to them, started tapping his foot to the tune that was now, clearly, playing through his headphones.


“We can pick his pocket, easy,” Dan said. “He’s not going to hear us while he’s listening to that music.”


“Yeah, but how are we going to get past him into the room?” Lily said.


“We need to cause a distraction,” Ethan said. “Something that’ll take his attention away from the door while we slip inside.”


He looked at the others. What could they use?


“I’ll do it, then double back and meet you here,” Dan said.


And before Ethan could say anything, Dan was off, speeding down the corridor. He stopped when he reached Thin Lips, and drew the card key out of his pocket. The man didn’t notice a thing.


Dan laid the card key on the floor, then ran past Thin Lips.


“OY!” The man gave a start and raced after him.


Dan disappeared round the corner up ahead, Thin Lips in hot pursuit.


“Oh my God.” Ethan couldn’t believe what Dan had done; how crazy – and brave – it was.


Lily scurried to pick up the card


key. “Come on,” she urged.


Ethan raced over as Lily swiped the card down the side of the door. It unlocked with a click. Ethan pushed it open.


Inside was a small, bare room. Chipped tiles on the walls. A camp bed along one wall. Sitting on the camp bed was a little girl. She looked up as Ethan and Lily ran into the room.


“Who are you?” Her eyes widened.


“Where’s Charlie?” Lily said.


The little girl blinked rapidly. Ethan’s heart pounded. Then the little girl pointed across the room. Lily spun round. Shrieked.


A man was lying curled up on the floor of the cell. His face was swollen and bruised.


“Charlie.” Lily rushed over and shook him hard on the shoulder.


Charlie groaned and opened his eyes. “Lily?” he said.


Ethan sat down beside the little girl. “What’s your name?” he said.


“Jess,” the girl said. She stared at Ethan with round, frightened eyes. “Who are you?”


“I’m Ethan,” he said, feeling confused. What was this little girl doing here?


Charlie was on his feet now. “Lily…? What…?” He stared at


her, open-mouthed. “I told you to go to Gran’s in Scotland.”


“I had to find you,” Lily said defiantly.


“What is this place?” Ethan asked. His heart was thumping as he wondered where Dan was. Surely if he’d managed to lose that guard he should be back here by now.


Charlie looked at him, as if noticing him for the first time. One of his eyes was almost shut, his face was so swollen. With a sick feeling, Ethan realised he must have been beaten.


“I’ll explain later,” Charlie said. “Right now we have to get out of here. Come on Jess.”


But as the four of them turned to the door, it opened into the room.


Dan was pushed inside and a tall man with piercing green eyes stood in the doorway.


“You,” he snarled, “are not going anywhere.”


How are they going to


dig their way out of this one? You’ll just have to wait until the next issue to find out!


To win signed copies of


Sophie’s new book The Rescue visit Puffin Island at www.puffinpost.co.uk


www.puffinpost.co.uk 15


© Sophie McKenzie 2010


Defiantly Shown openly to refuse to obey someone


For more information about Sophie and her books visit www.sophiemckenziebooks.com


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