To Catch a Cat by Marian Babson Page B

before Mrs Nordling had … died.
    He hardly noticed that he had begun running again. As though he could outrun the memory of that awful night. If it bothered him that much, how could Mr Nordling live with himself? He was the one who had done it, after all. Didn’t he have even worse memories … more dreadful nightmares?
    Even the cat twitched in its sleep sometimes and emitted little distressed mews. Robin was sure Leif was having nightmares, too. But the books were no good at telling him anything he could do about that. Maybe he could find a better book today, one that could really help him to help Leif.
    Inside the library, Robin scanned shelves earnestly, wondering if he could find something more informative on the adult shelves upstairs. But librarians were awfully rigid about not allowing children into the adult section. Even if they did allow him, they would be sure to pay particular attention to any books he wanted to take out. And, anyway, he couldn’t take a book to the meeting of the gang. If he found one, he’d have to come back for it later.
    The familiar prickling at the back of his neck told him that he was being watched again. He turned slowly and was not surprised to find Jamie Patel observing him.
    Instinctively, Robin moved on to the next section of shelves, with elaborate casualness, as though he had just stopped in front of the Pets section by accident.
    This brought him in front of the Hobbies section and he frowned at the books displayed as though trying to decide which one really interested him. Nothing caught his attention and he was relieved – even if something had, he couldn’t carry it to the meeting. The gang already knew too much about him, he did not want to let them find out his real interests. If he had any.
    A vague uneasiness swept over him as he looked at the
crowded shelves. All those books about all those subjects – and every one of vital all-consuming interest to someone.
    But not to him. What was wrong with him? Why didn’t he have a hobby, a real interest? He turned away impatiently and, as he had expected, found Jamie waiting for him.
    â€˜Going to the meeting?’ he asked.
    Jamie nodded glumly, showing as little enthusiasm for the encounter as he felt himself. For a brief moment, he wondered why they were bothering, then common sense reasserted itself.
    If they didn’t join the gang, they would have no proper identity at school. They’d just be the ‘new kids’, forever hanging around on the fringes of whatever was going on. Worse, if they were to back out now, after agitating to join the gang, they would become the target for its bullying and life would be even more miserable. Better to be with the gang than seem to be against them.
    â€˜We might as well go together,’ Robin said.
    Jamie nodded again, a trifle less glumly. He had not chosen any books to take out, either, Robin noticed. They fell into step and left the library slowly, in no hurry to arrive at their destination.
    Kerry and his crew were already assembled when they reached the old tram shed. The sudden silence that greeted them betrayed that they had been the subject of conversation.
    In the abrupt silence, every eye was turned upon them and Robin was grateful for the comradely reassurance of Jamie’s shoulder solid against his own. They stood there side to side and stared back at the gang.
    â€˜Here you are.’ Kerry stated the obvious. Someone behind him gave a shout of laughter as though he had said something hilariously funny. Kerry smirked.
    There were four of them, ranged behind Kerry, their acknowledged ringleader. Pete, his second-in-command, stood slightly closer than the others. All of them watched the newcomers intently.
    â€˜So,’ Kerry said. ‘Got something for us, then, have you?’

    â€˜Yes.’ Jamie stepped forward, holding out the three cigarettes.
    â€˜Right! I thought you wouldn’t have any trouble with