Free Johnny Mackintosh and the Spirit of London by Keith Mansfield Page A

ran from the foot of the steps, by the war memorial, and out to the main road. Apart from the drive there was a tall wire perimeter fence that seemed to run for miles without a break around the grounds. On the inside of the fence was a continuous band of lawn, except in the right-hand corner where a maze, built from hedges, almost touched it. On the far side of the building, overshadowed by the hill, were a couple of sports fields with rugby posts and a pavilion. Although early, it was turning into a lovely sunny dayand already Johnny saw a handful of children running though the maze, while others played a game hitting balls through hoops with giant hammers. It was too far away to see if any of them was Clara.
    â€œYou’ve seen it now. OK? Let’s go,” hissed Louise in Johnny’s ear. Louise seemed very scared of what just looked like a posh school. It didn’t make any sense and Johnny wasn’t about to turn around and hop on a train to Castle Dudbury.
    â€œI can’t go back now,” he whispered. “This is what I came for. I’ve got to find Clara.”
    â€œYou’re mad,” said Louise, who’d turned white and was trembling. “You’ll never get in there. And if you do you’ll never get out.”
    Johnny put his hand on her arm to steady her. “Yes I will. And if you tell me what Peter looks like I’ll find him too.” He looked her square in the eye and hoped he sounded braver than he felt.
    Louise buried her face in the grass, steeling herself. Then she spoke, slowly and controlled. “You can’t go on your own—you don’t know what you’re getting into. And if we’re going down there you’d better dump that bag and make sure your dog stays quiet.”
    â€œYou’re coming too?” Johnny asked, surprised.
    â€œLooks like I’ve no choice,” said Louise, nodding toward Bentley who was already leading Rusty along the hedgerow and down the hill toward the institute.
    Johnny took the little console out of his sports bag and slipped it into the back pocket of his jeans—he didn’t know when he might need Kovac’s help. Then he pushed the bag out of sight underneath the hedgerow and ran after Louise, who’d nearly caught up with the dogs a little further ahead.
    They reached the main road—there was a wide ditch on the far side from the Proteus Institute so they made their way along it, hoping to keep out of sight while heading for the part of thefence closest to the maze. Climb the fence anywhere else and they were bound to be spotted; next to the maze they had a chance of sneaking into the grounds unseen. As they reached the lay-by with the black cab, two cars rounded a bend and came into view. The children and dogs hid behind the empty taxi. From a brief glimpse, Johnny thought either of the passing cars could have been the one he’d seen outside the park gates a few days before. Of course he couldn’t be sure, but a shiver still went down his spine as they drove by. Once the cars were safely out of sight, Johnny led the way forward until they reached the right part of the fence.
    â€œWhat now?” Johnny asked.
    â€œYou’re the one who wants to go inside,” said Louise. “I guess we climb it.”
    â€œBut what about the dogs? I can’t leave Bentley here.” The sheepdog was looking up at Johnny, panting with his tongue hanging out.
    â€œCan he climb a ten foot fence?” Louise asked.
    Johnny looked at the fence and wasn’t sure he could climb it either. And even if he did there was some very vicious barbed wire running along the top. And once he got over that he didn’t know how he’d go about looking for Clara. Maybe he was being stupid, but he couldn’t go back now. He knelt down beside his faithful friend. “Sorry Bents—stay here out of sight. OK? I’ll be back.” Johnny held Bentley for a few seconds while the