Leaf

‘I think we have to face up to the fact that Xavier is an additional threat,’ said Kim. ‘Emma and Delphine told us they think he's working with Euron and not in a way that will be beneficial to the rest of you. Did you know about this?‘

‘We were beginning to come to that conclusion but we have no firm frame of reference for the theory,’ said Alain.

‘We do, unfortunately.’ Delphine had that wide-eyed look of alarm on her face again. ‘And now we don't know where he is.’

‘I do,’ said Hugo. ‘Over there, look.’

On the far side of the parking area the tall slim figure gliding along was undeniably Xavier. He was keeping to the very edge of the perimeter. Almost sliding along the wall, clutching something to his chest.

That’s not going to work,’ said Kim to the clones, who had instinctively ducked down and lowered their heads. ‘He’s bound to recognise our car.’

‘But he hasn’t. He seems far more interested in not being seen. Where’s he going?’ Joe was watching the figure intently. ‘I think he’s aiming for the other side and he’s in a hurry.’

They watched as he drifted along, making no more disturbance in the air than a falling leaf. He disappeared from their view around the corner.

‘Now what?’ Kim looked at the nervous passengers crammed into her car as though playing a surreal game of sardines.

‘If he's holding what I think he is, we shouldn't go anywhere near him,’ said Emma. She explained to the other three clones about the missing Solution A package.