Vance and Shepherd stood outside Sharon Wakefield’s flat on Kiver Road, hesitating to knock, as the lilting melody of Meditation from Thaïs by Jules Massenet – at least, the flute part – held them rapt.
MeditationThaïs “She’s good, isn’t she?” Shepherd said, overawed.
“She is, but if only she had violin and piano accompaniment,” Vance replied. His knowledge and love of classical music were well known to his partner. He stepped forward as the short interlude piece ended and determinedly pushed the doorbell. His press produced a straightforward ding-dong, announcing his presence, such a pleasant change from the chimes that Shepherd thought pretentious.
ding-dong,, Moments later, a pretty face framed by corn-coloured hair styled in box braids, with extensions plaited in, smiled shyly at th
