The journey to the mainland did not take very long so soon Millard and his ymbryne were walking down the gangway. Millard was still invisible. He held onto Miss Peregrine's hand as if his life depended on it. They had lived so long on the island that the outside world had become like a fairytale world to the peculiar children and Millard was no exception to that. To be honest, he was scared. He looked around both curiously and frightened at the same time.
Miss Peregrine squeezed his hand comfortingly. She was nervous as well but she tried to disguise this fact as well as she could. She needed to be strong now for her children.
"Where are we going now?" Millard whispered quietly so he would not attract any attention. Miss Peregrine looked at the invisible spot beside her lovingly.
"Well, I think we will go to the nearest police station first. They must have been informed when ten children are being brought to the mainland after a bomb attack" Miss Peregrine suggested. Together they left the small harbor and started to walk towards a small town that was closest to their current position. As they were walking through the streets curious looks followed them (or Miss Peregrine only). The bird didn't pay them any attention. She had a mission she needed to complete.
Only a couple of minutes later Miss Peregrine stormed into the police office forcefully but still graceful. The police officer who had been bend over his paper work merely seconds ago looked up in surprise.
"Good day, Ma'am. What may I do for you?" He asked with a strong accent.
"Good day, sir. I am here to inquire the whereabouts of ten children that have been brought to the mainland after a bomb dropped on their home." Miss Peregrine did not waste any time with small talk. The man looked at her in surprise.
"How do you know-"
"Please, where are they?" Miss Peregrine asked demandingly.
"Um, well, I have indeed been informed that there would several children be brought here after a bomb attack but they never arrived." The police officer shrugged.
"What?!" Miss Peregrine and Millard shouted. The police officer looked around to find the source of the invisible boy's voice.
"Did you not try to find out what happened to them?" Miss Peregrine asked angrily. Her stomach clenched painfully. She felt sick. What had happened to her children?
"Well, uhm-"
"Forget about it" Alma hissed. She stormed towards the man and tore a falcon feather out of her hair. She looked deep into his eyes and said "it has been a terribly stressful day for you, hasn't it?"
The police officer nodded lost in thought. "Yes…yes" He whispered.
"How about you simply forget we were here? Just go home and lie down for a bit, alright?" Miss Peregrine suggested with a sugar sweet voice.
"Yes, yes" He said breathlessly and without giving them so much as a second glance he marched out of his office.
Miss Peregrine and Millard followed. Although Miss Peregrine had a limp it was hard for Millard to keep up with her.
"Where are we going?" Millard panted when he finally caught up with her.
Miss Peregrine didn't answer. Suddenly she stopped midmotion. Millard did not react quickly enough and bumped right into her.
A small crowd had gathered in front of them. They were shouting and cheering. Miss Peregrine frowned. This didn't look good. Quickly they hurried towards the crowd.
Millard pushed the people aside and Miss Peregrine followed him. When they reached the front row they saw what the people were cheering and laughing at. In the middle of the circle was a young boy who was waving a net in his hand. Inside the net there was a screeching bird. An avocet.