It was decision time for Lara. She knew that the fire would soon engulf the shop, and a very big part of her longed to follow Santa and Star down the stairs to safety.
Stanley Strange is a baddie, she thought. But should I risk everything to capture him? Even the professor would understand if I failed to make an arrest in this life-threatening situation.
Yet still Lara hesitated. She knew there was something even more important to consider. Baddie or not, Strange is in danger too. I can’t save myself and not him. Somehow I’ve got to get us both out of this building – and alive!
Lara bounded back towards the office where she’d last seen Strange.
The toy department was filling with smoke, so she slammed the fire safety door, hoping to buy a few minutes from the flames. Phew! Luckily, the offices and stockrooms are still clear. She hurtled into the office and skidded to a halt. He’s disappeared!
Lara looked around wildly and then began a quick but thorough search of all the other rooms. Nothing! At the end of the corridor she noticed a small flight of concrete stairs. A door at the top of the stairs was partly open and Lara could see blue sky and feel a rush of cold air. Those stairs lead to the roof. It was then that Lara heard an almost deafening engine noise – a helicopter was hovering just above the building.
Oh no! So that’s why he didn’t mind about the fire, thought Lara. He’s got an accomplice to airlift him from the roof!
Now Lara was filled with rage. Strange didn’t care about the poor old man he left unconscious in that locked room. He didn’t care about all the people working and shopping in the store. He didn’t care about the fire officers risking their lives to put out the blaze. No. He knew he’d be nice and safe in his helicopter and all he cared about was the stolen money in his bank account!
Lara had done a lot of running that day but this time she ran faster than ever before. The helicopter was hovering over the building with a rope ladder dangling from its door. As Lara reached the roof, she saw Strange, still dressed as Father Christmas, climbing on to the first rung of the ladder.
She threw herself towards him, barking and growling. If only I can reach him in time. I’ll grab his leg and pull him down!
The helicopter pilot had seen her and began to lift up and away from the roof with Strange still climbing the ladder. He was almost out of reach. Maybe I can still get him. It was a risky move but Lara decided to give it a go. Imposter Santa was dangling dangerously on the ladder. He swooped by and Lara leapt. She grabbed a boot and hung on. She felt Strange kicking at her nose but her teeth gripped tighter. I’ve got you, you evil man.
‘Oh no you don’t, poochie,’ laughed Santa Strange. The helicopter rose higher and she winced as Strange kicked off his black boot and Lara fell to the roof with a thud. She lay on her side, winded, the boot still firmly in her jaws. The helicopter was rising quickly now. Lara righted herself and watched as one-booted Santa climbed up the ladder and into the helicopter. She growled angrily as Strange blew her a kiss. I hate it when baddies get away!
Strange was relieved. Things hadn’t gone entirely according to plan but he was still a multi-millionaire. The store’s Christmas takings had been successfully transferred to his account. He looked out at the furious barking dog on the roof. He supposed she must be a police dog, although he’d never seen quite such a funny-looking one before. Well, she was too late now and she wouldn’t be able to get downstairs in a hurry. The fire would have reached the stairways by this time. The dog was doomed.
He blew another kiss and gave her his best sarcastic, Santa-type wave. ‘Merry Christmas, doggie!’ he shouted. ‘Ho ho ho!’