“We better think of something before they decide to search in here,” Doc says.
“We should split up,” Jack suggests, fussing with the gadgets on his belt. “We have a better chance of reaching the palace if we aren’t traveling in a large group.”
Pickpocket glances around the counter at the open window. “I don’t know if that’s such a great idea.”
“Look,” Jack says, “there are dozens of Marauders out there. If Doc, Pickpocket, Mole, and I distract them, you two can slip by them unnoticed. Pete, you have to get Gwen to the palace.”
“No!” I protest. “It’s too dangerous. We should stay together.”
“I don’t think I like your idea either,” Mole says. “I’m not very good at distracting.”
Doc’s brows furrow. “Do you understand the implications of what you’re saying? If we run out there, we’ll be caught for sure, and then what?”
“Now I’m really, really not happy with this plan,” Mole says.
“We won’t be caught,” Jack insists. “I know this city like the back of my hand.”
“I don’t know, Jack,” Pickpocket says. “It sounds risky.”
“No, Jack’s right. We should split up,” Pete interrupts. “It’s the only way. They’ll find us if we stay here, but if we run, we can split them up and maybe get away.”
“Have you gone mad?” Doc says indignantly. “What you’re suggesting is suicide.”
“I don’t like the idea either, but I don’t see any other way, do you?” Pete retorts.
“We had better make a decision,” I say, listening to the machine draw nearer. “They’re getting close.”
“I’ll take Pickpocket, Mole, and Doc. Pete and Gwen, you run for the other door,” Jack says. There’s a glint in his eye, a spark that I don’t trust, but no one else questions him.
“Mole stays with us,” I say. “I promised Dozer I’d look after him.”
Mole’s shoulders relax and he sighs. Jack starts to say something but stops himself.
“Doc goes with Gwen and Mole,” Pete says, sounding somewhat reluctant. “The other boys and I are experienced runners. We will distract them while you get away. We’ll meet up at the National Gallery. Keep your eyes open for Bella.”
Doc opens his bag, pulls out a needle filled with a milky liquid, and hands it to Pete.
“What is this for?” he asks, inspecting the contents within the glass.
“Bella’s treatment is overdue. If you find her, she’ll be in a lot of pain. Give her this. I know you don’t like needles, but you know how to administer it, right?” Doc asks with urgency, glancing toward the advancing soldiers.
Pete glares and snatches the needle, placing it in the side pocket of his rucksack. “Of course I know how to administer it.”
“Don’t lose it,” Doc warns. “I added Gwen’s white blood cells to the serum. I didn’t have time to make a big batch, just enough to find Bella and get her back to the Lost City.”
“What if you find Bella first?” Pete asks, buttoning the pocket of his pack closed.
Doc pulls out a second needle from his medical bag. “I brought two doses, enough medicine to give us just a day or two. Since it’s a tweaked version of what she usually gets, I have no idea how effective this will be. She may need more, so if you do find her, it’s important I see her as soon as possible.”
The clanking of metal draws closer. Mole fidgets with the hem of his black coat. “We really ought to go,” he mumbles.
“Which direction did Bella go, Mole?” Pete asks.
Mole sniffs the air. “She went toward the Thames.” He frowns and sniffs again. “I don’t think she’s alone, though. I smell something else. Licorice, perhaps?”
“What do you mean?” Pete asks, worry wrinkling his face. “Who is she with?”
“I don’t know, but it’s not a Marauder,” Mole says, inhaling. “I think it’s another girl.”
“A girl?” Pickpocket and Jack say at the same time.
“What girl?” Pete says. His shoulders stiffen.
“Not to interrupt you guys, but …” Doc points to soldiers less than a half a block from the café. “Shall we get on with the plan?”
“We’ll see you at the gallery in an hour,” Pete says.
“See you there,” Doc says, extending a hand. “And don’t get caught.”
Pete hesitates but doesn’t take Doc’s hand. “Never.”
Doc frowns.