4: Alison
I WALKED slowly out of the courtyard past the fountain, through the arch that led into the main street. I walked very slowly, drawing on my cigarette, looking nonchalant. I had no doubt that somewhere behind me in the shadows Janine was following. She was no fool, and somebody had taught her to put rubber tips on her high heels. I could hear nothing behind me in the deserted street.
I wondered what the hell she was playing at; what her idea was. Incidentally, I supposed she was thinking the same thing about me. We all seemed to be chasing each other round in circles— nobody knowing anything very much— everyone trying fast ones when they could. I wondered what the Old Man would have thought of it. At the moment I didn't propose to give him an opportunity of thinking anything. Hi
