?’
He glances around, then nods towards the trees to the side of the reservoir. ‘That’s perfect.’
