Meeting The Major

The Major stepped down from the train.

As usual, Bob Hewson couldn't help noticing how tall the man looked - even though, he'd worked out, there was really very little difference in their height. Something about the way he held himself made The Major a very imposing figure.

His face was unremarkable except for cold grey eyes that seemed to look at you a little too intensely, Bob thought. His clothes were neither too formal nor too casual to stand out; only the close-cropped haircut gave him anything of a military look.

The Major held out a leather holdall towards Bob, automatically making the assumption that he'd carry it for him. And while he handed it over as if weighed nothing, Bob almost dropped it. What was in there that was so heavy?

"Good afternoon, Mr Hewson! And how is the life of a High Brother?" he asked as they walked from the platform, making the final words sound ironic.

Before Bob could reply, the other man said, "ah. You look very preoccupied indeed. Not at all reassuring. What exactly is the problem, hmm?"

Feeling uncomfortable under the gaze of those unflinching eyes, Bob told him.



Story starts here.