The Burning Man

4

‘You feel it, too. That sense of being disconnected.’ Sophie sat cross-legged on the bed.

Mallory couldn’t take his eyes off her. She had an entrancing, ethereal quality that was completely mysterious to him, yet at the same time strangely familiar. After so long being denied contact with her in the Steelguard offices, the mix was heady and compelling.

‘What are you smiling at?’ she asked.

‘Nothing. We’ve just been dragged out of our lives and told we’re the ultimate sleeper agents. “Disconnected” doesn’t even begin to cover it.’

Caitlin turned from the window where she had been keeping watch. Her eyes gleamed. ‘Isn’t this better?’ She gave an excited laugh. ‘I think there’s something wrong with me. All this danger, and I’m just buzzing! This beats repping beauty products up and down the country.’

‘When I was cleaning toilets I used to dream of repping beauty products.’ Mallory studied Caitlin’s face. Behind the sparkle of her excitement, there was a shadow of abiding sadness.

‘Oh, you two have had it so hard,’ Sophie said. ‘Try living with several million pounds of someone else’s money hanging over your conscience.’

Shavi interrupted them. ‘Church has decided on a plan of action,’ he said, ‘but it will mean the three of you operating alone.’

‘Seriously, who put him in charge?’ Mallory asked.

‘Existence.’ Shavi smiled. ‘Besides, he has earned it.’

Shavi carefully explained about the Far Lands and how it was possible to cross over at certain points, before fielding their incredulous questions. Once acceptance had set in, he detailed what was expected of them. ‘Are you ready to take on the responsibility?’ he asked.

‘You might think your little group has the monopoly on the hero thing,’ Mallory said, ‘but we’re going to be better.’

‘Ah, a competitive spirit. That should add an edge to the proceedings,’ Shavi said, without even a hint of competition in return.

‘Hang on.’ Caitlin had returned to the window. ‘Something’s happening outside.’