Resin

Xavier hesitated at the back entrance to the building. Euron had given him a plastic key to get through the door, but it was a flimsy slice of resin and the lock had not accepted it. The slight tingle that announced a new communication fluttered behind his ear.

‘Report your progress.’ Euron’s tone was cold in Xavier’s ear, which made delivering the lack of progress even more difficult.

‘Alain, Hugo and Brontë evaded me at the house-’

Euron interrupted with a bark. ‘How could they have known our plans?’

‘I do not think they know. It is possible they decided to move for some other reason. I have tracked them back to the complex, but the access key does not seem to work.’

‘They are inside?’

‘I cannot be sure. My intention was to enter and search. If they are not inside, they are close by.’

‘Wait. I will speak with you further in a moment.’

Xavier adjusted the package under his shirt which was becoming more cumbersome by the minute and searched for some sort of cover. The best he could discover was a small alcove in the blockwork, partly shielded by a row of gas canisters and he squeezed into it, crouching there on his haunches. He had to wait nearly ten minutes for the rest of the conversation.

‘It seems Mr and Mrs Driver and all five of the missing sentients are nearby. I applaud your efforts. What are your plans to neutralise all of them?