It got interesting 23 minutes in.
At 22 minutes 59 seconds, everything was normal. At 23 minutes 0 seconds, I heard some screams, cut short, come from downstairs. Then all of us heard the jangling coming up the stairs. Then there was silence - it lasted for 5 seconds.
Two men, dressed in army uniform and carrying guns, burst through the door. They looked around, then one stepped back into the corridor and looked nervously both ways. The other of them spoke.
"Matt Browning? Is he in here?"
I made a confused face and raised a hand.
"You need to come with us. Bring one person who you want to keep safe."
I didn't argue. Instead, I turned to Anisha and flicked my eyes at the door. She started packing up, and I followed her lead. Then Mr Whitely spoke up.
"Where are you taking them? You can't just come into my--"
"Sir, I am a member of the British Armed Forces and I can do what I wish. I wish these two children to come with me."
That shut him up. He couldn't easily argue with a soldier. We left, with one of the soldiers walking ahead and one behind. When we got outside, they introduced themselves.
"Matt, I am Corporal Smith of 42nd Brigade," said one.
"I am Sergeant Jones of the same," said the other. "I am now appointing you commander of the 42nd."
"Oh. That's nice. Why?" I asked.
"We'll explain when we get to the vehicle."
