‘It was a weird accident though,’ said Bob. ‘Must have been a huge shock. That sudden over-pressure in the firefighting riser. No one’s been able to explain it to me.’
‘Budget cuts,’ said Emily wearily. ‘The hospital hasn’t been properly maintained for years. I just don’t understand why Arthur won’t talk. He just . . . I don’t know . . . he just doesn’t seem himself.’
Inside the room, the Skinless Boy grinned and let the illusory flesh that covered half his body slide away to reveal the red ochre bones of the skeleton beneath.