“They’re bringing the Tower down this afternoon,” she heard Sally say.
In all likelihood, the younger woman hadn’t been expecting a reply. Vanessa assumed that it had been a conversational gambit, designed to take her mind off things – as if that were possible – or, at the very least, to prevent the silence from becoming all-consuming. It was on that basis that she felt compelled to offer something in return.
“Yes,” she answered quietly. “They are.”
She registered Sally’s hesitation; gleaning the strength of her confidante’s incertitude as she weighed up the merits of prolonging their exchange. Apparently reaching a decision, the younger woman chanced a momentary glance at Vanessa as she remarked, “He’ll be furious.”
It wasn’t a question. And they both know who she meant.
“Thunderous
