Mike Dixon

CHAPTER 30
Old Archives
ourteen days had passed since David‟s disappear-
F ance. Janet sat on the pavement, attired in her Ms
Revolting outfit, contemplating the delicate balance between
being truly revolting and merely disgusting. Her lis-
tening device hung from her ear and she was singing a
tuneless dirge. A polystyrene cup with a few coins lay at
her feet. She had been there for over two hours and was
feeling cold.
Her target was Barry Waters. His flat
was opposite. She pulled a dirty shawl
about her shoulders and glimpsed a
familiar figure coming towards her.
Barry looked like a man on a mission.
His slovenly step had been replaced by
a brisk trot. Despite his flabby build, he
looked almost athletic. Janet suspected
that he had once been in the army. His
bearing was military. She guessed he‟d
been retired for some reason – probably
criminal.
„Spare some change!‟
He showed not the slightest interest in her as he hurried
past. The lights in his flat went on. A minute passed and he
was back on the street again.
„Spare some change!‟
He ignored her. Janet wasn‟t put out. Everyone ignored
her. That was the beauty of her persona. No one wanted to
have anything to do with her. It was the prize that came