YES BECAUSE HE NEVER DID A THING LIKE THAT BEFORE AS ASK TO get his breakfast i be!

"ith a #$%&'e $f eggs si#e the Cit( ar)s h$te' "he he %se! t$ be &rete!ig t$ be 'ai! %& "ith a si#k
*$i#e !$ig his highess t$ )ake hi)se'f iterestig t$ that $'! fagg$t +rs Ri$r!a that he th$%ght he
ha! a great 'eg $f a! she e*er 'eft %s a farthig a'' f$r )asses f$r herse'f a! her s$%' greatest )iser
e*er "as a#t%a''( afrai! t$ 'a( $%t ,! f$r her )eth('ate! s&irit te''ig )e a'' her ai')ets she ha! t$$
)%#h $'! #hat i her ab$%t &$'iti#s a! earth-%akes a! the e! $f the "$r'! 'et %s ha*e a bit $f f% first
G$! he'& the "$r'! if a'' the "$)e "ere her s$rt !$" $ bathig.s%its a! '$"e#ks $f #$%rse
$b$!( "ate! her t$ "ear I s%&&$se she "as &i$%s be#a%se $ )a "$%'! '$$k at her t"i#e I h$&e I/''
e*er be 'ike her a "$!er she !i!t "at %s t$ #$*er $%r fa#es b%t she "as a "e''e!%#ate! "$)a
#ertai'( a! her gabb( ta'k ab$%t +r Ri$r!a here a! +r Ri$r!a there I s%&&$se he "as g'a! t$ get
sh%t $f her a! her !$g s)e''ig )( f%r a! a'"a(s e!gig t$ get %& %!er )( &etti#$ats es&e#ia''(
the sti'' I 'ike that i hi) &$'ite t$ $'! "$)e 'ike that a! "aiters a! beggars t$$ hes $t &r$%! $%t $f
$thig b%t $t a'"a(s if e*er he g$t a(thig rea''( seri$%s the )atter "ith hi) its )%#h better f$r the)
g$ it$ a h$s&ita' "here e*er(thig is #'ea b%t I s%&&$se I! ha*e t$ !rig it it$ hi) f$r a )$th (es
a! the "e! ha*e a h$s&ita' %rse e0t thig $ the #ar&et ha*e hi) sta(ig there ti'' the( thr$" hi)
$%t $r a % )a(be 'ike the s)%tt( &h$t$ he has shes as )%#h a % as I) $t (es be#a%se the(re s$
"eak a! &%'ig "he the(re si#k the( "at a "$)a t$ get "e'' if his $se b'ee!s ($%! thik it "as O
tragi# a! that !(ig'$$kig $e $ff the s$%th #ir#%'ar "he he s&raie! his f$$t at the #h$ir &art( at the
s%gar'$af +$%tai the !a( I "$re that !ress +iss Sta#k brigig hi) f'$"ers the "$rst $'! $es she
#$%'! fi! at the b$tt$) $f the basket a(thig at a'' t$ get it$ a )as be!r$$) "ith her $'! )ai!s
*$i#e tr(ig t$ i)agie he "as !(ig $ a##$%t $f her t$ e*er see th( fa#e agai th$%gh he '$$ke!
)$re 'ike a )a "ith his bear! a bit gr$" i the be! father "as the sa)e besi!es I hate ba!agig
a! !$sig "he he #%t his t$e "ith the ra1$r &arig his #$rs afrai! he! get b'$$! &$is$ig b%t if it
"as a thig I "as si#k the "e! see "hat atteti$ $'( $f #$%rse the "$)a hi!es it $t t$ gi*e a'' the
tr$%b'e the( !$ (es he #a)e s$)e"here I) s%re b( his a&&etite a("a( '$*e its $t $r he! be $ff his
fee! thikig $f her s$ either it "as $e $f th$se ight "$)e if it "as !$" there he "as rea''( a! the
h$te' st$r( he )a!e %& a &a#k $f 'ies t$ hi!e it &'aig it H(es ke&t )e "h$ !i! I )eet ah (es I )et
!$ ($% re)e)ber +et$ a! "h$ e'se "h$ 'et )e see that big babb(fa#e I sa" hi) a! he $t '$g
)arrie! f'irtig "ith a ($%g gir' at 2$$'es +(ri$ra)a a! t%re! )( ba#k $ hi) "he he s'ike! $%t
'$$kig -%ite #$s#i$%s "hat har) b%t he ha! the i)&%!e#e t$ )ake %& t$ )e $e ti)e "e'' !$e t$
hi) )$%th a')ight( a! his b$i'e! e(es $f a'' the big st%&$es I e*er )et a! thats #a''e! a s$'i#it$r $'(
f$r I hate ha*ig a '$g "rag'e i be! $r e'se if its $t that its s$)e 'itt'e bit#h $r $ther he g$t i "ith
s$)e"here $r &i#ke! %& $ the s'( if the( $'( ke" hi) as "e'' as I !$ (es be#a%se the !a( bef$re
(ester!a( he "as s#ribb'ig s$)ethig a 'etter "he I #a)e it$ the fr$t r$$) f$r the )at#hes t$ sh$"
hi) Diga)s !eath i the &a&er as if s$)ethig t$'! )e a! he #$*ere! it %& "ith the b'$ttig&a&er
&rete!ig t$ be thikig ab$%t b%siess s$ *er( &r$bab'( that "as it t$ s$)eb$!( "h$ thiks she has
a s$ft( i hi) be#a%se a'' )e get a bit 'ike that at his age es&e#ia''( gettig $ t$ f$rt( he is $" s$ as
t$ "hee!'e a( )$e( she #a $%t $f hi) $ f$$' 'ike a $'! f$$' a! the the %s%a' kissig )( b$tt$)
"as t$ hi!e it $t that I #are t"$ stra"s "h$ he !$es it "ith $r ke" bef$re that "a( th$%gh I! 'ike t$
fi! $%t s$ '$g as I !$t ha*e the t"$ $f the) %!er )( $se a'' the ti)e 'ike that s'%t that +ar( "e
ha! i Otari$ terra#e &a!!ig $%t her fa'se b$tt$) t$ e0#ite hi) ba! e$%gh t$ get the s)e'' $f th$se
&aite! "$)e $ff hi) $#e $r t"i#e I ha! a s%s&i#i$ b( gettig hi) t$ #$)e ear )e "he I f$%!
the '$g hair $ his #$at "ith$%t that $e "he I "et it$ the kit#he &rete!ig he "as !rikig "ater
I "$)a is $t e$%gh f$r the) it "as a'' his fa%'t $f #$%rse r%iig ser*ats the &r$&$sig that she
#$%'! eat at $%r tab'e $ Christ)as if ($% &'ease O $ thak ($% $t i )( h$%se stea'ig )( &$tat$es
a! the $(sters 345 &er !$1 g$ig $%t t$ see her a%t if ($% &'ease #$))$ r$bber( s$ it "as b%t I "as
s%re he ha! s$)ethig $ "ith that $e it takes )e t$ fi! $%t a thig 'ike that he sai! ($% ha*e $
&r$$f it "as her &r$$f O (es her a%t "as *er( f$! $f $(sters b%t I t$'! her "hat I th$%ght $f her
s%ggestig )e t$ g$ $%t t$ be a'$e "ith her I "$%'!t '$"er )(se'f t$ s&( $ the) the garters I f$%!
i her r$$) the Fri!a( she "as $%t that "as e$%gh f$r )e a 'itt'e bit t$$ )%#h I sa" t$$ that her fa#e
s"e''e! %& $ her "ith te)&er "he I ga*e her her "eeks $ti#e better !$ "ith$%t the) a't$gether !$
$%t the r$$)s )(se'f -%i#ker $'( f$r the !a) #$$kig a! thr$"ig $%t the !irt I ga*e it t$ hi)
a(h$" either she $r )e 'ea*es the h$%se I #$%'!t e*e t$%#h hi) if I th$%ght he "as "ith a !irt(
barefa#e! 'iar a! s'$*e 'ike that $e !e(ig it %& t$ )( fa#e a! sigig ab$%t the &'a#e i the 6 C
t$$ be#a%se she ke" she "as t$$ "e'' $ff (es be#a%se he #$%'!t &$ssib'( !$ "ith$%t it that '$g s$
he )%st !$ it s$)e"here a! the 'ast ti)e he #a)e $ )( b$tt$) "he "as it the ight B$('a ga*e
)( ha! a great s-%ee1e g$ig a'$g b( the T$'ka i )( ha! there stea's a$ther I 7%st &resse! the
ba#k $f his 'ike that "ith )( th%)b t$ s-%ee1e ba#k sigig the ($%g +a( +$$ shes bea)ig '$*e
be#a%se he has a i!ea ab$%t hi) a! )e hes $t s%#h a f$$' he sai! I) !iig $%t a! g$ig t$ the
Gaiet( th$%gh I) $t g$ig t$ gi*e hi) the satisfa#ti$ i a( #ase G$! k$"s hes #hage i a "a( $t
t$ be a'"a(s a! e*er "earig the sa)e $'! hat %'ess8 &ai! s$)e i#e'$$kig b$( t$ !$ it si#e I #at
!$ it )(se'f a ($%g b$( "$%'! 'ike )e I! #$f%se hi) a 'itt'e a'$e "ith hi) if "e "ere I! 'et hi) see
)( garters the e" $es a! )ake hi) t%r re! '$$kig at hi) se!%#e hi) I k$" "hat b$(s fee' "ith
that !$" $ their #heek !$ig that friggig !ra"ig $%t the thig b( the h$%r -%esti$ a! as"er
"$%'! ($% !$ this that a! the $ther "ith the #$a')a (es "ith a bish$& (es I "$%'! be#a%se I t$'! hi)
ab$%t s$)e Dea $r Bish$& "as sittig besi!e )e i the 7e"s Te)&'es gar!es "he I "as kittig
that "$$''e thig a strager t$ D%b'i "hat &'a#e "as it a! s$ $ ab$%t the )$%)ets a! he tire!
)e $%t "ith stat%es e#$%ragig hi) )akig hi) "$rse tha he is "h$ is i ($%r )i! $" te'' )e "h$
are ($% thikig $f "h$ is it te'' )e his a)e "h$ te'' )e "h$ the Ger)a E)&er$r is it (es i)agie I)
hi) thik $f hi) #a ($% fee' hi) tr(ig t$ )ake a "h$re $f )e "hat he e*er "i'' he $%ght t$ gi*e it %&
$" at this age $f his 'ife si)&'( r%iati$ f$r a( "$)a a! $ satisfa#ti$ i it &rete!ig t$ 'ike it ti''
9 he #$)es a! the fiish it $ff )(se'f a("a( a! it )akes ($%r 'i&s &a'e a(h$" its !$e $" $#e
a! f$r a'' "ith a'' the ta'k $f the "$r'! ab$%t it &e$&'e )ake its $'( the first ti)e after that its 7%st the
$r!iar( !$ it a! thik $ )$re ab$%t it "h( #at ($% kiss a )a "ith$%t g$ig a! )arr(ig hi) first
($% s$)eti)es '$*e t$ "i'!'( "he ($% fee' that "a( s$ i#e a'' $*er ($% ($% #at he'& ($%rse'f I "ish
s$)e )a $r $ther "$%'! take )e s$)eti)e "he hes there a! kiss )e i his ar)s theres $thig
'ike a kiss '$g a! h$t !$" t$ ($%r s$%' a')$st &ara'(ses ($% the I hate that #$fessi$ "he I %se!
t$ g$ t$ Father C$rriga he t$%#he! )e father a! "hat har) if he !i! "here a! I sai! $ the #aa'
bak 'ike a f$$' b%t "hereab$%ts $ ($%r &ers$ )( #hi'! $ the 'eg behi! high %& "as it (es rather
high %& "as it "here ($% sit !$" (es O L$r! #$%'!t he sa( b$tt$) right $%t a! ha*e !$e "ith it
"hat has that g$t t$ !$ "ith it a! !i! ($% "hate*er "a( he &%t it I f$rget $ father a! I a'"a(s thik $f
the rea' father "hat !i! he "at t$ k$" f$r "he I a'rea!( #$fesse! it t$ G$! he ha! a i#e fat ha!
the &a') )$ist a'"a(s I "$%'!t )i! fee'ig it either "$%'! he I! sa( b( the b%''e#k i his
h$rse#$''ar I "$!er !i! he k$" )e i the b$0 I #$%'! see his fa#e he #$%'!t see )ie $f #$%rse he!
e*er t%r $r 'et $ sti'' his e(es "ere re! "he his father !ie! the(re '$st f$r a "$)a $f #$%rse )%st
be terrib'e "he a )a #ries 'et a'$e the) I! 'ike t$ be e)bra#e! b( $e i his *est)ets a! the
s)e'' $f i#ese $ff hi) 'ike the &$&e besi!es theres $ !ager "ith a &riest if ($%re )arrie! hes t$$
#aref%' ab$%t hi)se'f the gi*e s$)ethig t$ H H the &$&e f$r a &ea#e I "$!er "as he satisfie! "ith
)e $e thig I !i!t 'ike his s'a&&ig )e behi! g$ig a"a( s$ fa)i'iar'( i the ha'' th$%gh I 'a%ghe! I)
$t a h$rse $r a ass a) I I s%&&$se he "as thikig $f his father I "$!er is he a"ake thikig $f )e
$r !rea)ig a) I i it "h$ ga*e hi) that f'$"er he sai! he b$%ght he s)e't $f s$)e ki! $f !rik $t
"hisk( $r st$%t $r &erha&s the s"eet( ki! $f &aste the( sti#k their bi''s %& "ith s$)e 'i-%$r I! 'ike t$ si&
th$se ri#h'$$kig gree a! (e''$" e0&esi*e !riks th$se stage!$$r 7$hies !rik "ith the $&era hats
I taste! $e "ith )( figer !i&&e! $%t $f that A)eri#a that ha! the s-%irre' ta'kig sta)&s "ith father
he ha! a'' he #$%'! !$ t$ kee& hi)se'f fr$) fa''ig as'ee& after the 'ast ti)e "e t$$k the &$rt a! &$tte!
)eat it ha! a fie sa't( taste (es be#a%se I fe't '$*e'( a! tire! )(se'f a! fe'' as'ee& as s$%! as a t$&
the )$)et I &$&&e! straight it$ be! ti'' that th%!er "$ke )e %& as if the "$r'! "as #$)ig t$ a e!
G$! be )er#if%' t$ %s I th$%ght the hea*es "ere #$)ig !$" ab$%t %s t$ &%ish "he I b'esse!
)(se'f a! sai! a Hai' +ar( 'ike th$se a"f%' th%!erb$'ts i Gibra'tar a! the( #$)e a! te'' ($% theres
$ G$! "hat #$%'! ($% !$ if it "as r%ig a! r%shig ab$%t $thig $'( )ake a a#t $f #$triti$ the
#a!'e I 'it that e*eig i 6hitefriars street #ha&e' f$r the )$th $f +a( see it br$%ght its '%#k th$%gh
he! s#$ff if he hear! be#a%se he e*er g$es t$ #h%r#h )ass $r )eetig he sa(s ($%r s$%' ($% ha*e $
s$%' isi!e $'( gre( )atter be#a%se he !$est k$" "hat it is t$ ha*e $e (es "he I 'it the 'a)& (es
be#a%se he )%st ha*e #$)e : $r , ti)es "ith that tre)e!$%s big re! br%te $f a thig he has I th$%ght
the *ei $r "hate*er the !i#kes the( #a'' it "as g$ig t$ b%rst th$%gh his $se is $t s$ big after I t$$k
$ff a'' )( thigs "ith the b'i!s !$" after )( h$%rs !ressig a! &erf%)ig a! #$)big it 'ike ir$ $r
s$)e ki! $f a thi#k #r$"bar sta!ig a'' the ti)e he )%st ha*e eate $(sters I thik a fe" !$1e he
"as i great sigig *$i#e $ I e*er i a'' )( 'ife fe't a($e ha! $e the si1e $f that t$ )ake ($% fee'
f%'' %& he )%st ha*e eate a "h$'e shee& after "hats the i!ea )akig %s 'ike that "ith a big h$'e i the
)i!!'e $f %s 'ike a Sta''i$ !ri*ig it %& it$ ($% be#a%se thats a'' the( "at $%t $f ($% "ith that
!eter)ie! *i#i$%s '$$k i his e(e I ha! t$ ha'fsh%t )( e(es sti'' he hast s%#h a tre)e!$%s a)$%t $f
s&%k i hi) "he I )a!e hi) &%'' it $%t a! !$ it $ )e #$si!erig h$" big it is s$ )%#h the better i
#ase a( $f it "ast "ashe! $%t &r$&er'( the 'ast ti)e I 'et hi) fiish it i )e i#e i*eti$ the( )a!e
f$r "$)e f$r hi) t$ get a'' the &'eas%re b%t if s$)e$e ga*e the) a t$%#h $f it the)se'*es the(! k$"
"hat I "et thr$%gh "ith +i''( $b$!( "$%'! be'ie*e #%ttig her teeth t$$ a! +ia 2%ref$(s h%sba!
gi*e %s a s"ig $%t $f ($%r "hiskers fi''ig her %& "ith a #hi'! $r t"is $#e a (ear as reg%'ar as the
#'$#k a'"a(s "ith a s)e'' $f #hi'!re $ff her the $e the( #a''e! b%!gers $r s$)ethig 'ike a igger "ith
a sh$#k $f hair $ it ;es%s7a#k the #hi'! is a b'a#k the 'ast ti)e I "as there a s-%a! $f the) fa''ig $*er
$e a$ther a! ba"'ig ($% #$%'!t hear ($%r ear s%&&$se! t$ be hea'th( $t satisfie! ti'' the( ha*e
%s s"$''e $%t 'ike e'e&hats $r I !$t k$" "hat s%&&$sig I riske! ha*ig a$ther $t $ff hi) th$%gh
sti'' if he "as )arrie! I ) s%re he! ha*e a fie str$g #hi'! b%t I !$t k$" 2$'!( has )$re s&%k i
hi) (es that! be a"f%''( 7$''( I s%&&$se it "as )eetig ;$sie 2$"e'' a! the f%era' a! thikig ab$%t
)e a! B$('a set hi) $ff "e'' he #a thik "hat he 'ikes $" if that'' !$ hi) a( g$$! I k$" the(
"ere s&$$ig a bit "he I #a)e $ the s#ee he "as !a#ig a! sittig $%t "ith her the ight $f
Ge$rgia Si)&s$s h$%se"ar)ig a! the he "ate! t$ ra) it !$" )( e#k $ a##$%t $f $t 'ikig
t$ see her a "a''f'$"er that "as "h( "e ha! the sta!%& r$" $*er &$'iti#s he bega it $t )e "he he
sai! ab$%t O%r L$r! beig a #ar&eter at 'ast he )a!e )e #r( $f #$%rse a "$)a is s$ sesiti*e ab$%t
e*er(thig I "as f%)ig "ith )(se'f after f$r gi*ig i $'( f$r I ke" he "as g$e $ )e a! the first
s$#ia'ist he sai! He "as he a$(e! )e s$ )%#h I #$%'!t &%t hi) it$ a te)&er sti'' he k$"s a '$t $f
)i0e! %& thigs es&e#ia''( ab$%t the b$!( a! the isi!es I $fte "ate! t$ st%!( %& that )(se'f "hat
"e ha*e isi!e %s i that fa)i'( &h(si#ia I #$%'! a'"a(s hear his *$i#e ta'kig "he the r$$) "as
#r$"!e! a! "at#h hi) after that I &rete!e! I ha! $ a #$$'ess "ith her $*er hi) be#a%se he %se!
t$ be a bit $ the 7ea'$%s si!e "hee*er he aske! "h$ are ($% g$ig t$ a! I ai! $*er t$ F'$e( a! he
)a!e )e the &reset $f '$r! B(r$s &$e)s a! the three &airs $f g'$*es s$ that fiishe! that I #$%'!
-%ite easi'( get hi) t$ )ake it %& a( ti)e I k$" h$" I! e*e s%&&$sig he g$t i "ith her agai a!
"as g$ig $%t t$ see her s$)e"here I! k$" if he ref%se! t$ eat the $i$s I k$" &'et( $f "a(s ask
hi) t$ t%#k !$" the #$''ar $f )( b'$%se $r t$%#h hi) "ith )( *ei' a! g'$*es $ g$ig $%t < kiss the
"$%'! se! the) a'' s&iig h$"e*er a'right "e'' see the 'et hi) g$ t$ her she $f #$%rse "$%'! $'(
be t$$ !e'ighte! t$ &rete! shes )a! i '$*e "ith hi) that I "$%'!t s$ )%#h )i! I! 7%st g$ t$ her a!
ask her !$ ($% '$*e hi) a! '$$k her s-%are i the e(es she #$%'!t f$$' )e b%t he )ight i)agie he
"as a! )ake a !e#'arati$ "ith his &'abber( ki! $f a )aer t$ her 'ike he !i! t$ )e th$%gh I ha! the
!e*i's $" 7$b t$ get it $%t $f hi) th$%gh I 'ike! hi) f$r that it sh$"e! he #$%'! h$'! i a! "ast t$ be
g$t f$r the askig he "as $ the &$& $f askig )e t$$ the ight i the kit#he I "as r$''ig the &$tat$
#ake theres s$)ethig I "at t$ sa( t$ ($% $'( f$r I &%t hi) $ff 'ettig $ I "as i a te)&er "ith )(
ha!s a! ar)s f%'' $f &ast( f'$%r i a( #ase I 'et $%t t$$ )%#h the ight bef$re ta'kig $f !rea)s s$ I
!i!t "at t$ 'et hi) k$" )$re tha "as g$$! f$r hi) she %se! t$ be a'"a(s e)bra#ig )e ;$sie
"hee*er he "as there )eaig hi) $f #$%rse g'a%)ig )e $*er a! "he I sai! I "ashe! %& a!
!$" as far as &$ssib'e askig )e !i! ($% "ash &$ssib'e the "$)e are a'"a(s eggig $ t$ that
&%ttig it $ thi#k "he hes there the( k$" b( his s'( e(e b'ikig a bit &%ttig $ the i!ifferet "he
the( #$)e $%t "ith s$)ethig the ki! he is "hat s&$i's hi) I !$t "$!er i the 'east be#a%se he "as
*er( ha!s$)e at that ti)e tr(ig t$ '$$k 'ike '$r! B(r$ I sai! I 'ike! th$%gh he "as t$$ bea%tif%' f$r a
)a a! he "as a 'itt'e bef$re "e g$t egage! after"ar!s th$%gh she !i!t 'ike it s$ )%#h the !a( I
"as i fits $f 'a%ghig "ith the gigg'es I #$%'!t st$& ab$%t a'' )( hair&is fa''ig $e after a$ther "ith
the )ass $f hair I ha! ($%re a'"a(s i great h%)$%r she sai! (es be#a%se it grigge! her be#a%se she
ke" "hat it )eat be#a%se I %se! t$ te'' her a g$$! bit $f "hat "et $ bet"ee %s $t a'' b%t 7%st
e$%gh t$ )ake her )$%th "ater b%t that "ast )( fa%'t she !i!t !arke the !$$r )%#h after "e "ere
)arrie! I "$!er "hat shes g$t 'ike $" after 'i*ig "ith that !$tt( h%sba! $f hers she ha! her fa#e
begiig t$ '$$k !ra" a! r% !$" the 'ast ti)e I sa" her she )%st ha*e bee 7%st after a r$" "ith
hi) be#a%se I sa" $ the )$)et she "as e!gig t$ !ra" !$" a #$*ersati$ ab$%t h%sba!s a!
ta'k ab$%t hi) t$ r% hi) !$" "hat "as it she t$'! )e O (es that s$)eti)es he %se! t$ g$ t$ be! "ith
his )%!!( b$$ts $ "he the )agg$t takes hi) 7%st i)agie ha*ig t$ get it$ be! "ith a thig 'ike that
that )ight )%r!er ($% a( )$)et "hat a )a "e'' its $t the $e "a( e*er($e g$es )a! 2$'!(
a("a( "hate*er he !$es a'"a(s "i&es his feet $ the )at "he he #$)es i "et $r shie a! a'"a(s
b'a#ks his $" b$$ts t$$ a! he a'"a(s takes $ff his hat "he he #$)es %& i the street 'ike that a!
$" hes g$ig ab$%t i his s'i&&ers t$ '$$k f$r =<>>>> f$r a &$st#ar! %& %& O S"eetheart +a( "$%'!t
a thig 'ike that si)&'( b$re ($% stiff t$ e0ti#ti$ a#t%a''( t$$ st%&i! e*e t$ take his b$$ts $ff $" "hat
#$%'! ($% )ake $f a )a 'ike that I! rather !ie 3> ti)es $*er tha )arr( a$ther $f their se0 $f #$%rse
he! e*er fi! a$ther "$)a 'ike )e t$ &%t %& "ith hi) the "a( I !$ k$" )e #$)e s'ee& "ith )e
(es a! he k$"s that t$$ at the b$tt$) $f his heart take that +rs +a(bri#k that &$is$e! her h%sba!
f$r "hat I "$!er i '$*e "ith s$)e $ther )a (et it "as f$%! $%t $ her "ast she the !$"right
*i''ai t$ g$ a! !$ a thig 'ike that $f #$%rse s$)e )e #a be !rea!f%''( aggra*atig !ri*e ($% )a!
a! a'"a(s the "$rst "$r! i the "$r'! "hat !$ the( ask %s t$ )arr( the) f$r if "ere s$ ba! as a'' that
#$)es t$ (es be#a%se the( #at get $ "ith$%t %s "hite Arsei# she &%t i his tea $ff f'(&a&er "ast it I
"$!er "h( the( #a'' it that if I aske! hi) he! sa( its fr$) the Greek 'ea*e %s as "ise as "e "ere
bef$re she )%st ha*e bee )a!'( i '$*e "ith the $ther fe''$" t$ r% the #ha#e $f beig hage! O she
!i!t #are if that "as her at%re "hat #$%'! she !$ besi!es the(re $t br%tes e$%gh t$ g$ a! hag a
"$)a s%re'( are the(
the(re a'' s$ !ifferet B$('a ta'kig ab$%t the sha&e $f )( f$$t he $ti#e! at $#e e*e bef$re he "as
itr$!%#e! "he I "as i the D B C "ith 2$'!( 'a%ghig a! tr(ig t$ 'iste I "as "agg'ig )( f$$t "e
b$th $r!ere! 3 teas a! &'ai brea! a! b%tter I sa" hi) '$$kig "ith his t"$ $'! )ai!s $f sisters "he
I st$$! %& a! aske! the gir' "here it "as "hat !$ I #are "ith it !r$&&ig $%t $f )e a! that b'a#k
#'$se! bree#hes he )a!e )e b%( takes ($% ha'f a h$%r t$ 'et the) !$" "ettig a'' )(se'f a'"a(s
"ith s$)e bra!e" fa! e*er( $ther "eek s%#h a '$g $e I !i! I f$rg$t )( s%e!e g'$*es $ the seat
behi! that I e*er g$t after s$)e r$bber $f a "$)a a! he "ate! )e t$ &%t it i the Irish Ti)es '$st
i the 'a!ies 'a*at$r( D B C Da)e street fi!er ret%r t$ +rs +ari$ B'$$) a! I sa" his e(es $ )(
feet g$ig $%t thr$%gh the t%rig !$$r he "as '$$kig "he I '$$ke! ba#k a! I "et there f$r tea 3
!a(s after i the h$&e b%t he "ast $" h$" !i! that e0#ite hi) be#a%se I "as #r$ssig the) "he "e
"ere i the $ther r$$) first he )eat the sh$es that are t$$ tight t$ "a'k i )( ha! is i#e 'ike that if I
$'( ha! a rig "ith the st$e f$r )( )$th a i#e a-%a)arie I'' sti#k hi) f$r $e a! a g$'! bra#e'et I
!$t 'ike )( f$$t s$ )%#h sti'' I )a!e hi) s&e! $#e "ith )( f$$t the ight after G$$!"is b$t#h%& $f
a #$#ert s$ #$'! a! "i!( it "as "e'' "e ha! that r%) i the h$%se t$ )%'' a! the fire "ast b'a#k
$%t "he he aske! t$ take $ff )( st$#kigs '(ig $ the hearthr%g i L$)bar! street "e'' a! a$ther
ti)e it "as )( )%!!( b$$ts he! 'ike )e t$ "a'k i a'' the h$rses !%g I #$%'! fi! b%t $f #$%rse hes $t
at%ra' 'ike the rest $f the "$r'! that I "hat !i! he sa( I #$%'! gi*e ? &$its i <> t$ Katt( Laer a!
beat her "hat !$es that )ea I aske! hi) I f$rget "hat he sai! be#a%se the st$&&ress e!iti$ 7%st
&asse! a! the )a "ith the #%r'( hair i the L%#a !air( thats s$ &$'ite I thik I sa" his fa#e bef$re
s$)e"here I $ti#e! hi) "he I "as tastig the b%tter s$ I t$$k )( ti)e Barte'' !Ar#( t$$ that he %se!
t$ )ake f% $f "he he #$))e#e! kissig )e $ the #h$ir stairs after I sag G$%$!s A*e +aria
"hat are "e "aitig f$r O )( heart kiss )e straight $ the br$" a! &art "hi#h is )( br$" &art he
"as &rett( h$t f$r a'' his ti( *$i#e t$$ )( '$" $tes he "as a'"a(s ra*ig ab$%t if ($% #a be'ie*e hi)
I 'ike! the "a( he %se! his )$%th sigig the he sai! "ast it terrib'e t$ !$ that there i a &'a#e 'ike
that I !$t see a(thig s$ terrib'e ab$%t it I'' te'' hi) ab$%t that s$)e !a( $t $" a! s%r&rise hi) a(
a! I'' take hi) there a! sh$" hi) the *er( &'a#e t$$ "e !i! it s$ $" there ($% are 'ike it $r '%)& it he
thiks $thig #a ha&&e "ith$%t hi) k$"ig he ha!t a i!ea ab$%t )( )$ther ti'' "e "ere
egage! $ther"ise he! e*er ha*e g$t )e s$ #hea& as he !i! he "as <> ti)es "$rse hi)se'f a(h$"
beggig )e t$ gi*e hi) a ti( bit #%t $ff )( !ra"ers that "as the e*eig #$)ig a'$g Kei'"$rth
s-%are he kisse! )e i the e(e $f )( g'$*e a! I ha! t$ take it $ff askig )e -%esti$s is it &er)itte!
t$ i-%ire the sha&e $f )( be!r$$) s$ I 'et hi) kee& it as if I f$rg$t it t$ thik $f )e "he I sa" hi) s'i&
it it$ his &$#ket $f #$%rse hes )a! $ the s%b7e#t $f !ra"ers thats &'ai t$ be see a'"a(s skee1ig at
th$se bra1efa#e! thigs $ the bi#(#'es "ith their skirts b'$"ig %& t$ their a*e's e*e "he +i''(
a! I "ere $%t "ith hi) at the $&e air fete that $e i the #rea) )%s'i sta!ig right agaist the s%
s$ he #$%'! see e*er( at$) she ha! $ "he he sa" )e fr$) behi! f$''$"ig i the rai I sa" hi)
bef$re he sa" )e h$"e*er sta!ig at the #$rer $f the Har$'!s #r$ss r$a! "ith a e" rai#$at $ hi)
"ith the )%ff'er i the @igari #$'$%rs t$ sh$" $ff his #$)&'e0i$.a! the br$" hat '$$kig s'(b$$ts as
%s%a' "hat "as he !$ig there "here he! $ b%siess the( #a g$ a! get "hate*er the( 'ike fr$)
a(thig at a'' "ith a skirt $ it a! "ere $t t$ ask a( -%esti$s b%t the( "at t$ k$" "here "ere
($% "here are ($% g$ig I #$%'! fee' hi) #$)ig a'$g sk%'kig after )e his e(es $ )( e#k he ha!
bee kee&ig a"a( fr$) the h$%se he fe't it "as gettig t$$ "ar) f$r hi) s$ I ha'f t%re! a! st$&&e!
the he &estere! )e t$ sa( (es ti'' I t$$k $ff )( g'$*e s'$"'( "at#hig hi) he sai! )( $&e"$rk
s'ee*es "ere t$$ #$'! f$r the rai a(thig f$r a e0#%se t$ &%t his ha! aear )e !ra"ers !ra"ers the
"h$'e b'esse! ti)e ti'' I &r$)ise! t$ gi*e hi) the &air $ff )( !$'' t$ #arr( ab$%t i his "aist#$at &$#ket
O +aria satissi)a he !i! '$$k a big f$$' !ree&ig i the rai s&'e!i! set $f teeth he ha! )a!e )e
h%gr( t$ '$$k at the) a! besee#he! $f )e t$ 'ift the $rage &etti#$at I ha! $ "ith s%ra( &'eats that
there "as $b$!( he Sai! he! kee' !$" i the "et if I !i!t s$ &erse*erig he "$%'! t$$ a! r%i his
e" rai#$at ($% e*er k$" "hat freak the(! take a'$e "ith ($% the(re s$ sa*age f$r it if a($e
"as &assig s$ I 'ifte! the) a bit a! t$%#he! his tr$%sers $%tsi!e the "a( I %se! t$ Gar!er after "ith
)( rig ha! t$ kee& hi) fr$) !$ig "$rse "here it "as t$$ &%b'i# I "as !(ig t$ fi! $%t "as he
#ir#%)#ise! he "as shakig 'ike a 7e''( a'' $*er the( "at t$ !$ e*er(thig t$$ -%i#k take a'' the
&'eas%re $%t if it a! father "aitig a'' the ti)e f$r his !ier he t$'! )e t$ sa( I 'eft )( &%rse i the
b%t#hers a! ha! t$ g$ ba#k f$r it "hat a De#ei*er the he "r$te )e that 'etter "ith a'' th$se "$r!s i it
h$" #$%'! he ha*e the fa#e t$ a( "$)a after his #$)&a( )aers )akig it s$ a"k"ar! after "he
"e )et askig )e ha*e I $ffe!e! ($% "ith )( e(e'i!s !$" $f #$%rse he sa" I "ast he ha! a fe"
brais $t 'ike that $ther f$$' Her( D$('e he "as a'"a(s breakig $r tearig s$)ethig i the #hara!es
I hate a %'%#k( )a a! if I ke" "hat it )eat $f #$%rse I ha! t$ sa( $ f$r f$r) sake !$t
%!ersta! ($% I sai! a! "ast it at%ra' s$ it is $f #$%rse it %se! t$ be "ritte %& "ith a &i#t%re $f a
"$)as $ that "a'' i Gibra'tar "ith that "$r! I #$%'!t fi! a("here $'( f$r #hi'!re seeig it t$$
($%g the "ritig a 'etter e*er( )$rig s$)eti)es t"i#e a !a( I 'ike! the "a( he )a!e '$*e the he
ke" the "a( t$ take a "$)a "he he set )e the A big &$&&ies be#a%se )ie "as the Ath the I
"r$te the ight he kisse! )( heart at D$'&his bar I #$%'!t !es#ribe it si)&'( it )akes ($% fee' 'ike
$thig $ earth b%t he e*er ke" h$" t$ e)bra#e "e'' 'ike Gar!er I h$&e he'' #$)e $ +$!a( as
he sai! at the sa)e ti)e f$%r I hate &e$&'e "h$ #$)e at a'' h$%rs as"er the !$$r ($% thik its the
*egetab'es the its s$)eb$!( a! ($% a'' %!resse! $r the !$$r $f the fi'th( s'$&&( kit#he b'$"s $&e
the !a( $'! fr$st(fa#e G$$!"i #a''e! ab$%t the #$#ert i L$)bar! street a! I 7%st after !ier a''
f'%she! a! t$sse! "ith b$i'ig $'! ste" !$t '$$k at )e &r$fess$r I ha! t$ sa( I) a fright (es b%t he
"as a rea' $'! get i his "a( it "as i)&$ssib'e t$ be )$re res&e#tf%' $b$!( t$ sa( ($%re $%t ($%
ha*e t$ &ee& $%t thr$%gh the b'i! 'ike the )essegerb$( t$!a( I th$%ght it "as a &%t$ff first hi)
se!ig the &$rt a! the &ea#hes first a! I "as 7%st begiig t$ (a" "ith er*es thikig he "as
tr(ig t$ )ake a f$$' $f )e "he I ke" his tattarrattat at the !$$r he )%st ha*e bee a bit 'ate
be#a%se it "as <4, after : "he I sa" the 3 De!a'%s gir's #$)ig fr$) s#h$$' I e*er k$" the ti)e
e*e that "at#h he ga*e )e e*er see)s t$ g$ &r$&er'( I! "at t$ get it '$$ke! after "he I thre" the
&e( t$ that 'a)e sai'$r f$r Eg'a! h$)e a! bea%t( "he I "as "hist'ig there is a #har)ig gir' I
'$*e a! I ha!t e*e &%t $ )( #'ea shift $r &$"!ere! )(se'f $r a thig the this !a( "eek "ere t$
g$ t$ Be'fast 7%st as "e'' he has t$ g$ t$ Eis his fathers ai*ersar( the 3Bth it "$%'!t be &'easat if
he !i! s%&&$se $%r r$$)s at the h$te' "ere besi!e ea#h $ther a! a( f$$'ig "et $ i the e" be! I
#$%'!t te'' hi) t$ st$& a! $t b$ther )e "ith hi) i the e0t r$$) $r &erha&s s$)e &r$testat
#'erg()a "ith a #$%gh k$#kig $ the "a'' the he "$%'!t be'ie*e e0t !a( "e !i!t !$ s$)ethig
its a'' *er( "e'' a h%sba! b%t ($% #at f$$' a '$*er after )e te''ig hi) "e e*er !i! a(thig $f #$%rse
he !i!t be'ie*e )e $ its better hes g$ig "here he is besi!es s$)ethig a'"a(s ha&&es "ith hi)
the ti)e g$ig t$ the +a''$" C$#ert at +ar(b$r$%gh $r!erig b$i'ig s$%& f$r the t"$ $f %s the the
be'' rag $%t he "a'ks !$" the &'atf$r) "ith the s$%& s&'ashig ab$%t takig s&$$f%'s $f it ha!t he
the er*e a! the "aiter after hi) )akig a h$'( sh$" $f %s s#ree#hig a! #$f%si$ f$r the egie t$
start b%t he "$%'!t &a( ti'' he fiishe! it the t"$ get'e)e i the :r! #'ass Carriage sai! he "as -%ite
right s$ he "as t$$ hes s$ &ighea!e! s$)eti)es "he he gets a thig it$ his hea! a g$$! 7$b he "as
ab'e t$ $&e the #arriage !$$r "ith his kife $r the(! ha*e take %s $ t$ C$rk I s%&&$se that "as !$e
$%t $f re*ege $ hi) O I '$*e 7a%tig i a trai $r a #ar "ith '$*e'( s$ft #%shi$s I "$!er "i'' he take
a <st #'ass f$r )e he )ight "at t$ !$ it i the trai b( ti&&ig the g%ar! "e'' O I s%&&$se there'' be the
%s%a' i!i$ts $f )e ga&ig at %s "ith their e(es as st%&i! as e*er the( #a &$ssib'( be that "as a
e0#e&ti$a' )a that #$))$ "$rk)a that 'eft %s a'$e i the #arriage that !a( g$ig t$ H$"th I! 'ike
t$ fi! $%t s$)ethig ab$%t hi) < $r 3 t%e's &erha&s the ($% ha*e t$ '$$k $%t $f the "i!$" a'' the
i#er the #$)ig ba#k s%&&$se I e*er #a)e ba#k "hat "$%'! the( sa( e'$&e! "ith hi) that gets ($%
$ $ the stage the 'ast #$#ert I sag at "here its $*er a (ear ag$ "he "as it St Teresas ha''
C'are!$ St 'itt'e #hits $f )issies the( ha*e $" sigig Kath'ee Keare( a! her 'ike $ a##$%t $f
father beig i the ar)( a! )( sigig the abset)i!e! beggar a! "earig a br$$#h f$r '$r!
R$berts "he I ha! the )a& $f it a'' a! 2$'!( $t Irish e$%gh "as it hi) )aage! it this ti)e I
"$%'!t &%t it &ast hi) 'ike he g$t )e $ t$ sig i the Stabat +ater b( g$ig ar$%! sa(ig he "as
&%ttig Lea! Ki!'( Light t$ )%si# I &%t hi) %& t$ that ti'' the 7es%its f$%! $%t he "as a free)as$
th%)&ig the &ia$ 'ea! Th$% )e $ #$&ie! fr$) s$)e $'! $&era (es a! he "as g$ig ab$%t "ith
s$)e $f the) Sier Fei 'ate'( $r "hate*er the( #a'' the)se'*es ta'kig his %s%a' trash a! $sese
he sa(s that 'itt'e )a he sh$"e! )e "ith$%t the e#k is *er( ite''iget the #$)ig )a Griffith is he
"e'' he !$est '$$k it thats a'' I #a sa( sti'' it )%st ha*e bee hi) he ke" there "as a b$(#$tt I hate
the )eti$ $f &$'iti#s after the "ar that 2ret$ria a! La!(s)ith a! B'$e)f$tei "here Gar!er Lie%t
Sta'e( G Ath B 3! East La#s Rgt $f eteri# fe*er he "as a '$*e'( fe''$" i khaki a! 7%st the right
height $*er )e I) s%re he "as bra*e t$$ he sai! I "as '$*e'( the e*eig "e kisse! g$$!b(e at the
#aa' '$#k )( Irish bea%t( he "as &a'e "ith e0#ite)et ab$%t g$ig a"a( $r "e! be see fr$) the r$a!
he #$%'!t sta! &r$&er'( a! I s$ h$t as I e*er fe't the( #$%'! ha*e )a!e their &ea#e i the begiig
$r $'! $$) 2a%' a! the rest $f the $'! Kr%gers g$ a! fight it $%t bet"ee the) istea! $f !raggig $
f$r (ears ki''ig a( fie'$$kig )e there "ere "ith their fe*er if he "as e*e !e#et'( sh$t it "$%'!t
ha*e bee s$ ba! I '$*e t$ see a regi)et &ass i re*ie" the first ti)e I sa" the S&aish #a*a'r( at La
R$-%e it "as '$*e'( after '$$kig a#r$ss the ba( fr$) A'ge#iras a'' the 'ights $f the r$#k 'ike firef'ies $r
th$se sha) batt'es $ the <C a#res the B'a#k 6at#h "ith their ki'ts i ti)e at the )ar#h &ast the <>th
h%ssars the &ri#e $f 6a'es $" $r the 'a#ers O the 'a#ers the(re gra! $r the D%b'is that "$
T%ge'a his father )a!e his )$e( $*er se''ig the h$rses f$r the #a*a'r( "e'' he #$%'! b%( )e a i#e
&reset %& i Be'fast after "hat I ga*e the(*e '$*e'( 'ie %& there $r $e $f th$se i#e ki)$$ thigs I
)%st b%( a )$thba'' 'ike I ha! bef$re t$ kee& i the !ra"er "ith the) it "$%'! be e0#itig g$ig ar$%!
"ith hi) sh$&&ig b%(ig th$se thigs i a e" #it( better 'ea*e this rig behi! "at t$ kee& t%rig
a! t%rig t$ get it $*er the k%#k'e there $r the( )ight be'' it r$%! the t$" i their &a&ers $r te'' the
&$'i#e $ )e b%t the(! thik "ere )arrie! O 'et the) a'' g$ a! s)$ther the)se'*es f$r the fat '$t I
#are he has &'et( $f )$e( a! hes $t a )arr(ig )a s$ s$)eb$!( better get it $%t $f hi) if I #$%'!
fi! $%t "hether he 'ikes )e I '$$ke! a bit "ash( $f #$%rse "he I '$$ke! #'$se i the ha!g'ass
&$"!erig a )irr$r e*er gi*es ($% the e0&ressi$ besi!es s#r$$#hig !$" $ )e 'ike that a'' the ti)e
"ith his big hi&b$es hes hea*( t$$ "ith his hair( #hest f$r this heat a'"a(s ha*ig t$ 'ie !$" f$r the)
better f$r hi) &%t it it$ )e fr$) behi! the "a( +rs +astiask( t$'! )e her h%sba! )a!e her 'ike the
!$gs !$ it a! sti#k $%t her t$g%e as far as e*er she #$%'! a! he s$ -%iet a! )i'! "ith his tigatig
either #a ($% e*er be %& t$ )e the "a( it takes the) '$*e'( st%ff i that b'%e s%it he ha! $ a!
st('ish tie a! s$#ks "ith the sk(b'%e si'k thigs $ the) hes #ertai'( "e''$ff I k$" b( the #%t his
#'$thes ha*e a! his hea*( "at#h b%t he "as 'ike a &erfe#t !e*i' f$r a fe" )i%tes after he #a)e ba#k
"ith the st$& &ress tearig %& the ti#kets a! s"earig b'a1es be#a%se he '$st 3> -%i! he sai! he '$st
$*er that $%tsi!er that "$ a! ha'f he &%t $ f$r )e $ a##$%t $f Leehas ti& #%rsig hi) t$ the
'$"est &its that s&$ger he "as )akig free "ith )e after the G'e#ree !ier #$)ig ba#k that '$g
7$%'t $*er the featherbe! )$%tai after the '$r! +a($r '$$kig at )e "ith his !irt( e(es Va' Di''$ that
big heathe I first $ti#e! hi) at !essert "he I "as #ra#kig the %ts "ith )( teeth I "ishe! I #$%'!
ha*e &i#ke! e*er( )$rse' $f that #hi#ke $%t $f )( figers it "as s$ tast( a! br$"e! a! as te!er
as a(thig $'( f$r I !i!t "at t$ eat e*er(thig $ )( &'ate th$se f$rks a! fishs'i#ers "ere
ha'')arke! si'*er t$$ I "ish I ha! s$)e I #$%'! easi'( ha*e s'i&&e! a #$%&'e it$ )( )%ff "he I "as
&'a(ig "ith the) the a'"a(s hagig $%t $f the) f$r )$e( i a resta%rat f$r the bit ($% &%t !$"
($%r thr$at "e ha*e t$ be thakf%' f$r $%r )ag( #%& $f tea itse'f as a great #$)&'i)et t$ be $ti#e!
the "a( the "$r'! is !i*i!e! i a( #ase if its g$ig t$ g$ $ I "at at 'east t"$ $ther g$$! #he)ises f$r
$e thig a! b%t I !$t k$" "hat ki! $f !ra"ers he 'ikes $e at a'' I thik !i!t he sa( (es a! ha'f
the gir's i Gibra'tar e*er "$re the) either ake! as G$! )a!e the) that A!a'%sia sigig her
+a$'a she !i!t )ake )%#h se#ret $f "hat she ha!t (es a! the se#$! &air $f si'kette st$#kigs is
'a!!ere! after $e !a(s "ear I #$%'! ha*e br$%ght the) ba#k t$ Le"ers this )$rig a! ki#k %& a r$"
a! )a!e that $e #hage the) $'( $t t$ %&set )(se'f a! r% the risk $f "a'kig it$ hi) a!
r%iig the "h$'e thig a! $e $f th$se ki!fittig #$rsets I! "at a!*ertise! #hea& i the Get'e"$)a
"ith e'asti# g$res $ the hi&s he sa*e! the $e I ha*e b%t thats $ g$$! "hat !i! the( sa( the( gi*e a
!e'ightf%' fig%re 'ie <<45 $b*iatig that %sight'( br$a! a&&eara#e a#r$ss the '$"er ba#k t$ re!%#e
f'esh )( be''( is a bit t$$ big I'' ha*e t$ k$#k $ff the st$%t at !ier $r a) I gettig t$$ f$! $f it the 'ast
the( set fr$) OR$%rkes "as as f'at as a &a#ake he )akes his )$e( eas( Larr( the( #a'' hi) the
$'! )ag( &ar#e' he set at D)as a #$ttage #ake a! a b$tt'e $f h$g"ash he trie! t$ &a') $ff as #'aret
that he #$%'!t get a($e t$ !rik G$! s&are his s&it f$r fear he! !ie $f the !r$%th $r I )%st !$ a fe"
breathig e0er#ises I "$!er is that atifat a( g$$! )ight $*er!$ it thi $es are $t s$ )%#h the
fashi$ $" garters that )%#h I ha*e the *i$'et &air I "$re t$!a( thats a'' he b$%ght )e $%t $f the
#he-%e he g$t $ the first O $ there "as the fa#e '$ti$ I fiishe! the 'ast $f (ester!a( that )a!e )(
ski 'ike e" I t$'! hi) $*er a! $*er agai get that )a!e %& i the sa)e &'a#e a! !$t f$rget it G$!
$'( k$"s "hether he !i! after a'' I sai! t$ hi) I'' k$" b( the b$tt'e a("a( if $t I s%&&$se I'' $'(
ha*e t$ "ash i )( &iss 'ike beeftea $r #hi#kes$%& "ith s$)e $f that $&$&$a0 a! *i$'et I th$%ght it
"as begiig t$ '$$k #$arse $r $'! a bit the ski %!ereath is )%#h fier "here it &ee'e! $ff there $
)( figer after the b%r its a &it( it ist a'' 'ike that a! the f$%r &a'tr( ha!ker#hiefs ab$%t 54. i a'' s%re
($% #at get $ i this "$r'! "ith$%t st('e a'' g$ig i f$$! a! ret "he I get it I'' 'ash it ar$%! I te''
($% i fie st('e I a'"a(s "at t$ thr$" a ha!f%' $f tea it$ the &$t )eas%rig a! )i#ig if I b%( a
&air $f $'! br$g%es itse'f !$ ($% 'ike th$se e" sh$es (es h$" )%#h "ere the( I*e $ #'$thes at a'' the
br$" #$st%)e a! the skirt a! 7a#ket a! the $e at the #'eaers : "hats that f$r a( "$)a #%ttig
%& this $'! hat a! &at#hig %& the $ther the )e "$t '$$k at ($% a! "$)e tr( t$ "a'k $ ($%
be#a%se the( k$" ($%*e $ )a the "ith a'' the thigs gettig !earer e*er( !a( f$r the , (ears )$re
I ha*e $f 'ife %& t$ :C $ I) "hat a) I at a'' I'' be :: i Se&te)ber "i'' I "hat O "e'' '$$k at that +rs
Ga'braith shes )%#h $'!er tha )e I sa" her "he I "as $%t 'ast "eek her bea%t(s $ the "ae she
"as a '$*e'( "$)a )agifi#et hea! $f hair $ her !$" t$ her "aist t$ssig it ba#k 'ike that 'ike Kitt(
OShea i Gratha) street <st thig I !i! e*er( )$rig t$ '$$k a#r$ss see her #$)big it as if she
'$*e! it a! "as f%'' $f it &it( I $'( g$t t$ k$" her the !a( bef$re "e 'eft a! that +rs Lagtr( the
;erse( Li'( the &ri#e $f 6a'es "as i '$*e "ith I s%&&$se hes 'ike the first )a g$ig the r$a!s $'( f$r
the a)e $f a kig the(re a'' )a!e the $e "a( $'( a b'a#k )as I! 'ike t$ tr( a bea%t( %& t$ "hat "as
she ,C there "as s$)e f%( st$r( ab$%t the 7ea'$%s $'! h%sba! "hat "as it a'' a! a $(ster kife he
"et $ he )a!e her "ear a ki! $f a ti thig ar$%! her a! the &ri#e $f 6a'es (es he ha! the
$(ster kife #at be tr%e a thig 'ike that 'ike s$)e $f th$se b$$ks he brigs )e the "$rks $f +aster
Fra#$is s$)eb$!( s%&&$se! t$ be a &riest ab$%t a #hi'! b$r $%t $f her ear be#a%se her b%)g%t fe''
$%t a i#e "$r! f$r a( &riest t$ "rite a! her a.e as if a( f$$' "$%'!t k$" "hat that )eat I hate
that &rete!ig $f a'' thigs "ith the $'! b'a#kg%ar!s fa#e $ hi) a(b$!( #a see its $t tr%e a! that
R%b( a! Fair T(rats he br$%ght )e that t"i#e I re)e)ber "he I #a)e t$ &age C> the &art ab$%t
"here she hags hi) %& $%t $f a h$$k "ith a #$r! f'age''ate s%re theres $thig f$r a "$)a i that a''
i*eti$ )a!e %& ab$%t he !rikig the #ha)&age $%t $f her s'i&&er after the ba'' "as $*er 'ike the
ifat ;es%s I the #rib at I#hi#$re i the B'esse! Virgis ar)s s%re $ "$)a #$%'! ha*e a #hi'! that
big take $%t $f her a! I th$%ght first it #a)e $%t $f her si!e be#a%se h$" #$%'! she g$ t$ the #ha)ber
"he she "ate! t$ a! she a ri#h 'a!( $f #$%rse she fe't h$$%re! HE RE HE he "as i Gibra'tar the
(ear I gas b$r I bet he f$%! 'i'ies there t$$ "here he &'ate! the tree he &'ate! )$re tha that i his
ti)e he )ight ha*e &'ate! )e t$$ if he! #$)e a bit s$$er the I "$%'!t be here as I a) he $%ght t$
#h%#k that Free)a "ith the &a'tr( fe" shi''igs he k$#ks $%t $f it a! g$ it$ a $ffi#e $r s$)ethig
"here he! get reg%'ar &a( $r a bak "here the( #$%'! &%t hi) %& $ a thr$e t$ #$%t the )$e( a''
the !a( $f #$%rse he &refers &'$tterig ab$%t the h$%se s$ ($% #at stir "ith hi) a( si!e "hats ($%r
&r$gra))e t$!a( I "ish he! e*e s)$ke a &i&e 'ike father t$ get the s)e'' $f a )a $r &rete!ig t$ be
)$$#hig ab$%t f$r a!*ertise)ets "he he #$%'! ha*e bee i +r C%ffes sti'' $'( f$r "hat he !i!
the se!ig )e t$ tr( a! &at#h it %& I #$%'! ha*e g$t hi) &r$)$te! there t$ be the )aager he ga*e
)e a great )ira!a $#e $r t"i#e first he "as as stiff as the )is#hief rea''( a! tr%'( +rs B'$$) $'( I
fe't r$tte si)&'( "ith the $'! r%bbish( !ress that I '$st the 'ea!s $%t $f the tai's "ith $ #%t i it b%t
the(re #$)ig it$ fashi$ agai I b$%ght it si)&'( t$ &'ease hi) I ke" it "as $ g$$! b( the fiish &it(
I #hage! )( )i! $f g$ig t$ T$!! a! B%rs as I sai! a! $t Lees it "as 7%st 'ike the sh$& itse'f
r%))age sa'e a '$t $f trash I hate th$se ri#h sh$&s get $ ($%r er*es $thig ki''s )e a't$gether $'(
he thiks he k$"s a great '$t ab$%t a "$)as !ress a! #$$kig )atherig e*er(thig he #a s#$%r
$ff the she'*es it$ it if I "et b( his a!*i#es e*er( b'esse! hat I &%t $ !$es that s%it )e (es take that
thats a'right the $e 'ike a "e!!ig #ake sta!ig %& )i'es $ff )( hea! he sai! s%ite! )e $r the
!ish#$*er $e #$)ig !$" $ )( ba#ksi!e $ &is a! ee!'es ab$%t the sh$& gir' i that &'a#e i
Graft$ street I ha! the )isf$rt%e t$ brig hi) it$ a! she as is$'et as e*er she #$%'! be "ith her
s)irk sa(ig I) afrai! "ere gi*ig ($% t$$ )%#h tr$%b'e "hats she there f$r b%t I stare! it $%t $f her
(es he "as a"f%''( stiff a! $ "$!er b%t he #hage! the se#$! ti)e he '$$ke! 2$'!( &ighea!e! as
%s%a' 'ike the s$%& b%t I #$%'! see hi) '$$kig *er( har! at )( #hest "he he st$$! %& t$ $&e the
!$$r f$r )e it "as i#e $f hi) t$ sh$" )e $%t i a( #ase I) e0tre)e'( s$rr( +rs B'$$) be'ie*e )e
"ith$%t )akig it t$$ )arke! the first ti)e after hi) beig is%'te! a! )e beig s%&&$se! t$ be his
"ife I 7%st ha'f s)i'e! I k$" )( #hest "as $%t that "a( at the !$$r "he he sai! I) e0tre)e'( s$rr(
a! I) s%re ($% "ere
(es I thik he )a!e the) a bit fir)er s%#kig the) 'ike that s$ '$g be )a!e )e thirst( titties he #a''s
the) I ha! t$ 'a%gh (es this $e a(h$" stiff the i&&'e gets f$r the 'east thig I'' get hi) t$ kee& that
%& a! I'' take th$se eggs beate %& "ith )arsa'a fatte the) $%t f$r hi) "hat are a'' th$se *eis a!
thigs #%ri$%s the "a( its )a!e 3 the sa)e i #ase $f t"is the(re s%&&$se! t$ re&reset bea%t(
&'a#e! %& there 'ike th$se stat%es i the )%se%) $e $f the) &rete!ig t$ hi!e it "ith her ha! are
the( s$ bea%tif%' $f #$%rse #$)&are! "ith "hat a )a '$$ks 'ike "ith his t"$ bags f%'' a! his $ther
thig hagig !$" $%t $f hi) $r sti#kig %& at ($% 'ike a hatra#k $ "$!er the( hi!e it "ith a
#abbage'eaf the "$)a is bea%t( $f #$%rse thats a!)itte! "he he sai! I #$%'! &$se f$r a &i#t%re
ake! t$ s$)e ri#h fe''$" i H$''es street "he he '$st the 7$b i He'(s a! I "as se''ig the #'$thes
a! str%))ig i the #$ffee &a'a#e "$%'! I be 'ike that bath $f the ()&h "ith )( hair !$" (es $'(
shes ($%ger $r I) a 'itt'e 'ike that !irt( bit#h i that S&aish &h$t$ he has the ()&hs %se! the( g$
ab$%t 'ike that I aske! hi) that !isg%stig Ca)er$ high'a!er behi! the )eat )arket $r that $ther
"ret#h "ith the re! hea! behi! the tree "here the stat%e $f the fish %se! t$ be "he I "as &assig
&rete!ig he "as &issig sta!ig $%t f$r )e t$ see it "ith his bab(#'$thes %& t$ $e si!e the F%ees
$" the( "ere a i#e '$t its "e'' the S%rre(s re'ie*e! the) the(re a'"a(s tr(ig t$ sh$" it t$ ($% e*er(
ti)e ear'( I &asse! $%tsi!e the )es greeh$%se ear the Har#$%rt street stati$ 7%st t$ tr( s$)e
fe''$" $r $ther tr(ig t$ #at#h )( e(e $r if it "as < $f the B "$!ers $f the "$r'! O a! the stik $f
th$se r$tte &'a#es the ight #$)ig h$)e "ith 2$'!( after the C$)erf$r!s &art( $rages a!
'e)$a!e t$ )ake ($% fee' i#e a! "ater( I "et it$ < $f the) it "as s$ bitig #$'! I #$%'!t kee& it
"he "as that ?: the #aa' "as fr$1e (es it "as a fe" )$ths after a &it( a #$%&'e $f the Ca)er$s
"eret there t$ see )e s-%attig i the )es &'a#e )ea!er$ I trie! t$ !ra" a &i#t%re $f it bef$re I t$re it
%& 'ike a sa%sage $r s$)ethig I "$!er the(re $t afrai! g$ig ab$%t $f gettig a ki#k $r a bag $r
s$)ethig there a! that "$r! )et s$)ethig "ith h$ses i it a! he #a)e $%t "ith s$)e 7a"breakers
ab$%t the i#arati$ he e*er #a e0&'ai a thig si)&'( the "a( a b$!( #a %!ersta! the he g$es
a! b%rs the b$tt$) $%t $f the &a a'' f$r his Ki!e( this $e $t s$ )%#h theres the )ark $f his teeth
sti'' "here he trie! t$ bite the i&&'e I ha! t$ s#rea) $%t aret the( fearf%' tr(ig t$ h%rt ($% I ha! a
great breast $f )i'k "ith +i''( e$%gh f$r t"$ "hat "as the reas$ $f that he sai! I #$%'! ha*e g$t a
&$%! a "eek as a "et %rse a'' s"e''e! $%t the )$rig that !e'i#ate '$$kig st%!et that st$&&e! i
N$ 3A "ith the Citr$s 2er$se ear'( #a%ght )e "ashig thr$%gh the "i!$" $'( f$r I sa&&e! %&
the t$"e' t$ )( fa#e that "as his st%!etig h%rt )e the( %se! t$ "eaig her ti'' he g$t !$#t$r Bra!( t$
gi*e )e the Be''a!$a &res#ri&ti$ I ha! t$ get hi) t$ s%#k the) the( "ere s$ har! he sai! it "as
s"eeter a! thi#ker tha #$"s the he "ate! t$ )i'k )e it$ the tea "e'' hes be($! e*er(thig I
!e#'are s$)eb$!( $%ght t$ &%t hi) i the b%!get if I $'( #$%'! re)e)ber the $e ha'f $f the thigs a!
"rite a b$$k $%t $f it the "$rks $f +aster 2$'!( (es a! its s$ )%#h s)$$ther the ski )%#h a h$%r he
"as at the) I) s%re b( the #'$#k 'ike s$)e ki! $f a big ifat I ha! at )e the( "at e*er(thig i their
)$%th a'' the &'eas%re th$se )e get $%t $f a "$)a I #a fee' his )$%th O L$r! I )%st stret#h )(se'f
I "ishe! he "as here $r s$)eb$!( t$ 'et )(se'f g$ "ith a! #$)e agai 'ike that I fee' a'' fire isi!e )e
$r if I #$%'! !rea) it "he he )a!e )e s&e! the 3! ti)e ti#k'ig )e behi! "ith his figer I "as
#$)ig f$r ab$%t C )i%tes "ith )( 'egs r$%! hi) I ha! t$ h%g hi) after O L$r! I "ate! t$ sh$%t $%t
a'' s$rts $f thigs f%#k $r shit $r a(thig at a'' $'( $t t$ '$$k %g'( $r th$se 'ies fr$) the strai "h$
k$"s the "a( he! take it ($% "at t$ fee' ($%r "a( "ith a )a the(re $t a'' 'ike hi) thak G$! s$)e
$f the) "at ($% t$ be s$ i#e ab$%t it I $ti#e! the #$trast he !$es it a! !$est ta'k I ga*e )( e(es
that '$$k "ith )( hair a bit '$$se fr$) the t%)b'ig a! )( t$g%e bet"ee )( 'i&s %& t$ hi) the
sa*age br%te Th%rs!a( Fri!a( $e Sat%r!a( t"$ S%!a( three O L$r! I #at "ait ti'' +$!a(
frseeeeeeeefr$g trai s$)e"here "hist'ig the stregth th$se egies ha*e i the) 'ike big giats
a! the "ater r$''ig a'' $*er a! $%t $f the) a'' si!es 'ike the e! $f L$*es $'! s"eet s(g the &$$r
)e that ha*e t$ be $%t a'' the ight fr$) their "i*es a! fa)i'ies i th$se r$astig egies stif'ig it
"as t$!a( I) g'a! I b%re! the ha'f $f th$se $'! Free)as a! 2h$t$ bits 'ea*ig thigs 'ike that '(ig
ar$%! hes gettig *er( #are'ess a! thre" the rest $f the) %& i the 6 C I'' get hi) t$ #%t the)
t$)$rr$" f$r )e istea! $f ha*ig the) there f$r the e0t (ear t$ get a fe" &e#e f$r the) ha*e hi)
askig "heres 'ast ;a%ar(s &a&er a! a'' th$se $'! $*er#$ats I b%!'e! $%t $f the ha'' )akig the
&'a#e h$tter tha it is the rai "as '$*e'( 7%st after )( bea%t( s'ee& I th$%ght it "as g$ig t$ get 'ike
Gibra'tar )( g$$!ess the heat there bef$re the 'e*ater #a)e $ b'a#k as ight a! the g'are $f the
r$#k sta!ig %& i it 'ike a big giat #$)&are! "ith their : R$#k )$%tai the( thik is s$ great "ith the
re! setries here a! there the &$&'ars a! the( a'' "hiteh$t a! the )$s-%it$ ets a! the s)e'' $f the
rai"ater i th$se taks "at#hig the s% a'' the ti)e "e'terig !$" $ ($% fa!e! a'' that '$*e'( fr$#k
fathers frie! +rs Stah$&e set )e fr$) the B +ar#he 2aris "hat a sha)e )( !earest D$ggeria she
"r$te $ "hat she "as *er( i#e "hats this her $ther a)e "as 7%st a 2 C t$ te'' ($% I set the 'itt'e
&reset ha*e 7%st ha! a 7$''( "ar) bath a! fee' a *er( #'ea !$g $" e7$(e! it "$gger she #a''e! hi)
"$gger "! gi*e a(thig t$ be ba#k i Gib a! hear ($% sig i $'! +a!ri! $r 6aitig C$#$e is the
a)e $f th$se e0er#ises he b$%ght )e $e $f th$se e" s$)e "$r! I#$%'!/t )ake $%t sha"'s
a)%sig thigs b%t tear f$r the 'east thig sti'' the(re '$*e'( I thik !$t ($% "i'' a'"a(s thik $f the
'$*e'( teas "e ha! t$gether s#r%)&ti$%s #%rrat s#$es a! ras&berr( "afers I a!$re "e'' $" !earest
D$ggeria be s%re a! "rite s$$ ki! she 'eft $%t regar!s t$ ($%r father a's$ Ca&tai Gr$*e "ith '$*e
(rs aff'( 0 0 0 0 0 she !i!t '$$k a bit )arrie! 7%st 'ike a gir' he "as (ears $'!er tha her "$gger he "as
a"f%''( f$! $f )e "he he he'! !$" the "ire "ith his f$$t f$r )e t$ ste& $*er at the b%''fight at La
Liea "he that )ata!$r G$)e1 "as gi*e the b%''s ear #'$thes "e ha*e t$ "ear "h$e*er i*ete!
the) e0&e#tig ($% t$ "a'k %& Ki''ie( hi'' the f$r e0a)&'e at that &i#i# a'' sta(se! %& ($% #at !$ a
b'esse! thig i the) i a #r$"! r% $r 7%)& $%t $f the "a( thats "h( I "as afrai! "he that $ther
fer$#i$%s $'! B%'' bega t$ #harge the ba!eri''$s "ith the sashes a! the 3 thigs i their hats a! the
br%tes $f )e sh$%tig bra*$ t$r$ s%re the "$)e "ere as ba! i their i#e "hite )ati''as ri&&ig a''
the "h$'e isi!es $%t $f th$se &$$r h$rses I e*er hear! $f s%#h a thig i a'' )( 'ife (es he %se! t$
break his heart at )e takig $ff the !$g barkig i be'' 'ae &$$r br%te a! it si#k "hat be#a)e $f the)
e*er I s%&&$se the(re !ea! '$g ag$ the 3 $f the) its 'ike a'' thr$%gh a )ist )akes ($% fee' s$ $'! I
)a!e the s#$es $f #$%rse I ha! e*er(thig a'' t$ )(se'f the a gir' Hester "e %se! t$ #$)&are $%r hair
)ie "as thi#ker tha hers she sh$"e! )e h$" t$ sett'e it at the ba#k "he I &%t it %& a! "hats this
e'se h$" t$ )ake a k$t $ a threa! "ith the $e ha! "e "ere 'ike #$%sis "hat age "as I the the
ight $f the st$r) I s'e&t i her be! she ha! her ar)s r$%! )e the "e "ere fightig i the )$rig
"ith the &i''$" "hat f% he "as "at#hig )e "hee*er he g$t a $&&$rt%it( at the ba! $ the
A'a)e!a es&'aa!e "he I "as "ith father a! Ca&tai Gr$*e I '$$ke! %& at the #h%r#h first a! the
at the "i!$"s the !$" a! $%r e(es )et I fe't s$)ethig g$ thr$%gh )e 'ike a'' ee!'es )( e(es
"ere !a#ig I re)e)ber after "he I '$$ke! at )(se'f i the g'ass har!'( re#$gise! )(se'f the
#hage I ha! a s&'e!i! ski fr$) the s% a! the e0#ite)et 'ike a r$se I !i!/t get a "ik $f s'ee& it
"$%'!t ha*e bee i#e $ a##$%t $f her b%t I #$%'! ha*e st$&&e! it i ti)e she ga*e )e the
+$$st$e t$ rea! that "as the first I rea! $f 6i'kie C$''is East L(e I rea! a! the sha!$" $f
Ash'(!(at +rs Her( 6$$! Her( D%bar b( that $ther "$)a I 'et hi) after"ar!s "ith +%'*e(s
&h$t$ i it s$ as he see I "ast "ith$%t a! L$r! L(tt$ E%gee Ara) +$''( ba" she ga*e )e b( +rs
H%gerf$r! $ a##$%t $f the a)e I !$t 'ike b$$ks "ith a +$''( i the) 'ike that $e he br$%ght )e
ab$%t the $e fr$) F'a!ers a "h$re a'"a(s sh$&'iftig a(thig she #$%'! #'$th a! st%ff a! (ar!s $f
it this b'aket is t$$ hea*( $ )e thats better I ha*et e*e $e !e#et ight!ress this thig gets a''
r$''e! %& %!er )e besi!es hi) a! his f$$'ig thats better I %se! t$ be "e'terig the i the heat )(
shift !re#he! "ith the s"eat st%#k i the #heeks $f )( b$tt$) $ the #hair "he I st$$! %& the( "ere
s$ fattish a! fir) "he I g$t %& $ the s$fa #%shi$s t$ see "ith )( #'$thes %& a! the b%gs t$s $f
the) at ight a! the )$s-%it$ ets I #$%'!t rea! a 'ie L$r! h$" '$g ag$ it see)s #et%ries $f
#$%rse the( e*er #$)e ba#k a! she !i!t &%t her a!!ress right $ it either she )a( ha*e $ti#e! her
"$gger &e$&'e "ere a'"a(s g$ig a"a( a! "e e*er I re)e)ber that !a( "ith the "a*es a! the
b$ats "ith their high hea!s r$#kig a! the s"e'' $f the shi& th$se Offi#ers %if$r)s $ sh$re 'ea*e
)a!e )e seasi#k he !i!t sa( a(thig he "as *er( seri$%s I ha! the high b%tt$e! b$$ts $ a! )(
skirt "as b'$"ig she kisse! )e si0 $r se*e ti)es !i!t I #r( (es I be'ie*e I !i! $r ear it )( 'i&s "ere
taitterig "he I sai! g$$!b(e she ha! a G$rge$%s "ra& $f s$)e s&e#ia' ki! $f b'%e #$'$%r $ her f$r
the *$(age )a!e *er( &e#%'iar'( t$ $e si!e 'ike a! it "as e0tre)e'( &rett( it g$t as !%'' as the !e*i'
after the( "et I "as a')$st &'aig t$ r% a"a( )a! $%t $f it s$)e"here "ere e*er eas( "here "e
are father $r a%t $r )arriage "aitig a'"a(s "aitig t$ g%iiii!e hi) t$$$$ )e "aitig $r s&eeee! his
f'(ig feet their !a) g%s b%rstig a! b$$)ig a'' $*er the sh$& es&e#ia''( the F%ees birth!a( a!
thr$"ig e*er(thig !$" i a'' !ire#ti$s if ($% !i!t $&e the "i!$"s "he geera' U'(sses Grat
"h$e*er he "as $r !i! s%&&$se! t$ be s$)e great fe''$" 'a!e! $ff the shi& a! $'! S&rag%e the
#$s%' that "as there fr$) bef$re the f'$$! !resse! %& &$$r )a a! he i )$%rig f$r the s$ the
the sa)e $'! re*ei''e i the )$rig a! !r%)s r$''ig a! the %f$rt%ate &$$r !e*i's $f s$'!iers
"a'kig ab$%t "ith )esstis s)e''ig the &'a#e )$re tha the $'! '$gbear!e! 7e"s i their 7e''ibees
a! 'e*ites asse)b'( a! s$%! #'ear a! g%fire f$r the )e t$ #r$ss the 'ies a! the "ar!e
)ar#hig "ith his ke(s t$ '$#k the gates a! the bag&i&es a! $'( Ca&tai Gr$*es a! father ta'kig
ab$%t R$rkes !rift a! 2'e*a a! sir Garet 6$'se'e( a! G$r!$ at Khart$%) 'ightig their &i&es f$r
the) e*er(ti)e the( "et $%t !r%ke $'! !e*i' "ith his gr$g $ the "i!$"si'' #at#h hi) 'ea*ig a( $f
it &i#kig his $se tr(ig t$ thik $f s$)e $ther !irt( st$r( t$ te'' %& i a #$rer b%t he e*er f$rg$t
hi)se'f "he I "as there se!ig )e $%t $f the r$$) $ s$)e b'i! e0#%se &a(ig his #$)&'i)ets the
B%sh)i''s "hisk( ta'kig $f #$%rse b%t he! !$ the sa)e t$ the e0t "$)a that #a)e a'$g I s%&&$se!
he !ie! $f ga''$&ig !rik ages ag$ the !a(s 'ike (ears $t a 'etter fr$) a 'i*ig s$%' e0#e&t the $!! fe"
I &$ste! t$ )(se'f "ith bits $f &a&er i the) s$ b$re! s$)eti)es I #$%'! fight "ith )( ai's 'isteig t$
that $'! Arab "ith the $e e(e a! his heass $f a istr%)et sigig his heah heah aheah a'' )(
#$)&ri)ets $ ($%r h$t#ha&$t#h $f ($%r heass as ba! as $" "ith the ha!s hagig $ff )e '$$kig
$%t $f the "i!$" if there "as a i#e fe''$" e*e i the $&&$site h$%se that )e!i#a' i H$''es street the
%rse "as after "he I &%t $ )( g'$*es a! hat at the "i!$" t$ sh$" I "as g$ig $%t $t a $ti$
"hat I )eat aret the( thi#k e*er %!ersta! "hat ($% sa( e*e ($%! "at t$ &rit it %& $ a big
&$ster f$r the) $t e*e if ($% shake ha!s t"i#e "ith the 'eft he !i!t re#$gise )e either "he I ha'f
fr$"e! at hi) $%tsi!e 6est'a! r$" #ha&e' "here !$es their great ite''ige#e #$)e i I! 'ike t$ k$"
gre( )atter the( ha*e it a'' i their tai' if ($% ask )e th$se #$%tr( g$%gers %& i the Cit( Ar)s
ite''ige#e the( ha! a !a) sight 'ess tha the b%''s a! #$"s the( "ere se''ig the )eat a! the
#$a')as be'' that $is( b%gger tr(ig t$ s"i!'e )e "ith the "r$g bi'' he t$$k $%t $f his hat "hat a
&air $f &a"s a! &$ts a! &as a! kett'es t$ )e! a( br$ke b$tt'es f$r a &$$r )a t$!a( a! $
*isit$rs $r &$st e*er e0#e&t his #he-%es $r s$)e a!*ertise)et 'ike that "$!er"$rker the( set hi)
a!!resse! !ear +a!a) $'( his 'etter a! the #ar! fr$) +i''( this )$rig see she "r$te a 'etter t$ hi)
"h$ !i! I get the 'ast 'etter fr$) O +rs D"e $" "hate*er &$ssesse! her t$ "rite after s$ )a(
(ears t$ k$" the re#i&e I ha! f$r &ist$ )a!ri'e$ F'$e( Di''$ si#e she "r$te t$ sa( she "as )arrie!
t$ a *er( ri#h ar#hite#t if I) t$ be'ie*e a'' I hear "ith a *i''a a! eight r$$)s her father "as a a"f%''(
i#e )a he "as ear se*et( a'"a(s g$$! h%)$%r "e'' $" +iss T"ee!( $r +iss Gi''es&ie theres the
&(a(er that "as a s$'i! si'*er #$ffee ser*i#e he ha! t$$ $ the )ah$ga( si!eb$ar! the !(ig s$ far
a"a( I hate &e$&'e that ha*e a'"a(s their &$$r st$r( t$ te'' e*er(b$!( has their $" tr$%b'es that &$$r
Na#( B'ake !ie! a )$th ag$ $f a#%te &e%)$ia "e'' I !i!t k$" her s$ "e'' as a'' that she "as
F'$e(s frie! )$re tha )ie its a b$ther ha*ig t$ as"er he a'"a(s te''s )e the "r$g thigs a! $
st$&s t$ sa( 'ike )akig a s&ee#h ($%r sa! berea*e)et s()&ath( I a'"a(s )ake that )istake a!
e"&he" "ith 3 !$%b'e ($%s i I h$&e he'' "rite )e a '$ger 'etter the e0t ti)e if its a thig he rea''(
'ikes )e O thaks be t$ the great G$! I g$t s$)eb$!( t$ gi*e )e "hat I ba!'( "ate! t$ &%t s$)e
heart %& it$ )e ($%*e $ #ha#es at a'' i this &'a#e 'ike ($% %se! '$g ag$ I "ish s$)eb$!( "$%'!
"rite )e a '$*e.'etter his "ast )%#h a! I t$'! hi) he #$%'! "rite "hat he 'ike! ($%rs e*er H%gh
B$('a i O'! +a!ri! si''( "$)e be'ie*e '$*e is sighig I a) !(ig sti'' if he "r$te it I s%&&$se there!
be s$)e tr%th i it tr%e $r $ it fi''s %& ($%r "h$'e !a( a! 'ife a'"a(s s$)ethig t$ thik ab$%t e*er(
)$)et a! see it a'' ar$%! ($% 'ike a e" "$r'! I #$%'! "rite the as"er i be! t$ 'et hi) i)agie )e
sh$rt 7%st a fe" "$r!s $t th$se '$g #r$sse! 'etters Att( Di''$ %se! t$ "rite t$ the fe''$" that "as
s$)ethig i the f$%r #$%rts that 7i'te! her after $%t $f the 'a!ies 'etter"riter "he I t$'! her t$ sa( a fe"
si)&'e "$r!s he #$%'! t"ist h$" he 'ike! $t a#tig "ith &re#i&it &re#i&ita#( "ith e-%a' #a!$%r the
greatest earth'( ha&&iess as"er t$ a get'e)as &r$&$sa' affir)ati*e'( )( g$$!ess theres $thig
e'se its a'' *er( fie f$r the) b%t as f$r beig a "$)a as s$$ as ($%re $'! the( )ight as "e'' thr$"
($% $%t i the b$tt$) $f the ash &itE
+%'*e(s "as the first "he I "as i be! that )$rig a! +rs R%bi$ br$%ght it i "ith the #$ffee she
st$$! there sta!ig "he I aske! her t$ ha! )e a! I &$itig at the) I #$%'!t thik $f the "$r! a
hair&i t$ $&e it "ith ah h$r-%i''a !is$b'igig $'! thig a! it starig her i the fa#e "ith her s"it#h $f
fa'se hair $ her a! *ai ab$%t her a&&eara#e %g'( as she "as ear A> $r a <>> her fa#e a )ass $f
"rik'es "ith a'' her re'igi$ !$)ieerig be#a%se she e*er #$%'! get $*er the At'ati# f'eet #$)ig i
ha'f the shi&s $f the "$r'! a! the Ui$ ;a#k f'(ig "ith a'' her #arabier$s be#a%se , !r%ke Eg'ish
sai'$rs t$$k a'' the r$#k fr$) the) a! be#a%se I !i!t r% it$ )ass $fte e$%gh i Sata +aria t$
&'ease her "ith her sha"' %& $ her e0#e&t "he there "as a )arriage $ "ith a'' her )ira#'es $f the
saits a! her b'a#k b'esse! *irgi "ith the si'*er !ress a! the s% !a#ig : ti)es $ Easter S%!a(
)$rig a! "he the &riest "as g$ig b( "ith the be'' brigig the *ati#a t$ the !(ig b'essig
herse'f f$r his +a7esta! a a!)irer he sige! it I ear 7%)&e! $%t $f )( ski I "ate! t$ &i#k hi) %&
"he I sa" hi) f$''$"ig )e a'$g the Ca''e Rea' i the sh$& "i!$" the he ti&&e! )e 7%st i &assig
I e*er th$%ght he! "rite )akig a a&&$it)et I ha! it isi!e )( &etti#$at b$!i#e a'' !a( rea!ig it %&
i e*er( h$'e a! #$rer "hi'e father "as %& at the !ri'' istr%#tig t$ fi! $%t b( the ha!"ritig $r the
'ag%age $f sta)&s sigig I re)e)ber sha'' I "ear a "hite r$se a! I "ate! t$ &%t $ the $'! st%&i!
#'$#k t$ ear the ti)e he "as the first )a kisse! )e %!er the +$$rish "a'' )( s"eetheart "he a
b$( it e*er etere! )( hea! "hat kissig )eat ti'' he &%t his t$g%e i )( )$%th his )$%th "as
s"eet'ike ($%g I &%t )( kee %& t$ hi) a fe" ti)es t$ 'ear the "a( "hat !i! I te'' hi) I "as egage!
f$r f% t$ the s$ $f a S&aish $b'e)a a)e! D$ +ig%e' !e 'a F'$ra a! he be'ie*e! that I "as t$
be )arrie! t$ hi) i : (ears ti)e theres )a( a tr%e "$r! s&$ke i 7est there is a f'$"er that b'$$)eth
a fe" thigs I t$'! hi) tr%e ab$%t )(se'f 7%st f$r hi) t$ be i)agiig the S&aish gir's he !i!t 'ike I
s%&&$se $e $f the) "$%'!t ha*e hi) I g$t hi) e0#ite! he #r%she! a'' the f'$"ers $ )( b$s$) he
br$%ght )e he #$%'!t #$%t the &esetas a! the &errag$r!as ti'' I ta%ght hi) Ca&&$-%i he #a)e fr$)
he sai! $ the B'a#k"ater b%t it "as t$$ sh$rt the the !a( bef$re he 'eft +a( (es it "as +a( "he the
ifat kig $f S&ai "as b$r I) a'"a(s 'ike that i the s&rig I! 'ike a e" fe''$" e*er( (ear %& $ the
ti&t$& %!er the r$#kg% ear OHaras t$"er I t$'! hi) it "as str%#k b( 'ightig a! a'' ab$%t the $'!
Barbar( a&es the( set t$ C'a&ha) "ith$%t a tai' #areerig a'' $*er the sh$" $ ea#h $thers ba#k +rs
R%bi$ sai! she "as a reg%'ar $'! r$#k s#$r&i$ r$bbig the #hi#kes $%t $f I#es far) a! thr$" st$es
at ($% if ($% "et aear he "as '$$kig at )e I ha! that "hite b'$%se $ $&e at the fr$t t$ e#$%rage
hi) as )%#h as I #$%'! "ith$%t t$$ $&e'( the( "ere 7%st begiig t$ be &'%)& I sai! I "as tire! "e 'a(
$*er the firtree #$*e a "i'! &'a#e I s%&&$se it )%st be the highest r$#k i e0iste#e the ga''eries a!
#ase)ates a! th$se frightf%' r$#ks a! Sait +i#hae's #a*e "ith the i#i#'es $r "hate*er the( #a'' the)
hagig !$" a! 'a!!ers a'' the )%! &'$t#hig )( b$$ts I) s%re thats the "a( !$" the )$ke(s g$
%!er the sea t$ Afri#a "he the( !ie the shi&s $%t far 'ike #hi&s that "as the +a'ta b$at &assig Yes
the sea a! the sk( ($% #$%'! !$ "hat ($% 'ike! 'ie there f$r e*er he #aresse! the) $%tsi!e the( '$*e
!$ig that its the r$%!ess there I "as 'eaig $*er hi) "ith )( "hite ri#estra" hat t$ take the
e"ess $%t $f it the 'eft si!e $f )( fa#e the best )( b'$%se $&e f$r his 'ast !a( tras&aret ki! $f
shirt he ha! I #$%'! see his #hest &ik he "ate! t$ t$%#h )ie "ith his f$r a )$)et b%t I "$%'!/t 'et
hi) he "as a"f%''( &%t $%t first f$r fear ($% e*er k$" #$s%)&ti$ $r 'ea*e )e "ith a #hi'!
e)bara1a!a that $'! ser*at Ies t$'! )e that $e !r$& e*e if it g$t it$ ($% at a'' after I trie! "ith the
Baaa b%t I "as afrai! it )ight break a! get '$st %& i )e s$)e"here (es be#a%se the( $#e t$$k
s$)ethig !$" $%t $f a "$)a that "as %& there f$r (ears #$*ere! "ith 'i)esa'ts the(re a'' )a! t$
get i there "here the( #$)e $%t $f ($%! thik the( #$%'! e*er get far e$%gh %& a! the the(re
!$e "ith ($% i a "a( ti'' the e0t ti)e (es be#a%se theres a "$!erf%' fee'ig there a'' the ti)e s$
te!er h$" !i! "e fiish it $ff (es O (es I &%''e! hi) $ff it$ )( ha!ker#hief &rete!ig $t t$ be
e0#ite! b%t I $&ee! )( 'egs I "$%'!t 'et hi) t$%#h )e isi!e )( &etti#$at I ha! a skirt $&eig %& the
si!e I t$rt%re! the 'ife $%t $f hi) first ti#k'ig hi) I '$*e! r$%sig that !$g i the h$te' rrrsssst
a"$k"$ka"$k his e(es sh%t a! a bir! f'(ig be'$" %s he "as sh( a'' the sa)e I 'ike! hi) 'ike that
)$rig I )a!e hi) b'%sh a 'itt'e "he I g$t $*er hi) that "a( "he I %b%tt$e! hi) a! t$$k his $%t
a! !re" ba#k the ski it ha! a ki! $f e(e i it the(re a'' B%tt$s )e !$" the )i!!'e $ the "r$g
si!e $f the) +$''( !ar'ig he #a''e! )e "hat "as his a)e ;a#k ;$e Harr( +%'*e( "as it (es I thik a
'ie%teat he "as rather fair he ha! a 'a%ghig ki! $f a *$i#e s$ I "et ar$%! t$ the "hat($%#a''it
e*er(thig "as "hat($%#a''it )$%sta#he ha! he he sai! he! #$)e ba#k L$r! its 7%st 'ike (ester!a( t$
)e a! if I "as )arrie! he! !$ it t$ )e a! I &r$)ise! hi) (es faithf%''( I! 'et hi) b'$#k )e $" f'(ig
&erha&s hes !ea! $r ki''e! $r a Ca&tai $r a!)ira' its ear'( 3> (ears if I sai! firtree #$*e he "$%'! if he
#a)e %& behi! )e a! &%t his ha!s $*er )( e(es t$ g%ess "h$ I )ight re#$gise hi) hes ($%g sti''
ab$%t ,> &erha&s hes )arrie! s$)e gir' $ the b'a#k "ater a! is -%ite #hage! the( a'' !$ the(
ha*et ha'f the #hara#ter a "$)a has she 'itt'e k$"s "hat I !i! "ith her be'$*e! h%sba! bef$re he
e*er !rea)t $f her i br$a! !a('ight t$$ i the sight $f the "h$'e "$r'! ($% )ight sa( the( #$%'! ha*e
&%t a arti#'e ab$%t it i the Chr$i#'e I "as a bit "i'! after "he I b'e" $%t the $'! bag the bis#%its "ere
i fr$) Bea!( Br$s a! e0&'$!e! it L$r! "hat a bag a'' the "$$!#$#ks a! &ige$s s#rea)ig
#$)ig ba#k the sa)e "a( that "e "et $*er )i!!'e hi'' r$%! b( the $'! g%ar!h$%se a! the 7e"s
b%ria' &'a#e &rete!ig t$ rea! $%t the Hebre" $ the) I "ate! t$ fire his &ist$' he sai! he ha!t $e
he !i!t k$" "hat t$ )ake $f )e "ith his &eake! #a& $ that he a'"a(s "$re #r$$ke! as $fte as I
sett'e! it straight H + S Ca'(&s$ s"igig )( hat that $'! Bish$& that s&$ke $ff the a'tar his '$g &rea#h
ab$%t "$)as higher f%#ti$s ab$%t gir's $" ri!ig the bi#(#'e a! "earig &eak #a&s a! the e"
"$)a b'$$)ers G$! se! hi) sese a! )e )$re )$e( I s%&&$se the(re #a''e! after hi) I e*er
th$%ght that "$%'! be )( a)e B'$$) "he I %se! t$ "rite it i &rit t$ see h$" it '$$ke! $ a *isitig
#ar! $r &ra#tisig f$r the b%t#her a! $b'ige + B'$$) ($%re '$$kig b'$$)ig ;$sie %se! t$ sa( after I
)arrie! hi) "e'' its better tha Bree $r Briggs !$es brig $r th$se a"f%' a)es "ith b$tt$) i the)
+rs Ra)sb$tt$) $r s$)e $ther ki! $f a b$tt$) +%'*e( I "$%'!t g$ )a! ab$%t either $r s%&&$se I
!i*$r#e! hi) +rs B$('a )( )$ther "h$e*er she "as )ight ha*e gi*e )e a i#er a)e the L$r!
k$"s after the '$*e'( $e she ha! L%ita Lare!$ the f% "e ha! r%ig a'$g 6i''is r$a! t$ E%r$&a
&$it t"istig i a! $%t a'' r$%! the $ther si!e $f ;erse( the( "ere shakig a! !a#ig ab$%t i )(
b'$%se 'ike +i''(s 'itt'e $es $" "he she r%s %& the stairs I '$*e! '$$kig !$" at the) I "as
7%)&ig %& at the &e&&er trees a! the "hite &$&'ars &%''ig the 'ea*es $ff a! thr$"ig the) at hi) he
"et t$ I!ia he "as t$ "rite the *$(ages th$se )e ha*e t$ )ake t$ the e!s $f the "$r'! a! ba#k its
the 'east the( )ight get a s-%ee1e $r t"$ at a "$)a "hi'e the( #a g$ig $%t t$ be !r$"e! $r b'$"
%& s$)e"here I "et %& "i!)i'' hi'' t$ the f'ats that S%!a( )$rig "ith Ca&tai R%bi$s that "as
!ea! s&(g'ass 'ike the setr( ha! he sai! he! ha*e $e $r t"$ fr$) $ b$ar! I "$re that fr$#k fr$) the
B +ar#he 2aris a! the #$ra' e#k'a#e the straits shiig I #$%'! see $*er t$ +$r$##$ a')$st the ba( $f
Tagier"hite a! the AtGas )$%tai "ith s$" $ it a! the straits 'ike a ri*er s$ #'ear Harr( +$''(
Dar'ig I "as thikig $f hi) $ the sea a'' the ti)e after at )ass "he )( &etti#$at bega t$ s'i& !$"
at the e'e*ati$ "eeks a! "eeks I ke&t the ha!ker#hief %!er )( &i''$" f$r the s)e'' $f hi) there
"as $ !e#et &erf%)e t$ be g$t i that Gibra'tar $'( that #hea& &ea% !es&age that fa!e! a! 'eft a
stik $ ($% )$re tha a(thig e'se I "ate! t$ gi*e hi) a )e)et$ he ga*e )e that #'%)s(
C'a!!agh rig f$r '%#k that I ga*e Gar!er g$ig t$ S$%th Afri#a "here th$se B$ers ki''e! hi) "ith their
"ar a! fe*er b%t the( "ere "e'' beate a'' the sa)e as if it br$%ght its ba! '%#k "ith it 'ike a $&a' $r
&ear' )%st ha*e bee &%re <5 #arat g$'! be#a%se it "as *er( hea*( I #a see his fa#e #'ea sha*e
Frseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeefr$g that trai agai "ee&ig t$e $#e i the !ear !eaea! !a(s be($!
re#a'' #'$se )( e(es breath )( 'i&s f$r"ar! kiss sa! '$$k e(es $&e &ia$ ere $er the "$r'! the )ists
bega I hate that istsbeg #$)es '$*es s"eet ss$$$$$$$g I'' 'et that $%t f%'' "he I get i fr$t $f the
f$$t'ights agai Kath'ee Keare( a! her '$t $f s-%ea'ers +iss This +iss That +iss The$ther '$t $f
s&arr$"farts skittig ar$%! ta'kig ab$%t &$'iti#s the( k$" as )%#h ab$%t as )( ba#ksi!e a(thig i
the "$r'! t$ )ake the)se'*es s$)e"a( iterestig Irish h$)e)a!e bea%ties s$'!iers !a%ghter a) a(
a! "h$se are ($% b$$t)akers a! &%b'i#as I beg ($%r &ar!$ #$a#h I th$%ght ($% "ere a
"hee'barr$" the(! !ie !$" !ea! $ff their feet if e*er the( g$t a #ha#e $f "a'kig !$" the A'a)e!a
$ a $ffi#ers ar) 'ike )e $ the ba!ight )( e(es f'ash )( b%st that the( ha*et &assi$ G$! he'&
their &$$r hea! I ke" )$re ab$%t )e a! 'ife "he I "as <C tha the('' a'' k$" at C> the( !$t
k$" h$" t$ sig a s$g 'ike that Gar!er sai! $ )a #$%'! '$$k at )( )$%th a! teeth s)i'ig 'ike
that e! $t thik $f it I "as afrai! he )ightt 'ike )( a##et first he s$ Eg'ish a'' father 'eft )e i s&ite
$f his sta)&s I*e )( )$thers e(es a! fig%re a(h$" he a'"a(s sai! the(re s$ s$tt( ab$%t
the)se'*es s$)e $f th$se #a!s he "ast a bit 'ike that he "as !ea! g$e $ )( 'i&s 'et the) get a
h%sba! first thats fit t$ be '$$ke! at a! a !a%ghter 'ike )ie $r see if the( #a e0#ite a s"e'' "ith
)$e( that #a &i#k a! #h$$se "h$e*er he "ats 'ike B$('a t$ !$ it , $r C ti)es '$#ke! i ea#h
$thers ar)s $r the *$i#e either I #$%'! ha*e bee a &ri)a !$a $'( I )arrie! hi) #$)es '$$$*es $'!
!ee& !$" #hi ba#k $t t$$ )%#h )ake it !$%b'e +( La!(s B$"er is t$$ '$g f$r a e#$re ab$%t the
)$ate! grage at t"i'ight a! *a%'te! r$$)s (es I'' sig 6i!s that b'$" fr$) the s$%th that he ga*e
after the #h$irstairs &erf$r)a#e I'' #hage that 'a#e $ )( b'a#k !ress t$ sh$" $ff )( b%bs a! I'' (es
b( G$! I'' get that big fa )e!e! )ake the) b%rst "ith e*( )( h$'e is it#hig )e a'"a(s "he I thik
$f hi) I fee' I "at t$ I fee' s$)e "i! i )e better g$ eas( $t "ake hi) ha*e hi) at it agai
s'$bberig after "ashig e*er( bit $f )(se'f ba#k be''( a! si!es if "e ha! e*e a bath itse'f $r )( $"
r$$) a("a( I "ish he! s'ee& i s$)e be! b( hi)se'f "ith his #$'! feet $ )e gi*e %s r$$) e*e t$ 'et
a fart G$! $r !$ the 'east thig better (es h$'! the) 'ike that a bit $ )( si!e &ia$ -%iet'( s"eeeee
theres that trai far a"a( &iaissi)$ eeeeeeee $e )$re s$g that "as a re'ief "here*er ($% be 'et
($%r "i! g$ free "h$ k$"s if that &$rk #h$& I t$$k "ith )( #%& $f tea after "as -%ite g$$! "ith the
heat I #$%'!t s)e'' a(thig $ff it I) s%re that -%eer'$$kig )a i the &$rkb%t#hers is a great r$g%e I
h$&e that 'a)& is $t s)$kig fi'' )( $se %& "ith s)%ts better tha ha*ig hi) 'ea*ig the gas $ a''
ight I #$%'!t rest eas( i )( be! i Gibra'tar e*e gettig %& t$ see "h( a) I s$ !a)e! er*$%s
ab$%t that th$%gh I 'ike it i the "iter its )$re #$)&a( O L$r! it "as r$tte #$'! t$$ that "iter "he I
"as $'( ab$%t te "as I (es I ha! the big !$'' "ith a'' the f%( #'$thes !ressig her %& a!
%!ressig that i#( "i! skeetig a#r$ss fr$) th$se )$%tais the s$)ethig Ne*a!a sierra e*a!a
sta!ig at the fire "ith the 'itt'e bit $f a sh$rt shift I ha! %& t$ heat )(se'f I '$*e! !a#ig ab$%t i it
the )ake a ra#e ba#k it$ be! I) s%re that fe''$" $&&$site %se! t$ be there the "h$'e ti)e "at#hig
"ith the 'ights $%t i the s%))er a! I i )( ski h$&&ig ar$%! I %se! t$ '$*e )(se'f the stri&&e! at
the "ashsta! !abbig a! #rea)ig $'( "he it #a)e t$ the #ha)ber &erf$r)a#e I &%t $%t the 'ight
t$$ s$ the there "ere 3 $f %s G$$!b(e t$ )( s'ee& f$r this ight a(h$" I h$&e hes $t g$ig t$ get i
"ith th$se )e!i#a's 'ea!ig hi) astra( t$ i)agie hes ($%g agai #$)ig i at , i the )$rig it
)%st be if $t )$re sti'' he ha! the )aers $t t$ "ake )e "hat !$ the( fi! t$ gabber ab$%t a'' ight
s-%a!erig )$e( a! gettig !r%ker a! !r%ker #$%'!t the( !rik "ater the he starts gi*ig %s
his $r!ers f$r eggs a! tea Fi!$ ha!!( a! h$t b%ttere! t$ast I s%&&$se "e'' ha*e hi) sittig %& 'ike
the kig $f the #$%tr( &%)&ig the "r$g e! $f the s&$$ %& a! !$" i his egg "here*er he
'eare! that fr$) a! I '$*e t$ hear hi) fa''ig %& the stairs $f a )$rig "ith the #%&s ratt'ig $ the
tra( a! the &'a( "ith the #at she r%bs %& agaist ($% f$r her $" sake I "$!er has she f'eas shes
as ba! as a "$)a a'"a(s 'i#kig a! 'e#kig b%t I hate their #'a"s I "$!er !$ the( see a(thig that
"e #at starig 'ike that "he she sits at the t$& $f the stairs s$ '$g a! 'isteig as I "ait a'"a(s "hat
a r$bber t$$ that '$*e'( fresh &'ai#e I b$%ght I thik I'' get a bit $f fish t$)$rr$" $r t$!a( is it Fri!a( (es I
"i'' "ith s$)e b'a#)age "ith b'a#k #%rrat 7a) 'ike '$g ag$ $t th$se 3 'b &$ts $f )i0e! &'%) a!
a&&'e fr$) the L$!$ a! Ne"#ast'e 6i''ia)s a! 6$$!s g$es t"i#e as far $'( f$r the b$es I hate
th$se ee's #$! (es I'' get a i#e &ie#e $f #$! I) a'"a(s gettig e$%gh f$r : f$rgettig a("a( I) si#k
$f that e*er'astig b%t#hers )eat fr$) B%#k'e(s '$i #h$&s a! 'eg beef a! rib steak a! s#rag $f
)%tt$ a! #a'fs &'%#k the *er( a)e is e$%gh $r a &i#i# s%&&$se "e a'' ga*e C4. ea#h a! $r 'et hi)
&a( a! i*ite s$)e $ther "$)a f$r hi) "h$ +rs F'e)ig a! !ri*e $%t t$ the f%rr( g'e $r the
stra"berr( be!s "e! ha*e hi) e0a)iig a'' the h$rses t$eai's first 'ike he !$es "ith the 'etters $ $t
"ith B$('a there (es "ith s$)e #$'! *ea' a! ha) )i0e! sa!"i#hes there are 'itt'e h$%ses !$" at
the b$tt$) $f the baks there $ &%r&$se b%t its as h$t as b'a1es he sa(s $t a bak h$'i!a( a(h$" I
hate th$se r%#k $f +ar( A #$a'b$0es $%t f$r the !a( 6hit +$!a( is a #%rse! !a( t$$ $ "$!er that
bee bit hi) better the seasi!e b%t I! e*er agai i this 'ife get it$ a b$at "ith hi) after hi) at Bra(
te''ig the b$at)e he ke" h$" t$ r$" if a($e aske! #$%'! he ri!e the stee&'e#hase f$r the g$'!
#%& he! sa( (es the it #a)e $ t$ get r$%gh the $'! thig #r$$ke!ig ab$%t a! the "eight a'' !$"
)( si!e te''ig )e t$ &%'' the right reis $" &%'' the 'eft a! the ti!e a'' s"a)&ig i f'$$!s i thr$%gh
thr$%gh the b$tt$) a! his $ar s'i&&ig $%t $f the stirr%&its a )er#( "e "eret a'' !r$"e! he #a s"i)
$f #$%rse )e $ theres $ !ager "hats$e*er kee& ($%rse'f #a') i his f'ae' tr$%sers I! 'ike t$ ha*e
tattere! the) !$" $ff hi) bef$re a'' the &e$&'e a! gi*e hi) "hat that $e #a''s f'age''ate ti'' he "as
b'a#k a! b'%e !$ hi) a'' the g$$! i the "$r'! $'( f$r that '$g$se! #ha& I !$t k$" "h$ he is "ith
that $ther bea%t( B%rke $%t $f the Cit( Ar)s h$te' "as there s&(ig ar$%! as %s%a' $ the s'i& a'"a(s
"here he "ast "ate! if there "as a r$" $ ($% *$)it a better fa#e there "as $ '$*e '$st bet"ee %s
thats I #$s$'ati$ I "$!er "hat ki! is that b$$k he br$%ght )e S"eets $f Si b( a get'e)a $f
fashi$ s$)e $ther +r !e K$#k I s%&&$se the &e$&'e ga*e hi) that i#ka)e g$ig ab$%t "ith his t%be
fr$) $e "$)a t$ a$ther I #$%'!t e*e #hage )( e" "hite sh$es a'' r%ie! "ith the sa't"ater
a! the hat I ha! "ith that feather a'' b'$"( a! t$sse! $ )e h$" a$(ig a! &r$*$kig be#a%se
the s)e'' $f the sea e0#ite! )e $f #$%rse the sar!ies a! the brea) i Cata'a ba( r$%! the ba#k $f
the r$#k the( "ere fie a'' si'*er i the fisher)es baskets $'! L%igi ear a h%!re! the( sai! #a)e
fr$) Ge$a a! the ta'' $'! #ha& "ith the earrigs I !$t 'ike a )a ($% ha*e t$ #'i)b %& t$ g$ get at I
s%&&$se the(re a'' !ea! a! r$tte '$g ag$ besi!es I !$t 'ike beig a'$e i this big barra#ks $f a
&'a#e at ight I s%&&$se I'' ha*e t$ &%t %& "ith it I e*er br$%ght a bit $f sa't i e*e "he "e )$*e! i
the #$f%si$ )%si#a' a#a!e)( he "as g$ig t$ )ake $ the first f'$$r !ra"igr$$) "ith a brass&'ate
$r B'$$)s &ri*ate h$te' he s%ggeste! g$ a! r%i hi)se'f a't$gether the "a( his father !i! !$" i
Eis 'ike a'' the thigs he t$'! father he "as g$ig t$ !$ a! )e b%t I sa" thr$%gh hi) te''ig )e a''
the '$*e'( &'a#es "e #$%'! g$ f$r the h$e()$$ Vei#e b( )$$'ight "ith the g$!$'as a! the 'ake $f
C$)$ he ha! a &i#t%re #%t $%t $f s$)e &a&er $f a! )a!$'ies a! 'aters O h$" i#e I sai!
"hate*er I 'ike! he "as g$ig t$ !$ i))e!iate'( if $t s$$er "i'' ($% be )( )a "i'' ($% #arr( )( #a
he $%ght t$ get a 'eather )e!a' "ith a &%tt( ri) f$r a'' the &'as he i*ets the 'ea*ig %s here a'' !a(
($% e*er k$" "hat $'! beggar at the !$$r f$r a #r%st "ith his '$g st$r( )ight be a tra)& a! &%t his
f$$t i the "a( t$ &re*et )e sh%ttig it 'ike that &i#t%re $f that har!ee! #ri)ia' he "as #a''e! i
L'$(!s 6eek'( Ne"s 3> (ears i 7ai' the he #$)es $%t a! )%r!ers a $'! "$)a f$r her )$f'e(
i)agie his &$$r "ife $r )$ther $r "h$e*er she is s%#h a fa#e ($%! r% )i'es a"a( fr$) I #$%'!t rest
eas( ti'' I b$'te! a'' the !$$rs a! "i!$"s t$ )ake s%re b%t its "$rse agai beig '$#ke! %& 'ike i a
&ris$ $r a )a!h$%se the( $%ght t$ be a'' sh$t $r the #at $f ie tai's a big br%te 'ike that that "$%'!
atta#k a &$$r $'! "$)a t$ )%r!er her i her be! I! #%t the) $ff s$ I "$%'! $t that he! be )%#h %se
sti'' better tha $thig the ight I "as s%re I hear! b%rg'ars i the kit#he a! he "et !$" i his shirt
"ith a #a!'e a! a &$ker as if he "as '$$kig f$r a )$%se as "hite as a sheet frightee! $%t $f his
"its )akig as )%#h $ise as he &$ssib'( #$%'! f$r the b%rg'ars beefit there ist )%#h t$ stea' i!ee!
the L$r! k$"s sti'' its the fee'ig es&e#ia''( $" "ith +i''( a"a( s%#h a i!ea f$r hi) t$ se! the gir'
!$" there t$ 'ear t$ take &h$t$gra&hs $ a##$%t $f his gra!father istea! $f se!ig her t$ Skerr(s
a#a!e)( "here she! ha*e t$ 'ear $t 'ike )e gettig a'' at s#h$$' $'( he! !$ a thig 'ike that a'' the
sa)e $ a##$%t $f )e a! B$('a thats "h( he !i! it I) #ertai the "a( he &'$ts a! &'as e*er(thig
$%t I #$%'!t t%r r$%! "ith her i the &'a#e 'ate'( %'ess I b$'te! the !$$r first ga*e )e the fi!gets
#$)ig i "ith$%t k$#kig first "he I &%t the #hair agaist the !$$r 7%st as I "as "ashig )(se'f there
be'$" "ith the g'$*e get $ ($%r er*es the !$ig the '$g'a!( a'' !a( &%t her i a g'ass#ase "ith t"$ at
a ti)e t$ '$$k at her if he ke" she br$ke $ff the ha! $ff that 'itt'e gi)#ra#k stat%e "ith her r$%ghess
a! #are'essess bef$re she 'eft that I g$t that 'itt'e Ita'ia b$( t$ )e! s$ that ($% #at see the 7$i f$r
3 shi''igs "$%'!t e*e tee) the &$tat$es f$r ($% $f #$%rse shes right $t t$ r%i her ha!s I $ti#e!
he "as a'"a(s ta'kig t$ her 'ate'( at the tab'e e0&'aiig thigs i the &a&er a! she &rete!ig t$
%!ersta! s'( $f #$%rse that #$)es fr$) his si!e $f the h$%se a! he'&ig her it$ her #$at b%t if there
"as a(thig "r$g "ith her its )e she! te'' $t hi) he Cat sa( I &rete! thigs #a he I) t$$ h$est
as a )atter $f fa#t I s%&&$se he thiks I) fiishe! $%t a! 'ai! $ the she'f "e'' I) $t $ $r a(thig
'ike it "e'' see "e'' see $" shes "e'' $ f$r f'irtig t$$ "ith T$) De*as t"$ s$s i)itatig )e
"hist'ig "ith th$se r$)&s $f +%rra( gir's #a''ig f$r her #a +i''( #$)e $%t &'ease shes i great
!e)a! t$ &i#k "hat the( #a $%t $f her r$%! i Ne's$ street ri!ig Harr( De*as bi#(#'e at ight its
as "e'' he set her "here she is she "as 7%st gettig $%t $f b$%!s "atig t$ g$ $ the skatigrik
a! s)$kig their #igarettes thr$%gh their $se I s)e't it $ff her !ress "he I "as bitig $ff the threa!
$f the b%tt$ I se"e! $ t$ the b$tt$) $f her 7a#ket she #$%'!t hi!e )%#h fr$) )e I te'' ($% $'( I
$%ghtt t$ ha*e stit#he! it a! it $ her it brigs a &artig a! the 'ast &'%)&%!!ig t$$ s&'it i 3 ha'*es
see it #$)es $%t $ )atter "hat the( sa( her t$g%e is a bit t$$ '$g f$r )( taste ($%r b'$%se is $&e
t$$ '$" she sa(s t$ )e the &a #a''ig the kett'e b'a#kb$tt$) a! I ha! t$ te'' her $G t$ #$#k her 'egs
%& 'ike that $ sh$" $ the "i!$"si'' bef$re a'' the &e$&'e &assig the( a'' '$$k at her 'ike )e "he I
"as her age $f #$%rse a( $'! rag '$$ks "e'' $ ($% the a great t$%#h)e$t t$$ i her $" "a( at the
O'( 6a( i the Theatre r$(a' take ($%r f$$t a"a( $%t $f that I hate &e$&'e t$%#hig )e afrai! $f her
'ife I! #r%sh her skirt "ith the &'eats a '$t $f that t$%#hig )%st g$ $ i theatres i the #r%sh i the !ark
the(re a'"a(s tr(ig t$ "igg'e %& t$ ($% that fe''$" i the &it at the &it at the Gaiet( f$r Beerb$h) Tree
i Tri'b( the 'ast ti)e I'' e*er g$ there t$ be s-%ashe! 'ike that f$r a( Tri'b( $r her bareb%) e*er( t"$
)i%tes ti&&ig )e there a! '$$kig a"a( hes a bit !aft I thik I sa" hi) after tr(ig t$ get ear t"$
st('ish !resse! 'a!ies $%tsi!e S"it1ers "i!$" at the sa)e 'itt'e ga)e I re#$gise! hi) $ the )$)et
the fa#e a! e*er(thig b%t he !i!/t re)e)ber )e a! she !i!t e*e "at )e t$ kiss her at the
Br$a!st$e g$ig a"a( "e'' I h$&e she'' get s$)e$e t$ !a#e atte!a#e $ her the "a( I !i! "he
she "as !$" "ith the )%)&s her g'a!s s"$''e "heres this a! "heres that $f #$%rse she #at fee'
a(thig !ee& (et I e*er #a)e &r$&er'( ti'' I "as "hat 33 $r s$ it "et it$ the "r$g &'a#e a'"a(s $'(
the %s%a' gir's $sese a! gigg'ig that C$( C$$''( "ritig t$ her i "hite ik $ b'a#k &a&er
sea'e! "ith sea'ig"a0 th$%gh she #'a&&e! "he the #%rtai #a)e !$" be#a%se he '$$ke! s$
ha!s$)e the "e ha! +arti Har*e( f$r breakfast !ier a! s%&&er I th$%ght t$ )(se'f after"ar!s it
)%st be rea' '$*e if a )a gi*es %& his 'ife f$r her that "a( f$r $thig I s%&&$se there are fe" )e 'ike
that 'eft its har! t$ be'ie*e i it th$%gh %'ess it rea''( ha&&ee! t$ )e the )a7$rit( $f the) "ith $t a
&arti#'e $f '$*e i their at%res t$ fi! t"$ &e$&'e 'ike that $"a!a(s f%'' %& $f ea#h $ther that "$%'! fee'
the sa)e "a( as ($% !$ the(re %s%a''( a bit f$$'ish i the hea! his father )%st ha*e bee a bit -%eer t$
g$ a! &$is$ hi)se'f after her sti'' &$$r $'! )a I s%&&$se he fe't '$st a'"a(s )akig '$*e t$ )( thigs
t$$ the fe" $'! rags I ha*e "atig t$ &%t her hair %& at <C )( &$"!er t$$ $'( r%i her ski $ her
shes ti)e e$%gh f$r that a'' her 'ife after $f #$%rse shes rest'ess k$"ig shes &rett( "ith her 'i&s s$
re! a &it( the( "$t sta( that "a( I "as t$$ b%t theres $ %se g$ig t$ the fair "ith the thig as"erig
)e 'ike a fish"$)a "he I aske! t$ g$ f$r a ha'f a st$e $f &$tat$es the !a( "e )et +rs ;$e Ga''aher
at the tr$ttig)at#hes a! she &rete!e! $t t$ see %s i her tra& "ith Frier( the s$'i#it$r "e "eret
gra! e$%gh ti'' I ga*e her 3 !a) fie #ra#ks a#r$ss the ear f$r herse'f take that $" f$r as"erig
)e 'ike that a! that f$r ($%r i)&%!e#e she ha! )e that e0as&erate! $f #$%rse #$tra!i#tig I "as
ba!te)&ere! t$$ be#a%se h$" "as it there "as a "ee! i the tea $r I !i!t s'ee& the ight bef$re
#heese I ate "as it a! I t$'! her $*er a! $*er agai $t t$ 'ea*e ki*es #r$sse! 'ike that be#a%se she
has $b$!( t$ #$))a! her as she sai! herse'f "e'' if he !$est #$rre#t her faith I "i'' that "as the 'ast
ti)e she t%re! $ the tearta& I "as 7%st 'ike that )(se'f the( !aret $r!er )e ab$%t the &'a#e its his
fa%'t $f #$%rse ha*ig the t"$ $f %s s'a*ig here istea! $f gettig i a "$)a '$g ag$ a) I e*er g$ig
t$ ha*e a &r$&er ser*at agai $f #$%rse the she! see hi) #$)ig I! ha*e t$ 'et her k$" $r she!
re*ege it aret the( a %isa#e that $'! +rs F'e)ig ($% ha*e t$ be "a'kig r$%! after her &%ttig the
thigs it$ her ha!s see1ig a! fartig it$ the &$ts "e'' $f #$%rse shes $'! she #at he'& it a g$$!
7$b I f$%! that r$tte $'! s)e''( !ish#'$th that g$t '$st behi! the !resser I ke" there "as s$)ethig
a! $&ee! the "i!$" t$ 'et $%t the s)e'' brigig i his frie!s t$ etertai the) 'ike the ight he
"a'ke! h$)e "ith a !$g if ($% &'ease that )ight ha*e bee )a! es&e#ia''( Si)$ De!a'%s s$ his
father s%#h a #riti#iser "ith his g'asses %& "ith his ta'' hat $ hi) at the #ri#ket )at#h a! a great big
h$'e i his s$#k $e thig 'a%ghig at the $ther a! his s$ that g$t a'' th$se &ri1es f$r "hate*er he
"$ the) i the iter)e!iate i)agie #'i)big $*er the rai'igs if a(b$!( sa" hi) that ke" %s
"$!er he !i!t tear a big h$'e i his gra! f%era' tr$%sers as if the $e at%re ga*e "ast e$%gh f$r
a(b$!( ha"kig hi) !$" it$ the !irt( $'! kit#he $" is he right i his hea! I ask &it( it "as/t
"ashig !a( )( $'! &air $f !ra"ers )ight ha*e bee hagig %& t$$ $ the 'ie $ e0hibiti$ f$r a'' he!
e*er #are "ith the ir$)$%'! )ark the st%&i! $'! b%!'e b%re! $ the) he )ight thik "as s$)ethig
e'se a! she e*er e*e re!ere! !$" the fat I t$'! her a! $" shes g$ig s%#h as she "as $
a##$%t $f her &ara'(se! h%sba! gettig "$rse theres a'"a(s s$)ethig "r$g "ith the) !isease $r
the( ha*e t$ g$ %!er a $&erati$ $r if its $t that its !rik a! he beats her I'' ha*e t$ h%t ar$%!
agai f$r s$)e$e e*er( !a( I get %& theres s$)e e" thig $ s"eet G$! s"eet G$! "e'' "he I)
stret#he! $%t !ea! i )( gra*e I s%&&$se I'' ha*e s$)e &ea#e I "at t$ get %& a )i%te if I) 'et "ait O
;es%s "ait (es that thig has #$)e $ )e (es $" "$%'!t that aff'i#t ($% $f #$%rse a'' the &$kig a!
r$$tig a! &'$%ghig he ha! %& i )e $" "hat a) I t$ !$ Fri!a( Sat%r!a( S%!a( "$%'!t that
&ester the s$%' $%t $f a b$!( %'ess he 'ikes it s$)e )e !$ G$! k$"s theres a'"a(s s$)ethig
"r$g "ith %s C !a(s e*er( : $r , "eeks %s%a' )$th'( a%#ti$ ist it si)&'( si#keig that ight it
#a)e $ )e 'ike that the $e a! $'( ti)e "e "ere i a b$0 that +i#hae' G% ga*e hi) t$ see +rs
Ke!a' a! her h%sba! at the Gaiet( s$)ethig he !i! ab$%t is%ra#e f$r hi) Dri))ies I "as fit t$
be tie! th$%gh I "$%'!t gi*e i "ith that get'e)a $f fashi$ starig !$" at )e "ith his g'asses a!
hi) the $ther si!e $f )e ta'kig ab$%t S&i$1a a! his s$%' thats !ea! I s%&&$se )i''i$s $f (ears ag$ I
s)i'e! the best I #$%'! a'' i a s"a)& 'eaig f$r"ar! as if I "as itereste! ha*ig t$ sit it $%t the t$
the 'ast tag I "$t f$rget that "ife $f S#ar'i i a h%rr( s%&&$se! t$ be a fast &'a( ab$%t a!%'ter( that i!i$t
i the ga''er( hissig the "$)a a!%'teress he sh$%te! I s%&&$se he "et a! ha! a "$)a i the
e0t 'ae r%ig r$%! a'' the ba#k "a(s after t$ )ake %& f$r it I "ish he ha! "hat I ha! the he! b$$
I bet the #at itse'f is better $ff tha %s ha*e "e t$$ )%#h b'$$! %& i %s $r "hat O &atie#e ab$*e its
&$%rig $%t $f )e 'ike the sea a(h$" he !i!t )ake )e &regat as big as he is I !$t "at t$ r%i
the #'ea sheets the #'ea 'ie I "$re br$%ght it $ t$$ !a) it !a) it a! the( a'"a(s "at t$ see a
stai $ the be! t$ k$" ($%re a *irgi f$r the) a'' thats tr$%b'ig the) the(re s%#h f$$'s t$$ ($% #$%'!
be a "i!$" $r !i*$r#e! ,> ti)es $*er a !a%b $f re! ik "$%'! !$ $r b'a#kberr( 7%i#e $ thats t$$ &%r&'(
O ;a)es( 'et )e %& $%t $f this &$$h s"eets $f si "h$e*er s%ggeste! that b%siess f$r "$)e "hat
bet"ee #'$thes a! #$$kig a! #hi'!re this !a)e! $'! be! t$$ 7ig'ig 'ike the !i#kes I s%&&$se
the( #$%'! hear %s a"a( $*er the $ther si!e $f the &ark ti'' I s%ggeste! t$ &%t the -%i't $ the f'$$r "ith
the &i''$" %!er )( b$tt$) I "$!er is it i#er i the !a( I thik it is eas( I thik I'' #%t a'' this hair $ff )e
there s#a'!ig )e I )ight '$$k 'ike a ($%g gir' "$%'!t he get the great s%#ki the e0t ti)e he t%re!
%& )( #'$thes $ )e I! gi*e a(thig t$ see his fa#e "heres the #ha)ber g$e eas( I*e a h$'( h$rr$r
$f its breakig %!er )e after that $'! #$))$!e I "$!er "as I t$$ hea*( sittig $ his kee I )a!e
hi) sit $ the eas(#hair &%r&$se'( "he I t$$k $ff $'( )( b'$%se a! skirt first i the $ther r$$) he
"as s$ b%s( "here he $%ghtt t$ be he e*er fe't )e I h$&e )( breath "as s"eet after th$se kissig
#$)fits eas( G$! I re)e)ber $e ti)e I #$%'! s#$%t it $%t straight "hist'ig 'ike a )a a')$st eas( O
L$r! h$" $is( I h$&e the(re b%bb'es $ it f$r a "a! $f )$e( fr$) s$)e fe''$" I'' ha*e t$ &erf%)e it i
the )$rig !$t f$rget I bet he e*er sa" a better &air $f thighs tha that '$$k h$" "hite the( are the
s)$$thest &'a#e is right there bet"ee this bit here h$" s$ft 'ike a &ea#h eas( G$! I "$%'!t )i!
beig a )a a! get %& $ a '$*e'( "$)a O L$r! "hat a r$" ($%re )akig 'ike the 7erse( 'i'( eas( O
h$" the "aters #$)e !$" at Lah$re
"h$ k$"s is there a(thig the )atter "ith )( isi!es $r ha*e I s$)ethig gr$"ig i )e gettig that
thig 'ike that e*er( "eek "he "as it 'ast I 6hit +$!a( (es its $'( ab$%t : "eeks I $%ght t$ g$ t$ the
!$#t$r $'( it "$%'! be 'ike bef$re I )arrie! hi) "he I ha! that "hite thig #$)ig fr$) )e a! F'$e(
)a!e )e g$ t$ that !r( $'! sti#k Dr C$''is f$r "$)es !iseases $ 2e)br$ke r$a! ($%r *agia he
#a''e! it I s%&&$se thats h$" he g$t a'' the gi't )irr$rs a! #ar&ets gettig r$%! th$se ri#h $es $ff
Ste&hes gree r%ig %& t$ hi) f$r e*er( 'itt'e fi!!'efa!!'e her *agia a! her #$#hi#hia the(*e
)$e( $f #$%rse s$ the(re a'' right I "$%'!t )arr( hi) $t if he "as the 'ast )a i the "$r'! besi!es
there s$)ethig -%eer ab$%t their #hi'!re a'"a(s s)e''ig ar$%! th$se fi'th( bit#hes a'' si!es askig
)e if "hat I !i! ha! a $ffesi*e $!$%r "hat !i! he "at )e t$ !$ b%t the $e thig g$'! )a(be "hat a
-%esti$ if I s)athere! it a'' $*er his "rik'( $'! fa#e f$r hi) "ith a'' )( #$)&ri)et I s%&&$se he!
k$" the a! #$%'! ($% &ass it easi'( &ass "hat I th$%ght he "as ta'kig ab$%t the r$#k $f Gibra'tar
the "a( he &%ts it thats a *er( i#e i*eti$ t$$ b( the "a( $'( I 'ike 'ettig )(se'f !$" after i the
h$'e as far as I #a s-%ee1e a! &%'' the #hai the t$ f'%sh it i#e #$$' &is a! ee!'es sti'' theres
s$)ethig i it I s%&&$se I a'"a(s %se! t$ k$" b( +i''(s "he she "as a #hi'! "hether she ha!
"$r)s $r $t sti'' a'' the sa)e &a(ig hi) f$r that h$" )%#h is that !$#t$r $e g%iea &'ease a!
askig )e ha! I fre-%et $)issi$s "here !$ th$se $'! fe''$"s get a'' the "$r!s the( ha*e $)issi$s
"ith his sh$rtsighte! e(es $ )e #$#ke! si!e"a(s I "$%'!t tr%st hi) t$$ far t$ gi*e )e #h'$r$f$r) $r
G$! k$"s "hat e'se sti'' I 'ike! hi) "he he sat !$" t$ "rite the thig $%t fr$"ig s$ se*ere his
$se ite''iget 'ike that ($% be !a)e! ($% '(ig stra& O a(thig $ )atter "h$ e0#e&t a i!i$t he
"as #'e*er e$%gh t$ s&$t that $f #$%rse that "as a'' thikig $f hi) a! his )a! #ra1( 'etters )(
2re#i$%s $e e*er(thig #$e#te! "ith ($%r g'$ri$%s B$!( e*er(thig %!er'ie! that #$)es fr$) it is
a thig $f bea%t( a! $f 7$( f$r e*er s$)ethig he g$t $%t $f s$)e $sesi#a' b$$k that he ha! )e
a'"a(s at )(se'f , $r C ti)es a !a( s$)eti)es a! I sai! I ha!t are ($% s%re O (es I sai! I a) -%ite
s%re i a "a( that sh%t hi) %& I ke" "hat "as #$)ig e0t $'( at%ra' "eakess it "as he e0#ite!
)e I !$t k$" h$" the first ight e*er "e )et "he I "as 'i*ig i Reh$b$th terra#e "e st$$! starig
at $e a$ther f$r ab$%t <> )i%tes as if "e )et s$)e"here I s%&&$se $ a##$%t $f )( beig 7e"ess
'$$kig after )( )$ther he %se! t$ a)%se )e the thigs he sai! "ith the ha'f s'$$therig s)i'e $ hi)
a! a'' the D$('es sai! he "as g$ig t$ sta! f$r a )e)ber $f 2ar'ia)et O "ast I the b$r f$$' t$
be'ie*e a'' his b'ather ab$%t h$)e r%'e a! the 'a! 'eag%e se!ig )e that '$g str$$' $f a s$g $%t $f
the H%g%e$ts t$ sig i Fre#h t$ be )$re #'ass( O bea% &a(s !e 'a T$%raie that I e*er e*e sag
$#e e0&'aiig a! rig)ar$'ig ab$%t re'igi$ a! &erse#%ti$ he "$t 'et ($% e7$( a(thig at%ra''(
the )ight he as a great fa*$%r the *er( <st $&&$rt%it( he g$t a #ha#e i Bright$ s-%are r%ig it$
)( be!r$$) &rete!ig the ik g$t $ his ha!s t$ "ash it $ff "ith the A'bi$ )i'k a! s%'&h%r s$a& I
%se! t$ %se a! the ge'atie sti'' r$%! it O I 'a%ghe! )(se'f si#k at hi) that !a( I! better $t )ake a
a'' ight sittig $ this affair the( $%ght t$ )ake #ha)bers a at%ra' si1e s$ that a "$)a #$%'! sit $ it
&r$&er'( he kee's !$" t$ !$ it I s%&&$se there ist i a'' #reati$ a$ther )a "ith the habits he has
'$$k at the "a( hes s'ee&ig at the f$$t $f the be! h$" #a he "ith$%t a har! b$'ster its "e'' he !$est
ki#k $r he )ight k$#k $%t a'' )( teeth breathig "ith his ha! $ his $se 'ike that I!ia g$! he t$$k
)e t$ sh$" $e "et S%!a( i the )%se%) i Ki'!are street a'' (e''$" i a &iaf$re '(ig $ his si!e $
his ha! "ith his te t$es sti#kig $%t that he sai! "as a bigger re'igi$ tha the 7e"s a! O%r L$r!s
b$th &%t t$gether a'' $*er Asia i)itatig hi) ashes a'"a(s i)itatig e*er(b$!( I s%&&$se he %se! t$
s'ee& at the f$$t $f the be! t$$ "ith his big s-%are feet %& i his "ifes )$%th !a) this stikig thig
a("a( "heres this th$se a&kis are ah (es I k$" I h$&e the $'! &ress !$est #reak ah I ke" it
"$%'! hes s'ee&ig har! ha! a g$$! ti)e s$)e"here sti'' she )%st ha*e gi*e hi) great *a'%e f$r his
)$e( $f #$%rse he has t$ &a( f$r it fr$) her O this %isa#e $f a thig I h$&e the('' ha*e s$)ethig
better f$r %s i the $ther "$r'! t(ig $%rse'*es %& G$! he'& %s thats a'' right f$r t$ight $" the '%)&(
$'! 7ig'( be! a'"a(s re)i!s )e $f $'! C$he I s%&&$se he s#rat#he! hi)se'f i it $fte e$%gh a!
he thiks father b$%ght it fr$) L$r! Na&ier that I %se! t$ a!)ire "he I "as a 'itt'e gir' be#a%se I t$'!
hi) eas( &ia$ O I 'ike )( be! G$! here "e are as ba! as e*er after <5 (ears h$" )a( h$%ses "ere
"e i at a'' Ra()$! Terra#e a! Otari$ terra#e a! L$)bar! street a! H$''es street a! he g$es
ab$%t "hist'ig e*er( ti)e "ere $ the r% agai his h%g%e$ts $r the fr$gs )ar#h &rete!ig t$ he'&
the )e "ith $%r , sti#ks $f f%rit%re a! the the Cit( Ar)s h$te' "$rse a! "$rse sa(s 6ar!e Da'(
that #har)ig &'a#e $ the 'a!ig a'"a(s s$)eb$!( isi!e &ra(ig the 'ea*ig a'' their stiks after
the) a'"a(s k$" "h$ "as i there 'ast e*er( ti)e "ere 7%st gettig $ right s$)ethig ha&&es $r he
&%ts his big f$$t i it Th$)s a! He'(s a! +r C%ffes a! Dri))ies either hes g$ig t$ be r% it$
&ris$ $*er his $'! '$tter( ti#kets that "as t$ be a'' $%r sa'*ati$s $r he g$es a! gi*es i)&%!e#e "e''
ha*e hi) #$)ig h$)e "ith the sa#k s$$ $%t $f the Free)a t$$ 'ike the rest $ a##$%t $f th$se
Sier Fei $r the Free)as$s the "e'' see if the 'itt'e )a he sh$"e! )e !ribb'ig a'$g i the "et
a'' b( hi)se'f r$%! b( C$a!(s 'ae "i'' gi*e hi) )%#h #$s$'ati$ that he sa(s is s$ #a&ab'e a!
si#ere'( Irish he is i!ee! 7%!gig b( the si#erit( $f the tr$%sers I sa" $ hi) "ait theres Ge$rges
#h%r#h be''s "ait : -%arters the h$%r "ait 3 $#'$#k "e'' thats a i#e h$%r $f the ight f$r hi) t$ be
#$)ig h$)e at t$ a(b$!( #'i)big !$" it$ the area if a(b$!( sa" hi) I'' k$#k hi) $ff that 'itt'e
habit t$)$rr$" first I'' '$$k at his shirt t$ see $r I'' see if he has that Fre#h 'etter sti'' i his &$#ketb$$k I
s%&&$se he thiks I !$t k$" !e#eitf%' )e a'' their 3> &$#kets aret e$%gh f$r their 'ies the "h(
sh$%'! "e te'' the) e*e if its the tr%th the( !$t be'ie*e ($% the t%#ke! %& i be! 'ike th$se babies i
the Arist$#rats +aster&ie#e he br$%ght )e a$ther ti)e as if "e ha!t e$%gh $f that i rea' 'ife "ith$%t
s$)e $'! Arist$#rat $r "hate*er his a)e is !isg%stig ($% )$re "ith th$se r$tte &i#t%res #hi'!re
"ith t"$ hea!s a! $ 'egs thats the ki! $f *i''ai( the(re a'"a(s !rea)ig ab$%t "ith $t a$ther
thig i their e)&t( hea!s the( $%ght t$ get s'$" &$is$ the ha'f $f the) the tea a! t$ast f$r hi)
b%ttere! $ b$th si!es a! e"'ai! eggs I s%&&$se I) $thig a( )$re "he I "$%'!t 'et hi) 'i#k )e
i H$''es street $e ight )a )a t(rat as e*er f$r the $e thig he s'e&t $ the f'$$r ha'f the ight
ake! the "a( the 7e"s %se! "he s$)eb$!( !ies be'$ge! t$ the) a! "$%'!t eat a( breakfast $r
s&eak a "$r! "atig t$ be &ette! s$ I th$%ght I st$$! $%t e$%gh f$r $e ti)e a! 'et hi) he !$es it
a'' "r$g t$$ thikig $'( $f his $" &'eas%re his t$g%e is t$$ f'at $r I !$t k$" "hat he f$rgets that
"e the I !$t I'' )ake hi) !$ it agai if he !$est )i! hi)se'f a! '$#k hi) !$" t$ s'ee& i the
#$a'#e''ar "ith the b'a#kbeet'es I "$!er "as it her ;$sie $ff her hea! "ith )( #ast$ffs hes s%#h a b$r
'iar t$$ $ he! e*er ha*e the #$%rage "ith a )arrie! "$)a thats "h( he "ats )e a! B$('a
th$%gh as f$r her Deis as she #a''s hi) that f$r'$r'$$kig s&e#ta#'e ($% #$%'!/t #a'' hi) a h%sba!
(es its s$)e 'itt'e bit#h hes g$t i "ith e*e "he I "as "ith hi) "ith +i''( at the C$''ege ra#es that
H$rb'$"er "ith the #hi'!s b$et $ the t$& $ his $b 'et %s it$ b( the ba#k "a( he "as thr$"ig his
shee&s e(es at th$se t"$ !$ig skirt !%t( %& a! !$" I trie! t$ "ik at hi) first $ %se $f #$%rse a!
thats the "a( his )$e( g$es this is the fr%its $f +r 2a!!( Diga) (es the( "ere a'' i great st('e at
the gra! f%era' i the &a&er B$('a br$%ght i if the( sa" a rea' $ffi#ers f%era' that! be s$)ethig
re*erse! ar)s )%ff'e! !r%)s the &$$r h$rse "a'kig behi! i b'a#k L B'$$) a! T$) Kera that
!r%ke 'itt'e barre''( )a that bit his t$g%e $ff fa''ig !$" the )es 6 C !r%k i s$)e &'a#e $r
$ther a! +arti C%igha) a! the t"$ De!a'%ses a! Fa( +C$(s h%sba! "hite hea! $f
#abbage ski( thig "ith a t%r i her e(e tr(ig t$ sig )( s$gs she! "at t$ be b$r a'' $*er agai
a! her $'! gree !ress "ith the '$"e#k as she #at attra#t the) a( $ther "a( 'ike !abb'ig $ a
rai( !a( I see it a'' $" &'ai'( a! the( #a'' that frie!shi& ki''ig a! the b%r(ig $e a$ther a!
the( a'' "ith their "i*es a! fa)i'ies at h$)e )$re es&e#ia''( ;a#k 2$"er kee&ig that bar)ai! he
!$es $f #$%rse his "ife a'"a(s si#k $r g$ig t$ be si#k $r 7%st gettig better $f it a! hes a g$$!.'$$kig
)a sti'' th$%gh hes gettig a bit gre( $*er the ears the(re a i#e '$t a'' $f the) "e'' the(re $t g$ig t$
get )( h%sba! agai it$ their #'%t#hes if I #a he'& it )akig f% $f hi) the behi! his ba#k I k$"
"e'' "he he g$es $ "ith his i!i$ti#s be#a%se he has sese e$%gh $t t$ s-%a!er e*er( &e(
&ie#e he ears !$" their g%''ets a! '$$ks after his "ife a! fa)i'( g$$!f$r$thigs &$$r 2a!!(
Diga) a'' the sa)e I) s$rr( i a "a( f$r hi) "hat are his "ife a! C #hi'!re g$ig t$ !$ %'ess he
"as is%re! #$)i#a' 'itt'e teet$t%) a'"a(s st%#k %& i s$)e &%b #$rer a! her $r her s$ "aitig Bi''
Bai'e( "$t ($% &'ease #$)e h$)e her "i!$"s "ee!s "$t i)&r$*e her a&&eara#e the(re a"f%''(
be#$)ig th$%gh if ($%re g$$!'$$kig "hat )e "as/t he (es he "as at the G'e#ree !ier a! Be
D$''ar! base barre't$e the ight he b$rr$"e! the s"a''$"tai' t$ sig $%t $f i H$''es street s-%ee1e!
a! s-%ashe! it$ the) a! griig a'' $*er his big D$''( fa#e 'ike a "e''"hi&&e! #hi'!s b$tt( !i!t he
'$$k a ba')( ba''$#ks s%re e$%gh that )%st ha*e bee a s&e#ta#'e $ the stage i)agie &a(ig C4. i
the &reser*e! seats f$r that t$ see hi) a! Si)$ De!a'%s t$$ he "as a'"a(s t%rig %& ha'f s#re"e!
sigig the se#$! *erse first the $'! '$*e is the e" "as $e $f his s$ s"eet'( sag the )ai!e $ the
ha"th$r b$%gh he "as a'"a(s $ f$r f'irt(f(ig t$$ "he I sag +aritaa "ith hi) at Fre!!( +a(ers
&ri*ate $&era he ha! a !e'i#i$%s g'$ri$%s *$i#e 2h$ebe !earest g$$!b(e s"eetheart he a'"a(s sag it
$t 'ike Barte'' !Ar#( s"eet tart g$$!b(e $f #$%rse he ha! the gift $f the *$i#e s$ there "as $ art i it
a'' $*er ($% 'ike a "ar) sh$"erbath O +aritaa "i'!"$$! f'$"er "e sag s&'e!i!'( th$%gh it "as a bit
t$$ high f$r )( register e*e tras&$se! a! he "as )arrie! at the ti)e t$ +a( G$%'!ig b%t the he!
sa( $r !$ s$)ethig t$ k$#k the g$$! $%t $f it hes a "i!$"er $" I "$!er "hat s$rt is his s$ he
sa(s hes a a%th$r a! g$ig t$ be a %i*ersit( &r$fess$r $f Ita'ia a! I) t$ take 'ess$s "hat is he
!ri*ig at $" sh$"ig hi) )( &h$t$ its $t g$$! $f )e I $%ght t$ ha*e g$t it take i !ra&er( that
e*er '$$ks $%t $f fashi$ sti'' I '$$k ($%g i it I "$!er he !i!t )ake hi) a &reset $f it a't$gether
a! )e t$$ after a'' "h( $t I sa" hi) !ri*ig !$" t$ the Kigsbri!ge stati$ "ith his father a!
)$ther I "as i )$%rig thats << (ears ag$ $" (es he! be << th$%gh "hat "as the g$$! i g$ig
it$ )$%rig f$r "hat "as either $e thig $r the $ther $f #$%rse he isiste! he! g$ it$ )$%rig
f$r the #at I s%&&$se hes a )a $" b( this ti)e he "as a i$#et b$( the a! a !ar'ig 'itt'e fe''$"
i his '$r! Fa%t'er$( s%it a! #%r'( hair 'ike a &ri#e $ the stage "he I sa" hi) at +at Di''$s he
'ike! )e t$$ I re)e)ber the( a'' !$ "ait b( G$! (es "ait (es h$'! $ he "as $ the #ar!s this )$rig
"he I 'ai! $%t the !e#k %i$ "ith a ($%g strager either !ark $r fair ($% )et bef$re I th$%ght it
)eat hi) b%t hes $ #hi#ke $r a strager either besi!es )( fa#e "as t%re! the $ther "a( "hat
"as the Bth #ar! after that the <> $f s&a#es f$r a ;$%re( b( 'a! the there "as a 'etter $ its "a( a!
s#a!a's t$$ the : -%ees a! the A $f !ia)$!s f$r a rise i s$#iet( (es "ait it a'' #a)e $%t a! 3 re!
As f$r e" gar)ets '$$k at that a! !i!t I !rea) s$)ethig t$$ (es there "as s$)ethig ab$%t
&$etr( i it I h$&e he hast '$g greas( hair hagig it$ his e(es $r sta!ig %& 'ike a re! I!ia "hat
!$ the( g$ ab$%t 'ike that f$r $'( gettig the)se'*es a! their &$etr( 'a%ghe! at I a'"a(s 'ike! &$etr(
"he I "as a gir' first I th$%ght he "as a &$et 'ike B(r$ a! $t a $%#e $f it i his #$)&$siti$ I
th$%ght he "as -%ite !ifferet I "$!er is he t$$ ($%g hes ab$%t "ait AA I "as )arrie! AA +i''( is <C
(ester!a( A? "hat age "as he the at Di''$s C $r 5 ab$%t AA I s%&&$se hes 3> $r )$re I) $t t$$ $'!
f$r hi) if hes 3: $r 3, I h$&e hes $t that st%#k %& %i*ersit( st%!et s$rt $ $ther"ise he "$%'!t g$
sittig !$" i the $'! kit#he "ith hi) takig E&&ss #$#$a a! takig $f #$%rse he &rete!e! t$
%!ersta! it a'' &r$bab'( he t$'! hi) he "as $%t $f Triit( #$''ege hes *er( ($%g t$ be a &r$fess$r I
h$&e hes $t a &r$fess$r 'ike G$$!"i "as he "as a &atet &r$fess$r $f ;$h ;a)es$ the( a'' "rite
ab$%t s$)e "$)a i their &$etr( "e'' I s%&&$se he "$t fi! )a( 'ike )e "here s$ft'( sighs $f '$*e
the 'ight g%itar "here &$etr( is i the air the b'%e sea a! the )$$ shiig s$ bea%tif%''( #$)ig ba#k
$ the ightb$at fr$) Tarifa the 'ighth$%se at E%r$&a &$it the g%itar that fe''$" &'a(e! "as s$
e0&ressi*e "i'' I e*er g$ ba#k there agai a'' e" fa#es t"$ g'a#ig e(es a 'atti#e hi! I'' sig that f$r
hi) the(re )( e(es if hes a(thig $f a &$et t"$ e(es as !ark'( bright as '$*es $" star aret th$se
bea%tif%' "$r!s as '$*es ($%g star it'' be a #hage the L$r! k$"s t$ ha*e a ite''iget &ers$ t$ ta'k
t$ ab$%t ($%rse'f $t a'"a(s 'isteig t$ hi) a! Bi''( 2res#$tts a! a! Ke(ess a! a! T$) the De*i's
a! theH if a(thig g$es "r$g i their b%siess "e ha*e t$ s%ffer I) s%re hes *er( !istig%ishe! I!
'ike t$ )eet a )a 'ike that G$! $t th$se $ther r%#k besi!es hes ($%g th$se fie ($%g )e I #$%'!
see !$" i +argate stra! bathig &'a#e fr$) the si!e $f the r$#k sta!ig %& i the s% ake! 'ike a
G$! $r s$)ethig a! the &'%gig it$ the sea "ith the) "h( aret a'' )e 'ike that there! be s$)e
#$s$'ati$ f$r a "$)a 'ike that '$*e'( 'itt'e stat%e he b$%ght I #$%'! '$$k at hi) a''.!a( '$g #%r'( hea!
a! his sh$%'!ers his figer %& f$r ($% t$ 'iste theres rea' bea%t( a! &$etr( f$r ($% I $fte fe't I
"ate! t$ kiss hi) a'' $*er a's$ his '$*e'( ($%g #$#k there s$ si)&'( I "$%'!t )i! takig hi) i )(
)$%th if $b$!( "as '$$kig as if it "as askig ($% t$ s%#k it s$ #'ea a! "hite he '$$ke! "ith his
b$(ish fa#e I "$%'! t$$ i <43 a )i%te e*e if s$)e $f it "et !$" "hat its $'( 'ike gr%e' $r the !e"
theres $ !ager besi!es he! be s$ #'ea #$)&are! "ith th$se &igs $f )e I s%&&$se e*er !rea) $f
"ashig it fr$) < (ears e! t$ the $ther the )$st $f the) $'( thats "hat gi*es the "$)e the
)$%sta#hes I) s%re it'' be gra! if I #a $'( get i "ith a ha!s$)e ($%g &$et at )( age I'' thr$"
the) the <st thig i the )$rig ti'' I see if the "ish#ar! #$)es $%t $r I'' tr( &airig the 'a!( herse'f a!
see if he #$)es $%t I'' rea! a! st%!( a'' I #a fi! $r 'ear a bit $ff b( heart if I ke" "h$ he 'ikes s$ he
"$t thik )e st%&i! if he thiks a'' "$)e are the sa)e a! I #a tea#h hi) the $ther &art I'' )ake
hi) fee' a'' $*er hi) ti'' he ha'f faits %!er )e the he'' "rite ab$%t )e '$*er a! )istress &%b'i#'( t$$
"ith $%r 3 &h$t$gra&hs i a'' the &a&ers "he he be#$)es fa)$%s O b%t the "hat a) I g$ig t$ !$
ab$%t hi) th$%gh
$ thats $ "a( f$r hi) has he $ )aers $r $ refie)et $r $ $thig i his at%re s'a&&ig %s
behi! 'ike that $ )( b$tt$) be#a%se I !i!/t #a'' hi) H%gh the ig$ra)%s that !$est k$" &$etr(
fr$) a #abbage thats "hat ($% get f$r $tkee&ig the) i their &r$&er &'a#e &%''ig $ff his sh$es a!
tr$%sers there $ the #hair bef$re )e s$ barefa#e! "ith$%t e*e askig &er)issi$ a! sta!ig $%t
that *%'gar "a( i the ha'f $f a shirt the( "ear t$ be a!)ire! 'ike a &riest $r a b%t#her $r th$se $'!
h(&$#rites i the ti)e $f ;%'i%s Caesar $f #$%rse hes right e$%gh i his "a( t$ &ass the ti)e as a 7$ke
s%re ($% )ight as "e'' be i be! "ith "hat "ith a 'i$ G$! I) s%re he! ha*e s$)ethig better t$ sa( f$r
hi)se'f a $'! Li$ "$%'! O "e'' I s%&&$se its be#a%se the( "ere s$ &'%)& a! te)&tig i )( sh$rt
&etti#$at he #$%'!t resist the( e0#ite )(se'f s$)eti)es its "e'' f$r )e a'' the a)$%t $f &'eas%re the(
get $ff a "$)as b$!( "ere s$ r$%! a! "hite f$r the) a'"a(s I "ishe! I "as $e )(se'f f$r a
#hage 7%st t$ tr( "ith that thig the( ha*e s"e''ig %&$ ($% s$ har! a! at the sa)e ti)e s$ s$ft
"he ($% t$%#h it )( %#'e ;$h has a thig '$g I hear! th$se #$rerb$(s sa(ig &assig the #$rer
$f +arr$"b$e 'ae )( a%t +ar( has a thig hair( be#a%se it "as !ark a! the( ke" a gir' "as
&assig it !i!t )ake )e b'%sh "h( sh$%'! it either its $'( at%re a! he &%ts his thig '$g it$ )(
a%t +ar(s hair( et#etera a! t%rs $%t t$ be ($% &%t the ha!'e i a s"ee&igbr%sh )e agai a'' $*er
the( #a &i#k a! #h$$se "hat the( &'ease a )arrie! "$)a $r a fast "i!$" $r a gir' f$r their !ifferet
tastes 'ike th$se h$%ses r$%! behi! Irish street $ b%t "ere t$ be a'"a(s #haie! %& the(re $t g$ig
t$ be #haiig )e %& $ !a) fear $#e I start I te'' ($% f$r st%&i! h%sba!s 7ea'$%s( "h( #at "e a''
re)ai frie!s $*er it istea! $f -%arre''ig her h%sba! f$%! it $%t "hat the( !i! t$gether "e''
at%ra''( a! if he !i! #a he %!$ it hes #$r$a!$ a("a( "hate*er he !$es a! the he g$ig t$ the
$ther )a! e0tre)e ab$%t the "ife i Fair T(rats $f #$%rse the )a e*er e*e #asts a 3! th$%ght $
the h%sba! $r "ife either its the "$)a he "ats a! he gets her "hat e'se "ere "e gi*e a'' th$se
!esires f$r I! 'ike t$ k$" I #at he'& it if I) ($%g sti'' #a I its a "$!er I) $t a $'! shri*e''e! hag
bef$re )( ti)e 'i*ig "ith hi) s$ #$'! e*er e)bra#ig )e e0#e&t s$)eti)es "he hes as'ee& the
"r$g e! $f )e $t k$"ig I s%&&$se "h$ he has a( )a that! kiss a "$)as b$tt$) I! thr$" )(
hat at hi) after that he! kiss a(thig %at%ra' "here "e ha*et < at$) $f a( ki! $f e0&ressi$ i
%s a'' $f %s the sa)e 3 '%)&s $f 'ar! bef$re e*er I !$ that t$ a )a &f$$h the !irt( br%tes the )ere
th$%ght is e$%gh I kiss the feet $f ($% se$rita theres s$)e sese i that !i!t he kiss $%r ha''!$$r
(es he !i! "hat a )a!)a $b$!( %!ersta!s his #ra#ke! i!eas b%t )e sti'' $f #$%rse a "$)a
"ats t$ be e)bra#e! 3> ti)es a !a( a')$st t$ )ake her '$$k ($%g $ )atter b( "h$ s$ '$g as t$ be
i '$*e $r '$*e! b( s$)eb$!( if the fe''$" ($% "at ist there s$)eti)es b( the L$r! G$! I "as thikig
"$%'! I g$ ar$%! b( the -%a(s there s$)e !ark e*eig "here $b$!(! k$" )e a! &i#k %& a sai'$r
$ff the sea that! be h$t $ f$r it a! $t #are a &i "h$se I "as $'( t$ !$ it $ff %& i a gate s$)e"here
$r $e $f th$se "i'!'$$kig gi&sies i Rathfarha) ha! their #a)& &it#he! ear the B'$$)fie'! 'a%!r(
t$ tr( a! stea' $%r thigs if the( #$%'! I $'( set )ie there a fe" ti)es f$r the a)e )$!e' 'a%!r(
se!ig )e ba#k $*er a! $*er s$)e $'! $es $'! st$#kigs that b'a#kg%ar!'$$kig fe''$" "ith the fie
e(es &ee'ig a s"it#h atta#k )e i the !ark a! ri!e )e %& agaist the "a'' "ith$%t a "$r! $r a
)%r!erer a(b$!( "hat the( !$ the)se'*es the fie get'e)e i their si'k hats that K C 'i*es %&
s$)e"here this "a( #$)ig $%t $f Har!"i#ke 'ae the ight he ga*e %s the fish s%&&er $ a##$%t $f
"iig $*er the b$0ig )at#h $f #$%rse it "as f$r )e he ga*e it I ke" hi) b( his gaiters a! the "a'k
a! "he I t%re! r$%! a )i%te after 7%st t$ see there "as a "$)a after #$)ig $%t $f it t$$ s$)e
fi'th( &r$stit%te the he g$es h$)e t$ his "ife after that $'( I s%&&$se the ha'f $f th$se sai'$rs are
r$tte agai "ith !isease O )$*e $*er ($%r big #ar#ass $%t $f that f$r the '$*e $f +ike 'iste t$ hi) the
"i!s that "aft )( sighs t$ thee s$ "e'' he )a( s'ee& a! sigh the great S%ggester D$ 2$'!$ !e 'a
F'$ra if he ke" h$" he #a)e $%t $ the #ar!s this )$rig he! ha*e s$)ethig t$ sigh f$r a !ark )a
i s$)e &er&'e0it( bet"ee 3 Bs t$$ i &ris$ f$r L$r! k$"s "hat he !$es that I !$t k$" a! I) t$
be s'$$#hig ar$%! !$" i the kit#he t$ get his '$r!shi& his breakfast "hi'e hes r$''e! %& 'ike a
)%))( "i'' I i!ee! !i! ($% e*er see )e r%ig I! 7%st 'ike t$ see )(se'f at it sh$" the) atteti$
a! the( treat ($% 'ike !irt I !$t #are "hat a(b$!( sa(s it! be )%#h better f$r the "$r'! t$ be
g$*ere! b( the "$)e i it ($% "$%'!t see "$)e g$ig a! ki''ig $e a$ther a! s'a%ghterig
"he !$ ($% e*er see "$)e r$''ig ar$%! !r%k 'ike the( !$ $r ga)b'ig e*er( &e( the( ha*e a!
'$sig it $ h$rses (es be#a%se a "$)a "hate*er she !$es she k$"s "here t$ st$& s%re the(
"$%'!/t be i the "$r'! at a'' $'( f$r %s the( !$t k$" "hat it is t$ be a "$)a a! a )$ther h$"
#$%'! the( "here "$%'! the( a'' $f the) be if the( ha!t a'' a )$ther t$ '$$k after the) "hat I e*er ha!
thats "h( I s%&&$se hes r%ig "i'! $" $%t at ight a"a( fr$) his b$$ks a! st%!ies a! $t 'i*ig at
h$)e $ a##$%t $f the %s%a' r$"!( h$%se I s%&&$se "e'' its a &$$r #ase that th$se that ha*e a fie
s$ 'ike that the(re $t satisfie! a! I $e "as he $t ab'e t$ )ake $e it "ast )( fa%'t "e #a)e
t$gether "he I "as "at#hig the t"$ !$gs %& i her behi! i the )i!!'e $f the ake! street that
!isheartee! )e a't$gether I s%&&$se I $%ghtt t$ ha*e b%rie! hi) i that 'itt'e "$$''( 7a#ket I kitte!
#r(ig as "as b%t gi*e it t$ s$)e &$$r #hi'! b%t I ke" "e'' I! e*er ha*e a$ther $%r <st !eath t$$ it
"as "e "ere e*er the sa)e si#e O I) $t g$ig t$ thik )(se'f it$ the g'$$)s ab$%t that a( )$re
I "$!er "h( he "$%'!t sta( the ight I fe't a'' the ti)e it "as s$)eb$!( strage he br$%ght i istea!
$f r$*ig ar$%! the #it( )eetig G$! k$"s "h$ ight"a'kers a! &i#k&$#kets his &$$r )$ther
"$%'!t 'ike that if she "as a'i*e r%iig hi)se'f f$r 'ife &erha&s sti'' its a '$*e'( h$%r s$ si'et I %se! t$
'$*e #$)ig h$)e after !a#es the air $f the ight the( ha*e frie!s the( #a ta'k t$ "e*e $e either
he "ats "hat he "$t get $r its s$)e "$)a rea!( t$ sti#k her kife i ($% I hate that i "$)e $
"$!er the( treat %s the "a( the( !$ "e are a !rea!f%' '$t $f bit#hes I s%&&$se its a'' the tr$%b'es "e
ha*e )akes %s s$ sa&&( I) $t 'ike that he #$%'! eas( ha*e s'e&t i there $ the s$fa i the $ther
r$$) s%&&$se he "as as sh( as a b$( he beig s$ ($%g har!'( 3> $f )e i the e0t r$$) he! ha*e
hear! )e $ the #ha)ber arrah "hat har) De!a'%s I "$!er its 'ike th$se a)es i Gibra'tar De'a&a1
De'agra#ia the( ha! the !e*i's -%eer a)es there father Via' &'aa $f Sata +aria that ga*e )e the
r$sar( R$sa'es ( ORei''( i the Ca''e 'as Siete Re*%e'tas a! 2isi)b$ a! +rs O&iss$ i G$*er$r
street O "hat a a)e I! g$ a! !r$" )(se'f i the first ri*er if I ha! a a)e 'ike her O )( a! a'' the
bits $f streets 2ara!ise ra)& a! Be!'a) ra)& a! R$!gers ra)& a! Cr%t#hetts ra)& a! the !e*i's
ga& ste&s "e'' s)a'' b'a)e t$ )e if I a) a har%)s#ar%) I k$" I a) a bit I !e#'are t$ G$! I !$t fee' a
!a( $'!er tha the I "$!er #$%'! I get )( t$g%e r$%! a( $f the S&aish #$)$ esta %ste! )%(
bie gra#ias ( %ste! see I ha*e/t f$rg$tte it a'' I th$%ght I ha! $'( f$r the gra))ar a $% is the
a)e $f a( &ers$ &'a#e $r thig &it( I e*er trie! t$ rea! that $*e' #ataker$%s +rs R%bi$ 'et )e
b( Va'era "ith the -%esti$s i it a'' %&si!e !$" the t"$ "a(s I a'"a(s ke" "e! g$ a"a( i the e! I
#a te'' hi) the S&aish a! he te'' )e the Ita'ia the he'' see I) $t s$ ig$rat "hat a &it( he !i!t
sta( I) s%re the &$$r fe''$" "as !ea! tire! a! "ate! a g$$! s'ee& ba!'( I #$%'! ha*e br$%ght hi) i
his breakfast i be! "ith a bit $f t$ast s$ '$g as I !i!t !$ it $ the kife f$r ba! '%#k $r if the "$)a
"as g$ig her r$%!s "ith the "ater#ress a! s$)ethig i#e a! tast( there are a fe" $'i*es i the
kit#he he )ight 'ike I e*er #$%'! bear the '$$k $f the) i Abries I #$%'! !$ the #ria!a the r$$) '$$ks
a'' right si#e I #hage! it the $ther "a( ($% see s$)ethig "as te''ig )e a'' the ti)e I! ha*e t$
itr$!%#e )(se'f $t k$"ig )e fr$) A!a) *er( f%( "$%'!t it I) his "ife $r &rete! "e "ere i
S&ai "ith hi) ha'f a"ake "ith$%t a G$!s $ti$ "here he is !$s h%e*$s estre''a!$s se$r L$r! the
#ra#ke! thigs #$)e it$ )( hea! s$)eti)es it! be great f% s%&&$sig he sta(e! "ith %s "h( $t
theres the r$$) %&stairs e)&t( a! +i''(s be! i the ba#k r$$) he #$%'! !$ his "ritig a! st%!ies at
the tab'e i there f$r a'' the s#ribb'ig he !$es at it a! if he "ats t$ rea! i be! i the )$rig 'ike )e
as hes )akig the breakfast f$r I he #a )ake it f$r 3 I) s%re I) $t g$ig t$ take i '$!gers $ff the
street f$r hi) if he takes a gesab$ $f a h$%se 'ike this I! '$*e t$ ha*e a '$g ta'k "ith a ite''iget "e''.
e!%#ate! &ers$ I! ha*e t$ get a i#e &air $f re! s'i&&ers 'ike th$se T%rks "ith the fe1 %se! t$ se'' $r
(e''$" a! a i#e se)itras&aret )$rig g$" that I ba!'( "at $r a &ea#hb'$ss$) !ressig 7a#ket
'ike the $e '$g ag$ i 6a'&$'es $'( A45 $r <A45 I'' 7%st gi*e hi) $e )$re #ha#e I'' get %& ear'( i
the )$rig I) si#k $f C$hes $'! be! i a( #ase I )ight g$ $*er t$ the )arkets t$ see a'' the
*egetab'es a! #abbages a! t$)at$es a! #arr$ts a! a'' ki!s $f s&'e!i! fr%its a'' #$)ig i '$*e'(
a! fresh "h$ k$"s "h$! be the <st )a I! )eet the(re $%t '$$kig f$r it i the )$rig +a)( Di''$
%se! t$ sa( the( are a! the ight t$$ that "as her )assg$ig I! '$*e a big 7%i#( &ear $" t$ )e't i
($%r )$%th 'ike "he I %se! t$ be i the '$gig "a( the I'' thr$" hi) %& his eggs a! tea i the
)$%sta#he#%& she ga*e hi) t$ )ake his )$%th bigger I s%&&$se he! 'ike )( i#e #rea) t$$ I k$"
"hat I'' !$ I'' g$ ab$%t rather ga( $t t$$ )%#h sigig a bit $" a! the )i fa &ieti +asett$ the I''
start !ressig )(se'f t$ g$ $%t &rest$ $ s$ &i'' f$rte I'' &%t $ )( best shift a! !ra"ers 'et hi) ha*e
a g$$! e(ef%' $%t $f that t$ )ake his )i#k( sta! f$r hi) I'' 'et hi) k$" if thats "hat he "ate! that
his "ife is f%#ke! (es a! !a) "e'' f%#ke! t$$ %& t$ )( e#k ear'( $t b( hi) C $r 5 ti)es
ha!r%ig theres the )ark $f his s&%k $ the #'ea sheet I "$%'!t b$ther t$ e*e ir$ it $%t that
$%ght t$ satisf( hi) if ($% !$t be'ie*e )e fee' )( be''( %'ess I )a!e hi) sta! there a! &%t hi) it$
)e I*e a )i! t$ te'' hi) e*er( s#ra& a! )ake hi) !$ it i fr$t $f )e ser*e hi) right its a'' his $"
fa%'t if I a) a a!%'teress as the thig i the ga''er( sai! O )%#h ab$%t it if thats a'' the har) e*er "e
!i! i this *a'e $f tears G$! k$"s its $t )%#h !$est e*er(b$!( $'( the( hi!e it I s%&&$se thats "hat
a "$)a is s%&&$se! t$ be there f$r $r He "$%'!t ha*e )a!e %s the "a( He !i! s$ attra#ti*e t$ )e
the if he "ats t$ kiss )( b$tt$) I'' !rag $&e )( !ra"ers a! b%'ge it right $%t i his fa#e as 'arge as
'ife he #a sti#k his t$g%e B )i'es %& )( h$'e as hes there )( br$" &art the I'' te'' hi) I "at =< $r
&erha&s :>4. I'' te'' hi) I "at t$ b%( %!er#'$thes the if he gi*es )e that "e'' he "$t be t$$ ba! I
!$t "at t$ s$ak it a'' $%t $f hi) 'ike $ther "$)e !$ I #$%'! $fte ha*e "ritte $%t a fie #he-%e f$r
)(se'f a! "rite his a)e $ it f$r a #$%&'e $f &$%!s a fe" ti)es he f$rg$t t$ '$#k it %& besi!es he
"$t s&e! it I'' 'et hi) !$ it $ff $ )e behi! &r$*i!e! he !$est s)ear a'' )( g$$! !ra"ers O I
s%&&$se that #at be he'&e! I'' !$ the i!ifferet I $r 3 -%esti$s I'' k$" b( the as"ers "he hes 'ike
that he #at kee& a thig ba#k I k$" e*er( t%r i hi) I'' tighte )( b$tt$) "e'' a! 'et $%t a fe"
s)%tt( "$r!s s)e''r%)& $r 'i#k )( shit $r the first )a! thig #$)es it$ )( hea! the I'' s%ggest ab$%t
(es O "ait $" s$( )( t%r is #$)ig I'' be -%ite ga( a! frie!'( $*er it O b%t I "as f$rgettig this
b'$$!( &est $f a thig &f$$h ($% "$%'!/t k$" "hi#h t$ 'a%gh $r #r( "ere s%#h a )i0t%re $f &'%) a!
a&&'e $ I'' ha*e t$ "ear the $'! thigs s$ )%#h the better it'' be )$re &$ite! he'' e*er k$" "hether
he !i! it $r $t there thats g$$! e$%gh f$r ($% a( $'! thig at a'' the I'' "i&e hi) $ff )e 7%st 'ike a
b%siess his $)issi$ the I'' g$ $%t I'' ha*e hi) e(eig %& at the #ei'ig "here is she g$e $" )ake
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