Chapter 46: Rivals, Part 4

The City

The night is dark and sullen, moonless, and a chill sleet glazes the streets. Freezing mist casts a halo around the streetlamps.

A pale face, framed by a wash of red hair, stares out into the night, watching traffic which swooshes by, surfing through iced puddles to splash up over the kerb, while those passing step hastily back from the deluge of freezing water.

A scatter of people huddled under umbrellas, laden with bags and brightly wrapped parcels, walk quickly by, on their way to home and parties, family and friends.

Neon signs glare out into the dismal night and as the last of the shops close, tinny Christmas Carols rattle their last breath, to fall silent.

The face looks out at the world, observing, but not a part of it. Across the street, brightly lit Christmas trees adorn apartment windows glowing with warmth and welcome. Through windows, TV screens can be seen with flickering images of Fred Astaire and Danny Kaye dressed in red and white, while others disp