Fairy stories, says Sister Maria Ignacia.Children’s games.Sister Veronica’s voice is so loud it makes the door tremble a little, and Allie takes a pace back.Are the Gospels themselves fairy tales?Was Our Lord a liar?Do you tell me that there has never been a demon, that when He cast out devils from men He was playing a game?No one is saying that, Veronica.No one is doubting the Gospels.Have you seen it on the news reports?They have powers that men are not meant to know.From where does this power come?We all know the answer.The Lord told us where these powers come from.We all know.There is a silence in the room.Sister Maria Ignacia speaks softly.I have heard that it is caused by pollution.There was an interesting piece in the newspaper.They are children, we have a duty to care for them.You would see good in the face of Satan himself if he arrived at your door with a pitiful story and a hungry belly.And would I be wrong to do so?If Satan needed feeding?Sister Veronica gives a laugh like a dog’s bark.Good intentions pave the road to Hell.The abbess speaks over them all.We have already asked for guidance to the Diocesan Council.They are praying on it.In the meantime, the Lord told us to suffer the little children.Younger girls awaken it in older women.This is the Devil working in the world, passing from hand to hand as Eve passed the apple to Adam.We cannot simply throw children out on to the street.The Devil will gather them to his bosom.Or they will starve, says Sister Maria Ignacia.Allie thinks it over for a long time.But she likes it here.You heard what she said.Eve passed the apple to Adam.Allie thinks, Maybe she was right to do it.Maybe that’s what the world needed.A bit of shaking up.Who do you say that I am?Allie thinks, I know that you speak to me in my hour of need.I know that you have guided me on the true path.Tell me what to do now.If the world didn’t need shaking up, why would this power have come alive now?That the old way is overturned.The old centuries are done.There is a need for a prophet in the land.Allie thinks, But who?Just try it on for size, honey.Remember, if you’re going to stay here, you’re going to need to own the place so they can’t take it from you.The only way you’re safe, honeybun, is if you own it.RoxyRoxy’s seen her dad hit blokes before.She’s seen him hit them square in the face, with all his rings on, casual, just as he was turning to leave.Her dad’s body is a castle for her.A shelter and a weapon.When he puts his arm around her shoulders she feels a mixture of terror and comfort.She’s run up the stairs from his fist, screaming.She’s seen how he hurts people who want to hurt her.She’s always wanted to have that.It’s the only thing worth having.You know what’s happened, don’t you, darling? says Bernie.Bernie says, It was a declaration of war, killing your mum, darling.And it’s taken us a long time to be sure we can get him.And we’re ready.