The van stopped outside Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
“Manticorps have been severely compromised by this,” Victor said. “When the police find the massacre at Bellbowrie, they’ll have a lot of explaining to do.”
“They’ll find a way out of it,” Frankie replied. “Probably by pinning all the blame on their deceased vice president and claiming she went rogue.”
“You’ve slowed them down, but you haven’t stopped them,” Victor agreed. “They’ll lie low for a while. But eventually, they’ll resume their efforts to find you.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
“Count me as a reluctant ally when the day arrives.”
“Me too.” Tad reached out to Daffodil and Charlie and feebly shook their hands. “Though you’ll have to break me out of prison again.” He gave a sly smile. “Or perhaps I’ll do it myself. I quite relished my brief taste of freedom. In the meantime, I shall avail myself of Sunnyside’s anger management course.”
“Good luck, guys.” Victor staggered towards the brightly lit emergency unit, carrying his brother. Tad blew a kiss over his shoulder as the van roared away.
Scotty Primo drove, Frankie guiding him, while Charlie and Daffodil sat in the back. They were both grimy, aching from head to foot, and their eyelids had begun to droop. Now that they were out of danger, exhaustion had set in with a vengeance and it was all they could do to stay awake.
“Can I phone my mum?” Charlie asked wearily. “I want to make sure she’s OK.”
“Marion and Gerry are on the way to meet us and you’ll see them soon. Why spoil the surprise? I’d certainly like to see their faces when you suddenly turn up unscathed.”
“I’d just like to see their faces. Full stop.”
“We broke out the White Spider.” Daffodil grinned. “And put him back, sort of. We beat Manticorps and saved the world. Not a bad result, huh?”
“I’m immensely proud of you both.”
“So now you tell me who I am. Yeah?”
“Get some rest first. When you wake up, I’ll reveal everything. Then I can get on with taking over the world.”
“What?” Charlie’s jaw dropped.
“I’m kidding. Doesn’t anybody appreciate my sense of humour?”
“I could use a short nap.” Daffodil curled up in her chair. Within seconds she was snoring loudly.
“Now I won’t be able to get any kip with that foghorn parping next to me.” Charlie rested his head on the console.
“Try it. You haven’t slept properly for days.”
“I told you I don’t need much sleep. I’m too wired anyway.”
Two minutes later, he was snoring as loudly as his companion.
The van finally pulled in at the new refuge. It, too, was large and isolated, looking much like the old one, but without the balcony.
Scotty Primo carried Charlie and Daffodil to separate bedrooms and tucked them in their beds. When he came downstairs, Frankie was on a computer screen. His emoji was Superman, hands on hips and a red cloak billowing out behind.
Scotty raised an eyebrow.
“Too much?”
“No. Seems pretty appropriate.” He laughed. “Got any whisky in this place?”
“The cabinet by the fireplace.”
“Cheers.” The man poured himself a large glass and sat down. “Well?”
“Well… what?”
“After what I’ve seen, I’m sure you have quite the tale to tell.” He sat down. “So let’s hear it.”
“Seriously?” Frankie sounded surprised. “You want me to… talk? Like a real person?”
“Good company is somewhat limited in prison.” The man took a sip and smacked his lips. “Besides, what’s better than having a new mate recounting his adventures?”
“No wonder you were so successful in your chosen profession.” Frankie chuckled. “Let me tell you how I saved the world…”