89

The incessant noise of the dogs is making your stomach churn. Then you catch sight of them—two slack-jowled bloodhounds—padding their way across Montana Avenue with two clansmen close behind. One of the men is carrying a machine pistol, the other a long-handled flashlight.

‘Run for it!’ you hiss, pointing towards the ruins. Knott turns and sprints away. As soon as he is clear of the ditch, the dogs begin to bark wildly, alerting their handlers to your position. You scramble out and follow your partner, praying that you will reach cover before the clansmen see you and open fire. Your prayers are answered. In his haste the clansman drops his flashlight, and before he can retrieve it and switch it on, you follow Knott through the open door of a derelict building.

‘We stand a better chance if we split up,’ you say, casting an anxious glance over your shoulder at the yellow light that is now streaming through the doorway. ‘But remember—meet up at the bridge as planned.’

The torchlight illuminates the interior sufficiently for you to be able to make out two possible exits: a carpeted staircase leading to the first floor, and another leading down to the basement.

If you wish to ascend the stairs to the first floor, turn to 237.

If you decide to descend to the basement, turn to 58.