The Wee Hoose

"Right," said Alice. "While Margaret here rinses off your crockery, I suggest you put some clothes in a bag. Just a few things should be fine - at least, I hope so."

When she saw the look on Adam's face, she continued, "well, how safe do you think this place is going to be now? You saw those two. Do you think they're going to want to thank you? You were never meant to be involved, but beggars can't be choosers - and like it or not, you're part of all this now."

She waved away any further objections. "So, are you going to pack your bag, or should I let Margaret go raking through your drawers?"

This, unsurprisingly, had the desired effect.

Shortly, the three of them emerged from the building's front door, Margaret looking disappointed that there was no-one waiting for them outside. As they passed the alley, there was no sign of the two men; Adam didn't find this reassuring - though Alice just nodded, as if she'd expected nothing else.

From Adam's street they took a route which was, for the most part, entirely familiar to him. But just as he thought he knew exactly where they were going to emerge onto, the two women took a sharp left into a lane he didn't recognise.

Reflecting that it was strange how you could live your whole life in a town and still find corners you didn't know, Adam followed them until they stopped in front of a cottage.

"Here we are," said Margaret cheerily. "The Wee Hoose. Just like home, there's no place like The Wee Hoose."



Story starts here.