John stood panting on the sidewalk just outside the police station. Blood trickled down his face from a cut nestled in his hair somewhere. He didn't have time to worry about it now, all around him people stared. It was as though the world had stopped to watch, even a dog stood and stared at him like he was some kind of unnatural curiosity. He recognized faces but none came to his aid, while behind him, James stood holding the black metal torch that had split his scalp.

Spinning John held out the ornate knife, still in the evidence bag. He didn't remember grabbing it as he fled past the desk but he was glad he did. It didn't matter that it was bagged, if his partner got any closer he was going to drive it home regardless. His heart raced almost as fast as his mind, but there wasn't time to analyze the situation now. All he knew was that he had to make it home to Alice, he had to survive whatever this was.

"Stay back." He threatened James waving the wooden knife as he stepped backwards into the street.

The force hit him hard from the side, throwing him to the ground. He had just enough time for his brain to register surprise before his skull cracked and he blacked out. The bus was an unforgiving adversary as it slammed into him breaking bones and splitting flesh in an instant. Impassive to his crippled condition it dragged him along the bitumen tearing skin from his corpse and pushed bones through muscle before rudely rolling over him.

**************

The bus lurched to one side throwing passengers from their seats as the front wheel passed over officer Crawly. Karl braked heavily but in his mind he knew it was pointless. He had seen the man too late as he stepped from the curb. All around, the emotionless enemy stood watching as a man they all had known, was killed right before them.

For two days Karl's only thoughts revolved around keeping his routine, something that was no longer possible. He knew what he should do, but now in these new circumstances was it the right thing. Turning the bus off he looked back at the lad he pulled from the car crash earlier. It was clear he was starting to freak out and the other passengers were starting to stare. He flashed his large grin at the boy to no effect, it was too late, people were starting to rise from their seats.

"Everybody off the bus please." Karl motioned to the door, looking the boy in the face.

He needed no more encouragement, making a swift exit on to the road. The policeman's body lay mangled halfway down the bus as people gathered to stare as though he might crawl from under the vehicle and brush himself off. Taking the school boy by his arm Karl ushered the only person with any sign of emotion down the street and away from the onlookers. When they were a good distance from the bus, they ran.