Violet Smith removed a replacement cigarette from an open carton on the small table beside her throne; Wally recognised the brand from the old, East Germany. Were they still making them he wondered, or did she bring a load out with her? She pinched the white tube that took up a half of the length of the gasper and, putting it to her mouth, she lit it from the burning ember of her previous fag, which she then crushed out in an ashtray full of similar dog ends.
Wally took the chair opposite Violet, as indicated by the grandson, who said he would provide coffee, before he disappeared back to the kitchen with just a short revolted glance to his grandma. Violet spat onto the paving. Wally had no doubt the gesture was meant for her grandson and he tried not to be revolted himself. Just the smel
