Congregating on the pavement

Minutes after Nick, Alice and Margaret had passed the church, the door opened and Hewson and the Major emerged.

Armstrong remained at the door, chatting to the two new recruits. They'd done a good job of moving the apparatus, he was telling them; to Hewson's eyes it looked like he was making sure they knew where they stood in the pecking order.

When the Major echoed this thought by referring to him sarcastically as Corporal Armstrong, Hewson smiled - but wondered where he himself would be ranked.

Hewson looked up, taking in the boarded windows. "Hard to believe we'll be ready to open in just a few days, eh," he said. Partly this was to fill the silence within which the Major always seemed too comfortable - but partly because he was genuinely wondering at the speed of progress.

"Afraid speed is of the essence, old son" replied the Major. "No-one will care - or even notice - a few grotty bits. Remember, we'll literally be preaching to the converted. Anyway, it won't do our credibility any harm; bit of humility and poverty never goes amiss in this sort of thing. Well, the look of humility and poverty, anyway."

"Hmm, I suppose you're right," agreed Hewson. "It'll make a big difference when we get some light in the place, I expect."

"Absolutely, old son," said the Major. "Let there be light, that's the ticket. And remember, the Lord helps those who help themselves."

Hewson suspected his smile looked a little uneasy.

The Major leaned closer and winked. In a voice barely louder than a whisper he said, looking Hewson steadily in the eye, "you and your friends have been helping yourselves, haven't you. Soon, it'll be my turn, too."



Part Two begins here.