A World Apart by Loui Downing

within the squadrons to provide them with adequate help and assistance.
     
        The family left in a hurry trying to forget what had just happened. They headed for the tube station where they ended up in Camden town where they walked along the jingly road towards the Camden Bridge, black in colour set in a location that really is quite Italian with houses, shops and walkways presented either side of the river, running beneath them all. Eric compiled his umbrella and fastened it back into its holster as the family stopped for a short breather on the bridge, overlooking the water and surroundings. Eric and Lensa never paid much attention to Camden as they felt it was quite expensive and just generally not to their tastes, although Eric did feel comforted from coming here. The family felt a glimmer of hope in the scary tales of ten minutes ago.
     
        The four walked casually through the chaotic streets to reach the underground station where they caught several trains back to their home in Islington. Jessica looked especially happy about the prospects of bumping into Mr Biggles and his wild sweet shop. The train journey seemed like it had taken the life out of Jessica, even though it was only around eleven minutes until they were walking down the same street they paraded down yesterday. Jessica wondered off ahead that worried Lensa considerably.
    ‘Jessica dovn go to var’ announced Lensa with extreme caution.
    ‘Ok mummy I won’t. I just vant to get to Mr Biggles’ sweet shop in time to get the question right this time’ replied Jessica in her usual groaning voice; one that Lensa hears far too often when she is telling her off.    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
        Jessica was disappointed to find that Mr Biggles’ sweet shop was closed, only his shadow was visible from the window; he appeared to be emptying something through the secret door. Jessica turned around whilst skipping, recalling her happy visit the other day and as her head turned and she paused still as a post. Her eyes were locked on Mr Biggles (Arthur); looking very suspicious in the shop window, as he felt prying eyes on his back he turned to face her and made sudden eye contact with her, as quick as a flash he closed the curtains and disappeared. Jessica told her parents, to be only fobbed off with the excuses like maybe he is making a special batch of sweets for all of the children that gets the questions correct and that maybe one day that could be her. She waved this away and protested that something odd going on in the shop involving the owner and that they should go back to see what he is up to. Lensa instructed that is has been a long day and that we maybe are a little delirious. Jessica sighed and ploughed on into the night with an eerie churn in the mist of her stomach that made her restless that night.
     
        Henry lurked around in front of the empty road, filled only by a gentle breeze and the distant sounds of late activity. The figure was tall with mousy hair, although this was not visible for he was wearing a flat hat that matured him greatly. He was holding some scrolls of documents, carrying a computer bag slung over his shoulder that was going to fall off at any moment, or rather his arm for the deadening strain. Henry’s face lit as he let out a tiny smile as the old man hobbled towards the back-to-front mirrors, which was installed for the children and adults he assured himself. The old man reached for his