Time passed, as it does. It passed for Mr Samuels too in a myriad of diverting ways that will be forever unknown. No doubt he went about his business, which, after all, was the business of others.
Must I imagine? May as well. Nothing better to do.
Let’s say, then, he had a job. One of the normal ones, but a job nonetheless. He roamed strangely empty streets, attuning his senses to the new noises and scents that must have always been there but had been masked by the more ostentatious noises and scents. His job took him back into the old parts of town, the decay and renewal cheek by jowl. He had scouted the scene before so went straight to the necessary alley and in a half-opened door that led to stone stairs arching up into gloom. All this was expected. Smells wafted down from above. Huma
