Samantha watched until Hunter had disappeared from view, and then turned to Hal and said, ‘He gives sleazy a bad name.’

‘You know you like him really,’ Hal joked and was surprised by Samantha’s indignation.

‘How can you say that?’ Her tone was unduly sharp.

‘I was just-’

‘Well, don’t.’ She softened. ‘Listen, have you heard the latest gossip?’ Hal allowed himself to be dragged conspiratorially into an alcove. ‘The security forces have captured a god.’

‘What?’ Hal said, suddenly uneasy, although he didn’t quite know why. ‘I don’t believe it.’

‘It’s true. They used some super-secret weapon, apparently. Anyway, he’s been brought in for interrogation-’

‘Brought here? Is that wise?’

Samantha looked at him, puzzled.

‘I know we’ve got secure cells-’

‘They’re already holding some powerful things down there,’ Samantha said.

‘I know. But not a god. How can they contain a power like that?’

‘He’s not a real god-’

‘You know what they did to London. Besides, even if we could hold it, that’s got to attract the attention of all its kind. Do we really want all that coming down on our heads?’

A flicker of disappointment crossed Samantha’s face. It stung Hal harder than he would have expected. ‘We’re at war, Hal,’ she said gently. ‘We have to take risks, for the sake of everyone.’ She gave his arm a reassuring squeeze, as if he was scared for his own safety. ‘Don’t worry. If I hear any more I’ll let you know.’ She flashed him a smile and headed towards the refectory for a late-night meal.

Hal stood in the silent quadrangle for a long moment, turning over what she had said. He wished Hunter was still around; he needed to discuss it with someone. It was too big to deal with himself. But there was no one else and, with a mounting sense of disquiet, he headed out into the night.