Ben jumped off the railway platform, and began scrambling through the scattered trash. He heard Sean panting behind him.
Behind Sean, the hissing drew closer.
Ben squeaked loudly, and a shadow swooped past him. He turned just in time to see a raptor snatch the writhing snake.
Sean leaned against a half-eaten sandwich, and tried to catch his breath.
"Lucky for us that bird was there."
"Not lucky. I called him."
"How…?"
"But who did it? Who would have imported a snake from South America? And why?"
Neither mouse saw the flash of white from behind a plastic milk jug.