The Walker
35

Daisy watched with astonishment as their guide disappeared into the night. “Umm... where did he go?”

Walker wiped some rain from his visor and turned to her. “Looks like he jumped,” he said, matter-of-factly.

Daisy looked from him to where Benny had disappeared into the darkness, when she heard a cry from below. “Are you coming? I’m not getting any dryer down here.”

She summoned the courage to detach herself from the solid bricks and managed to peer over the edge of the metal walkway, sticking her head under the railing. Benny stood unharmed below them, arms akimbo like an angry mother.

Walker peered cautiously over the edge next to her, holding the rail to steady himself, “He’s mad.”

Benny called up to them again, “Come on, the morning will be here by the time you two get your arses in gear! Walker, drop if you have to, we can catch the girl after. Remember to bend the knees, or they will end up in your arse.”

Daisy heard the little man laugh to himself below.

Walker let go of the railing and turned to her, “As he says then, girl. I’ll go first and then y—“

Daisy cut him off by sliding though the railings, feet first. She hit the ground with a crunching scatter of gravel and bird bones, just managing to keep from tumbling forward. She stood and exhaled, slightly lightheaded.

Benny eyed her up, nodding. “Impressive, girl. Show him how it’s done eh?” He chuckled and looked up. “Come now, old man, your turn.” Benny turned away and busied himself with a rusted hatch on the roof top, as Daisy spoke to Walker.

“Come on Walker, it’s not far. Jump.”

Walker scowled down at her, “I will. When I’m ready.”

He stood up, and she saw him take a deep breath and a step back. He then leapt the railing, landing heavily. Daisy heard the hissing of his boots and the popping in his armour as they took the brunt of the impact. Walker straightened up, brushing himself off, nodding to Daisy.

“How dramatic,” Benny muttered, “Right, the gang’s all here. Let’s get out of this rain, shall we?”

He opened a hatchway with a light flourish, revealing a square patch of darker darkness, and another drop.