4. Bombshells

Artemis, Holly and Butler ran to the edge. There was Gaia, on a balcony four storeys down. She looked up, waved, and went inside Harrods.

“Tail her.” said Artemis to Holly, and Artemis and Butler watched the street.

“Sorry Artemis.” Butler mumbled.

“It’s alright, old friend,” Artemis sighed. “But definitely a mistake.”

“She knew my name-”

“I know.” Butler saw Artemis’ forehead crease, a sign of serious thinking. She’s leaving bombshells everywhere, Butler thought.

They watched Gaia emerge onto the street, run across the road to where a boy stood leaning against a lamppost in the shade. He was 17, perhaps, with bronze hair. He looked up as Gaia approached him, and Artemis saw he was as good-looking as she was. He took her hand, and Gaia mouthed something to him. Artemis lip-read it.

“Elf following.” Gaia had said. Gaia and the boy ran down the crowded shopping street gracefully together, hands still entwined, past designer shops like Prada and Abercrombie & Fitch, and turned a corner into a narrow and deserted street. Artemis waited. Holly would get the whole story…

Holly flew after the beautiful pair, feet almost scraping the heads of the Christmas shoppers. She got out her buzz baton again and was just about to clip the boy on the elbow when they moved simultaneously, faster than lightning. Gaia was suddenly 10 metres ahead, Holly was face-first on the pavement in the deserted alley, with the boy holding her hands behind her back. Holly tried to move. Impossible in his stony and icy grip. Gaia was suddenly at her side.

“Let her go, Edward.” Gaia was laughing. Edward released Holly and she got up painfully, to find herself being hugged by Gaia.

“Sister,” Gaia whispered. “Sorry for the inconvenience.” Holly’s brain was elsewhere, useless to try and digest this. Gaia let her go and she and Edward began to walk down the street, away from Holly.

“Wait!” Holly’s voice returned feebly. “You’re not human, are you? What are you?” Gaia stopped and turned around. Edward shot her a warning look. Gaia rolled her eyes at him, and said,

“Veelas and vampires, Holly.” Then the beautiful pair got into an expensive silver Volvo and drove away, leaving a bewildered Holly behind.