I could tell that final comment from Oak really stumped mum, reducing
her to silence once more. A few months earlier she'd been got really
involved in the campaign to stop the badger cull: organising
petitions, putting up posters, that sort of thing. I remembered
she'd got really upset about the whole business so Oak's words,
whether he'd intended it or not, really hit home with her.
“How would your master implement such a cull?” the wind whistled
at Strauss.
“A disease of some kind,” they replied, not missing a beat, “One
specifically targeted at humans alone. It is best, after all, to
fight fire with fire.”
I think they would have said more, but the fire crackled “Now we
would hear from the dream girl.”
Mum, dad and myself all turned to look at Fiona, full of expectation.
Her face was red with anger, staring at Strauss with murder in her
eyes, but she said nothing.
“Fi!” I hissed, trying to get her attention, “Fi, it's your
turn!”
“What?” she replied, startled, “Yes? Oh, yes.” She
straightened her back, squared her shoulders, took a deep breath.
“Yes,” she said again, “Thanks. Well, first of all, you have
to know,” she pointed at Strauss, “These creatures, whatever they
are, are not to be trusted.”
