Tunnels 04, Closer

if I stick him in the bedroom with Colly," Drake said.
    "No, why don't you let her in here instead," Mrs. Burrows suggested. "Colly's been cooped up for too long, and she's got to meet Bartleby, sooner or later."
    By now, Bartleby had picked up the scent of the other Hunter. Straight away he began to scamper around in circles as he snuffled the worn carpet inside the mobile home.
    As Drake opened the bedroom door, Colly came bucketing out. The two Hunters faced each other, taking inquisitive sniffs, but not coming too close. Then they lurched at each other and touched noses, as Bartleby pawed the carpet. With a rumbling growl, he bared his fangs. Without any warning, Colly gave Bartleby a good, strong nip on the side of the head. He let out an indignant yelp.
    But, far from retaliating, Bartleby licked the other cat's ear affectionately.
    Mrs. Burrows chuckled. "Just showing him who's boss."
    "Know how he feels," Will muttered.
    "I'll make myself scarce so you two can catch up," Drake said, leaving Will and his mother together in the mobile home.

    * * * * *

    Will eventually emerged into the field. He headed for the fire, where a man was now singing. Chester and his father were sitting on a hay bale, listening to the song, but there was no sign of either Drake or Elliott. Will assumed that he'd taken her off to draw samples of her blood. He'd spoken about getting them to a number of London-based hospitals, so at least they'd have the vaccine ready for production if the Styx decided to release the Dominion virus.
    Creeping up behind his friend, Will put his hands around his neck. "Boo!" he said.
    "No!" Chester yelled, leaping up from the bale he was lounging on.
    He looked terrified until he saw who it was. "You!" he laughed, pushing Will back, but not aggressively. "You want to be careful. "We're all a bit jumpy round here," he added in a low voice.
    "All right?" one of the larger kids shouted across to Chester, concern on his face.
    Will realized then that the singer had fallen silent, and quite a few of the travelers and their children had risen to their feet. They were giving him less than friendly looks.
    "Yes, it's okay, really. I know this muppet," Chester replied. He turned to Will. "And this is my dad," he added, indicating his father beside him.
    It seemed to be incredibly formal and out of place, but Will and Mr. Rawls shook hands and said hello to each other.
    Chester leant toward Will. "This really is the coolest place. Haven't felt so safe in months."
    As the singer resumed, Will scanned the people around the fire. It was a collection of such incredible characters that he suddenly thought of Uncle Tam's gang, whom he'd met outside the tavern in the Colony. Will wasn't sure what had invoked this memory, but decided it was probably because there was a man in the assembled circle who was the spitting image of Imago Freebone.
    Shaking his head, Will smiled at his friend. "Look at us, round a gypsy camp fire. If only our teachers from school could see us now," he said.
    "If only," Chester replied.
    Then they were both laughing, delighted to be reunited again.

    * * * * *

    When it was time for them to leave the traveler's site, Drake slid open the side door of the minibus. Now that they were more interested in each other than the dogs running around the field, Drake was able to get the Hunters inside without any difficulty. He made sure they went to the very back of the vehicle, where Colly jumped up onto the seat. This didn't leave any room for Bartleby, who was relegated to the floor where Drake had laid an old blanket. But they both seemed to be more than happy, stretching out and making themselves comfortable.
    "Celia," Drake said to Mrs. Burrows, "Why don't you and Jeff take the next row?" He went to guide Mrs. Burrows by the arm, but she drew back from him.
    "I really don't need any help," she told him, firmly but gently. "And why don't you let the others go first?"
    "Sure, Elliott, you next, then," Drake suggested.
    Will had been waiting patiently at the back of the line with Chester, but to his surprise his friend suddenly forged ahead and followed Elliott in so he could sit with her. And when Chester was inside, he took off his Bergen and placed it beside him, so there was no room for anyone else on the seat
    As Mrs. Burrows and Mr. Rawls boarded and settled themselves in the next row, Drake briefly met eyes with Will. "Looks like it's you and me in the front seat, old chap," he said.
    As Drake