James
It’s weird how adaptable the human brain is. How capable of accepting new levels of what is ‘ordinary’. Despite knowing that I am now completely alone, I settle into a kind of routine.
Read… Run… Carry…
East Portside Road… El Valderado Bar…
I have my second wind, breathing easily. Even my leg isn’t giving me the trouble I thought it might. My muscles thoroughly warmed through now, I jog along, heading for my next destination.
Read… Run… Carry…
Parkmoor Bridge over West Marine Rise…
Pacing myself, pacing my breathing to match my easy trot, I survey dark windows…
Where are they?
… Parked cars… Alleyways… Cafes and kiosks…
Then passing through shadier areas; roof lights, warehouse windows, disused garages…
I skid to a halt.
Ahead of me, blocking my route…
Under the glare of a streetlamp, a group of youngsters, swilling back beer, yelling, pushing and shoving…
Look again…
No, not kids.
Young men.
Crap…
have to pass them. And they look
cross the
would flag up
stroll on, all nonchalance.
Fucking limp…
the next, he jerks his
slung low at the belt, steps forward from
Are they Finchby's?
?
No…
the lookout
What do they see?
Old man…
Limping…
Disabled?
Interesting looking bag…
“Evening,” he says.
“Good evening.”
be out for a stroll. Chilly night. Could get a nasty cold on
“Nothing of yours.”
bag. “Coming back from the gym? Sports kit,
me past.” I make to step forward, through the
“Hand it over.” He holds up a knife, the neon orange of the streetlamp glinting on the edge. “I used to have a bag like that. Let’s see if I think
the group who, right
Moron…
“Yeah… lost.”
be a
grins drops. He rocks his hand, the blade held up by his
not in the mood
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