CHAPTER 4Outside, it was dark, cold, and wet, and a mixture of seawater and rain came blasting into Hubert's face as he turned onto the narrow street leading to the hotel. “Aan Zee,” said the neon sign in big blue letters. After passing streets with ominous names like Kolenwagen Slag, he had worked himself into maritime quarters signaled by Anker Straat, Anchor Street, and Zeeweg, Seaway. The Zeeweg was lit by two yellow lanterns. Along the way to the hotel, he encountered a dog, which took the time to give him a sad, knowing glance. “Aan Zee,” he mumbled. “Must mean 'By the Sea.'” And finally, when the Zeeweg had reached the Zeekant, he spoke in a louder voice to the black mass of the sea that vibrated in front of him in the dark. “Zee,” he said, “that must be you.” Impatiently, without l
