"OW-" Johnny manages barely not to drop another swear even as he hits the floor heavily -- thanks Jodie -- and struggles to regain control of his arms, when Aiden swoops in and finishes the job. Silence falls back over them, gradual and tentative.

He lies there breathing for several moments, watching Aiden overhead.

"See?" he says, panting. "I told you he could protect you."

He sits up and looks down at Jodie, then reaches out to give her a little pat on the head. "You okay?"