“OK by me.” He paused for a minute, listening for sounds from outside. “If I could stay down here for ever I’d be safe. I’d definitely swap liquor for cocoa for the rest of my life.” He smiled, sipping at the steaming mug. “There, you see. That’s what a spineless chicken says.”
Valerie collected the mugs ready to take them into the house. The all clear sounded with a triumphant wail, crashing into the silence of the shelter like Angel Gabriel’s call to rally.
“It’s the rude awakening,” said Marty. “Pity, but there it is. I was sort of getting used to it.”
Valerie twisted her dark hair into place, patting the smooth hairline, checking with the palms of her hands that no strand was dangling. As she pushed open the door of the shelter, a blast of chilly air swooped in. The darkness still e
