Once I've clocked up half a dozen kilometres I feel I've earned a rest in the capacious lobby of Canal Court, which has become my Headquarters and sanctuary out of the rain and the wind which whistles down Merchant's Quai from the sea. 

The only people who bother me here are Cutlery Ciara and a pleasant second generation Polish lad called Barteck.  I nurse a very large and pricey glass of Pinot Grigio and read my book before heading back out onto the mean streets to rack up a few more kilometres.  

By late afternoon, I return To HQ and wait for Gabbs to join me from the library.  We order a Guinness from Bartek and play endless association games for an hour or two.