Twenty-OneJake's new 4x4 pulled up outside the white semi-detached house. The New Year had come and gone, bringing milder, sunny weather. Katherine was unclipping the baby seat from the back of the car when the front door of the house opened. Jake waved at Barbara, who stood ramrod straight on the front step.
A middle-aged woman with a mass of red hair walked past the house. “Mornin', Barb. You okay?” she said as she slowed her pace.
“Hi Marion. I'm good thanks. Got some friends from that Cornwall here to see me.”
The other woman smiled. “Not locals then?” she smiled at Katherine, who held the car seat in the crook of her arm. Katherine smiled back, liking the woman's friendly face. Marion looked down at Alicia who was just waking up. “Oh, she's a little cracker. What's her name?” she a
