“We’re what?” Daffodil cried. “You double crossed us, Frankie, you two-timin skunk!”
“Of course.” Charlie hung his head. “I should have seen it.”
The Spider stared at the devastated teenagers and clenched his fists. He turned for the door again, then stopped, indecision etched across his face.
“I cannot believe I’m about to utter this question,” he sighed. “But when do you expect Manticorps’ forces?”
“They’re on their way now.”
Charlie and Daffodil looked at each other in horror.
“You’ve still got time to escape, Tad, if you leave right now. You might want to untie the kids, though. Or they really won’t stand chance.”
“You have played me for a fool, Frankie,” the Spider said furiously. “I shall seek retribution for that in due course.”
“Get in line, pal. But your best chance to avenge everything done to you is on our doorstep. Plus you can save the world while you’re at it.”
“I have no interest in saving the world, as I stated.” The Spider advanced on his captives, still tied to the chairs. “But this pair of scamps don’t deserve the fate you have foisted on them. I won’t—” He halted mid sentence, sniffing the air. “There are people approaching. Coming over fields to the south. They have a dog. I can smell it.”
“I hate dogs.” Charlie shivered. “I’m having a really bad night.”
“Manticorps’ little army have arrived. Time to make a decision, Mr Tietze. With my help you can win this.”
“No. But Chaz will come through for us.”
“I will?” Charlie goggled.
“I have utter faith in him. And Daffodil’s no slouch either.”
“Well, if the enemy is already here…” The Spider licked his lips. “Who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth?” He cut away the ropes that bound the pair and scanned the room. “Do we have any defences?”
“You already noticed the house has a security system. I’ll activate it now.”
“What about weapons?”
“None.” Charlie rubbed his wrists. “My mum doesn’t like them.”
“Make some.” The White Spider handed the poker back to Daffodil. “I shall be back.”
“Where you goin?” she asked.
“Taking the fight to the enemy.” He ruffled her hair. “And you didn’t have to make everything so complicated. I’m a mercenary, plain and simple. All you had to do was hire me.”
“You are so hired.” Daffodil rubbed her wrists.
“Fine. I’ll go even up the odds.”
“Um, there is one small problem.”
“As far as I can see, we face more problems than I can count.” The Spider’s brow darkened. “What is this new hindrance?”
“I can’t allow you to kill anyone.”
“I’ve slaughtered people in pillow fights, my friend.” The man gave a wolfish grin. “These woods are going to run with blood tonight.”
“Seriously, Tad. It goes against my programming.”
“In case I haven’t made my position clear, I’m not working for you.” He pointed at the teenagers. “I happen to be employed by them.”
“I don’t want anyone killed either,” Charlie said. “We’ve worked really hard to avoid it.”
“I second that.” Daffodil backed him up. “Couldn’t bear to have it on my conscience.”
“Why don’t I just battle Manticorps with my hands in my pockets?” the Spider growled. “C’mon, Charlie. You must feel like letting out a little of that pent-up rage yourself. They deserve it.”
“I’m sorry.” The boy shook his head. “I don’t want to be like you.”
“And you did agree to work for us,” Daffodil added. “Call it one of the conditions of your employment.”
“You’re actually earnest about this?”
“We’re both fourteen.” She tugged at his sleeve. “We’re not murderers.”
“I can try slapping them with a bunch of flowers,” the Spider grunted. “But I do tend to get carried away in the heat of the moment.”
“Think it through, Tad. You’re not going to defeat a superior force without keeping a level head.”
“Frankie is very clever,” the Spider acknowledged. “Losing my temper cost my squad their lives in Iraq, landed me in Sunnyside and allowed your robotic friend to manipulate me into this situation. I won’t have it happen again.”
“So you’re not going to run amok with a chainsaw?”
“Why?” The man looked hopeful. “You don’t happen to have one lying around?”
The pair glared at him.
“Very well. I shall remain on my best behaviour,” the man chuckled. “Hah! What an amusing thing to say right before a fight.”
“Thank you, Mr Spider,” Daffodil said contritely. “Sorry I was so mean earlier.”
“To be perfectly frank, I’m not offended in the least.” He patted her cheek. “The White Spider is a murderous barbarian who doesn’t deserve courtesy.” He tucked the knife into his belt. “So… if I’m to play the knight in shining armour, please call me Tad, as your fiendishly clever friend does.”
And he disappeared out of the door.