Alan takes control…

The onlookers gasp and mutter to each other again, and Alan brushes Justin aside like an insect. He yanks you over to a stunned waiter and looks directly into his eyes.

‘I need you to call an ambulance, okay? Right now. Five minutes ago. This man is seriously hurt.’

The waiter nods, looking as stunned as the rest of the crowd. Then Alan lowers his voice.

‘Miss – Emma, I just need you to stay calm and help me, okay? Is there somewhere we can go? A private bedroom, while the ambulance arrives?’

‘Ah –’ Given something to do, Emma takes rapid breaths, getting herself under control. ‘Yes, of course – follow me –’

You half-stumble, half-limp after her, barely awake. The last thing you hear before the bed swallows you up are the sirens wailing through the night.