Debriefing

As Adam was trying - and failing - to understand the baffling scale of the cottage's upstairs, elsewhere two rather shame-faced individuals were trying to explain the non-appearance of a certain key.

"So, brother Armstrong, I'm with you right up to the point where you - let me see if I've understood this correctly - allowed the old woman to lead you into an ambush. And this, in spite of knowing the nature of our adversary? Hmmm?"

The speaker's voice suggested someone trying very hard to keep their temper. When Armstrong replied, his confusion and frustration were apparent. "Yes. No. It wasn't ... wasn't like that. She looked like she was for real, and we were thinking it was our best chance of getting the article off Cotter."

"Hmmm," came the reply. "So you couldn't believe your luck, then. Are you unfamiliar with the phrase 'too good to be true', brother? And then, you say, one of the women put you both down and managed to tie you up? Come now - we know these women to be interfering busybodies, but really! You have to admit it sounds unlikely - especially as there doesn't seem to be a mark on either of you."

Silence. Even from outside the door, the listener would all too easily imagine two man staring at the floor, embarrassed. There was a mumbled reply.

"Sorry, brother - what was that you said?" asked the too-calm voice. "I didn't quite catch it."

"Must've hit us where it don't leave a mark, is what I said. Hurts like a bastard, though." This was the first time that the other victim had spoken; if it was intended to generate sympathy, it failed.

"Brother," said the no-longer-quite-as-calm voice. "May I remind you that there is no place for intemperate language in our organisation? Brother Armstrong, please administer the necessary sanctions later. Meanwhile, I suggest you both do what I have asked you. We must have that key."



Story starts here.