Monster Belt - Chapter 19

Monster Belt - Chapter 19 ......'How are you getting on with my book?' Harris asked between mouthfuls. Jess, fork poised, didn't immediately answer. She carried it now permanently in her bag, thinking she'd pick it up again and read a bit further, but never did. 'Fine,' she prised a chunk of lamb into her mouth. A group of cyclists, in their sleek fluorescent and black, sped across the square and a rust splattered Orangina sign spun on its access. Faded plastic strips in a doorway flapped then hung still. White dust flurried under silent trees. They ate with little conversation after that, until Harris stretched his legs, leaving Jess to drink coffee as he strode across the square to where the Volvo stood, bonnet raised and boiler suited mechanic peering inside. She pulled 'In the Eye of the Beholder' from her bag, placed it on the table and sipped her coffee again. The old women watched, black eyes vigilant and she flicked over the pages. Harris' meanderings no long puzzled her. If it had been anyone else, she'd have assumed they weren't serious about finding out what had killed Jonty; as it was, she recognised his fear and inability to face it.'