The drive to the hospital was a blur. Soon they were marching down the half-lit corridors. Sophie was in a private room, propped up with pillows, waiting for them. Her arms were a mess of shallow cuts; a thick white pad covered her right shoulder where she’d needed stitches; the right side of her face was already bruising; and dust lightened her dark hair.
Even through the effect of pain-killers, and despite it being the early hours of the morning, she gazed clearly and calmly at her visitors. “I was wondering when you were going to turn up.”
“Miss Murphy, we need you to tell us what happened tonight.” Mr Jones asked, taking out a pad and pen.
“You should ask Brian, I won’t be much help.”
“Please Sophie,” Hunter interrupted in a pained voice. “Just tell us what you can.”
Sophie shrugged, then winced, her fingers tenderly feeling her injured shoulder. “Fine. It was late, near midnight. I was asleep up in my room when Brian came in, woke me up and told me to follow him quietly.”
“Did he say why?” Mr Jones asked, scribbling away.
Sophie gave him a scathing look. “When you learn at the feet of Brian Lloyd, you do exactly what he says, you never question.”
The witch-hunter looked slightly embarrassed, but Hunter, who knew this to be the blunt truth, quietly asked Sophie to continue.
“We went downstairs, to his weapons lock. He was in a hurry for us both to be kitted up. Then he just froze and said ‘No time.’ Then he said, ‘I’m sorry.’ And… and I saw pity in his eyes - he never… But anyway, next thing he locks me in that cupboard. There was no way out. A few minutes later, the place started to shake, then there was a massive blast. The world was turned upside down and I was knocked out. That’s all I remember.”
“Mhmn.” Mr Jones continued to write. “Do you have any idea who was attacking?”
“No, I’m only a 1st gen. It was Brian that sensed the danger.”
“And can you think of any recent cases, any events that might explain this huge attack?”
“Yes, no, I don’t know.” Sophie answered, getting riled up now. She grunted and put her hand to her aching head. “There were so many cases. We are witch-hunters, after all.”
She looked up at Hunter, a clear demand in her eyes. “Where’s Brian? No one will tell me how he’s doing.”
Hunter dropped her gaze. “He didn’t make it.”
“No.” She sat in shock, her eyes darting to each of them as if willing them to deny it.
Mr Jones finally put away his notebook. “We’re sorry for your loss, our loss. Once you’ve recovered, the MMC will make arrangements.”
“I’m fine.” Sophie replied curtly. “And I’m not staying in some hospital bed.”
“She’s coming with me.” Hunter said quietly.
The other witch-hunter looked at him with surprise, knowing that he’d already taken on one 1st gen, and that Hunter Astley was a famously proud man.
“I can take on another apprentice. It’s what Brian would have wanted.”