EighteenThe militiamen unslung their gas-powered carbines just as the explosion ripped through the crowded mainline station of Saint David's. So strong was the blast, it seemed as if the entire edifice lifted from the ground, was shaken vigorously by invisible, gigantic hands and smashed back down again. As a plume of iron-grey smoke rose up from the booking office, the shocked and stunned people screamed as one, fear and panic spreading like a virus, resulting in a wild, mad dash to any available exit. Amongst the yelling, kicking, biting and punching, men, women and children were shoved aside and trampled underfoot as the scene spiralled into a desperate melee of self-preservation. Picking themselves off the ground, Françoise checked that Claire was unhurt before helping her back towards
