it was just after twelve on a night without either moon or stars , the clouds so thick and low that even the lights of the district were reduced to murky smudges . he ran up the side of the wash like a child 's balloon being blown by the wind , leaving them to scramble after him . the wing 's the most important part of an aircraft , and the most complicated structure . she rolled her eyes too and sighed softly . bobby stopped , looked at the painting which was taking shape on the easel . 