Laura galloped as fast as she could past the buildings exit to the car park outside but she wasn't quite quick enough and the quartet were met with the sight of a van pulling away. Through the back window they could see Lucy sitting doglike and emotionless on the floor, a lead around her neck which was being held by a teenage boy who was ruffling her hair fondly. Sitting opposite him were a very well dressed middle age couple, presumably his parents. So these were Lucy's new "owners"? Sadly there wasn't time for Sophie to use the spellbook before the vehicle pulled into the distance.
"*Ook* dammit we missed them!" Sophie cursed yet more bad luck.
"Hee-haw!" A frustrated Laura added.
"I hope she is *croak* happy in her new home" Annie chimed in, still a little too brainwashed to see the severity of the situation.
To everyone's surprise a fourth voice spoke up "I know where they are *squeak* taking her"
"Are you sure?" Sophie studied Portia to try and make out if she was being truthful. Why would she want to help them?
"I know those *squeak* people" the rat girl explained matter of factly "they don't live far from here. I can *squeak* lead you there if you like?"
"That's brilliant *croak* Portia!" Annie enthused.
"Hee-haw, hee-haw" whatever it wss Laura wanted to say Sophie couldn't translate. But there were literally no other leads. They would have to follow Portia, for now at least.