I could only hold the Push-Wall for an instant, long enough to direct a more focused Push at Bianca's handcuffs.She sprang forward as the chain split....Grabbing the first man's gun, she opened fire into the second guy's chest. Fire creased across my back! Bianca jumped to her feet. On the way to the door, she reached down and grabbed the gun out of the man's hand. Bianca threw herself out the door and down. She opened fire into the stairway!"I can't hold them for long," she yelled between. He was a man. Emotion was not histhing, unless it was anger. He was good at that. Anger is what men dowhen they get upset. Now was not the time."Phillip," He said. "Phillip-a," he spat out the last syllable. It washard. "Pip." It seemed better. Somehow appropriate. I would like tothink that you have me wrong." I would like to think that too, Dad, but I don't. I wasn't going to takethe risk." But the effect on your mother. You should have told her."Pip bit her full painted lip. She. At least she beat him there.A few minutes later they were both downstairs in the hall with a crowd of their neighbours. There was a distinct smell of chlorine in the air. Two people in full chemical protection suits were taping heavy plastic sheeting over the main entrance. He could see the officer he had talked to earlier setting something up on the floor while a second police officer waited for all the evacuees to gather.When there were eleven groups assembled, the second officer spoke, "Can. . what was I? Man or boy?I felt sweat rolling down from my armpits as the minutes ticked by. She was late. Perhaps she wouldn't come today: that would be a relief; a disappointment but a tremendous relief.Tomorrow. I'd be able to talk to her tomorrow. I’d be ready tomorrow.But even as that thought occurred, the door opened and Amber came out. She was fully dressed, co-ordinated, in control. I watched as she carefully passed the key through the letterbox and turned towards me. She smiled. At me..