‘What do you think we’re gonna do, if MacGarioch turns up and it’s not “report in” time? Keep it a frunking secret?’
With a happy wave, Tara and Elizabeth disappeared into the crowd – off to be dinosaurised.
‘It’s no’ as if MacGarioch’s even going to show. I could be home with my swanky new haircut, my wife, a DVD ofColette, and a jar of Nutella right now. Nothing’s happening! It’s all a waste of—’
Barrett:‘Aaaaaand we’re on the move. Secondary targets are drinking up and exiting the Queen Vic now.’
Logan pressed the call button. ‘Still no sign of MacGarioch?’
‘Negative.’Aschrooooomphing noise crackled in the earpiece, then:‘Yeah, they’re getting in an Uber...Sounds like they’re headed your way. Will follow on.’
‘Is excitement time!’ Tufty beamed at him, like a disturbingthingfrom the island of Dr Moreau.
Kate rolled her shoulders, as if gearing up to ninja someone.
And all around, the crowd flowed by, like a slow-moving river.
Biohazard:‘We’re on, my sticky little friends! That’s Randolph Hay entering the park by the south entrance with a group of people. Repeat: south entrance.’
‘Is Charles MacGarioch with them?’ Come on...
‘Don’t see him. Just a bunch of teenagers and some wee kids.’
Logan headed for the park’s south entrance, not pushing and shoving, moving just fast enough not to draw attention, with Tufty and Kate following in his wake. ‘Everyone hold your positions – he might try sneaking in by another entrance.’ Letting go of the button to gently thump Tufty on the shoulder. ‘Get ready. The bastard doesn’t get away this time.’
The crowds thinned out a bit when they reached the access road that bisected Westburn Park, thickening again on theother side as people queued for the more popular rides. Now where was...?
Ah – over there.
Ralph Hay, with a handful of teens from yesterday’s barbecue and a bunch of weenies. Who all seemedsuper excitedto be here.
No sign of Charles MacGarioch.
He’d be here soon though, right? Performance started in sixteen minutes...
Pfff...
Logan stood in the shadow of the half-arsed ‘Haunted’ House, that made ‘spooky’ sounds on a ninety-second loop while a thrash-metal version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ battered out, and the barker did her best to whip-up some punters with a bullhorn:
‘Dare you brave what lurks in the darkness? Dare you take the Blood Road to the very gates of Hell...itself?’
Which was a bit over the top, given the haunted house had a ‘YOUHAVETOBETHIS TALLTORIDE→’ out front that was slightly shorter than Elizabeth.
Andstillno Charles MacGarioch.
Biohazard:‘Incoming.’
Maybe this was it?
Marshall Carter, Alexis Cunningham, and Jericho McQueen wandered up the road, all rosy-cheeked and smiling after their ‘couple of pints’ in Rosemount. Taking in the deafening sights and garish wibbles.
Logan shrunk back against the ride.
The three of them met up with Ralph Hay – all hugs and cheek-kisses and ruffling the weenies’ hair. Who didn’t seem to appreciate the gesture any more than Elizabeth.
Zero evidence of Charles MacGarioch.
Where the hellwashe?
