Listening in

While Adam was struggling to find the right words, through the open door of a building across town, anyone walking past might well catch one side of a telephone conversation.

The distance between the building and the alleyway isn't far - as Adam has pointed out, his is a small town - but in some ways they're a world apart.

Through the open door comes a man's voice; it has a bland, emotionless quality to it.

"Hello, yes? Ah, brother Armstrong. You are calling to report a successful mission, I hope? Everything went well?"

There is a pause, while - presumably - the other person speaks. When we hear the voice again, there is possibly an edge of irritation to it.

"No, I do not think it would be wise to enter the young man's flat. He is, in any case, unlikely to have left the object there - why, I do not imagine it has left his sight. You say he has not returned from work yet? Well, you will need to be a little more patient. And remember - no violence unless it is absolutely necessary. Do you understand?"

Another pause.

"Good, good. And I'm sure I don't need to remind you, but once you have what we want, you are to persuade Mister Cotter to come here with you. No harm must come to him. Sorry, what was that you said?"

"Yes, of course. As I say, unless it's absolutely necessary."



Story starts here.