Run Little One

Where is She?

Sean's POV

I grab my bag that was thrown across the floor when we ran for our lives into the safety of the office and sling it over my shoulders. I rummage through the desk drawer in search of anything that we can use: a few paper clips, a ball point pen, some sticky notes, and a pair of scissors are thrown into my bag.

"And you need those things...why?" Poppy says from behind me, as I turn around.

"Maybe we can have an arts and crafts fair with the Shriekers." I say, smiling.

Poppy smiles, something she hasn't done in a few days.

"Yeah. We can make some pretty paper swans from the paper and they can make some abstract art with human remains" she says under her breath, only loud enough for me to hear.
I laugh at her sarcasm and sling my arm around her waist, pecking her on the cheek. She smiles and begins to grab her bags.

"So how do we get out of here without being seen?" Caspar asks.

"We're going to have to find the cars, and then figure out another route to Wiltshire." Alfie says, grabbing a few things from the desk drawer that I felt unnecessary, and shoving them in his bag.

"Yes but how are we physically going to get out of this room without being seen?" Caspar asks again.

I look at Alfie, but his response never finds its way. He doesn't know.

"I'll go out first" I suddenly say, unsure of myself. Everyone looks at me as if I've lost it.

"I'll go out and I'll find a place for all of us to hide, I'll give you a signal and you can come out one at a time" I say. Well, two at a time for May and Garrett. And Poppy will probably take Nala.

"I don't know if this is a good idea" Joe says, looking at the group.

"Well it's all we have" I say, moving towards the file cabinet that we had knocked over to use as a blockade for the door. I begin to push it out of the way. Joe and Alfie come up from behind me and help me, as it is quite heavy.

"Sean. Come right back if you get into trouble okay? We can't lose anyone else." Alfie says, only so Joe and I can hear him.

"You'll see me soon, I promise" I say, hoping I can keep that promise. I stand up and reach for the door handle when Poppy walks up behind me and holds on tight. I kiss her on the forehead.

"I'll be fine Pop, really" I say.
"You bette keep that promise" she says. I chuckle at her intimidation before giving her one last squeeze and opening the door cautiously.

I step out into the street and close the door silently behind me. My heart is racing as I stare down the road of London. I hadn't even realized how long we were in that room for. It's nearly sundown.

Glancing around me, nothing seems out of the ordinary, besides the silence. I draw my knife and walk cautiously in the direction of out cars.

Walking down the abandoned street gave me time to focus on my breathing. I just now realized I hadn't taken a deep, purposeful breath is so long. I pause for a split second, shutting my eyes and taking in the crisp air, and releasing it back out again.

I'm okay.

I open my eyes and continue walking. I trip over a glass bottle at one point, causing me to jump, but other than that, nothing suspicious.