Last call of the day. Given on the fly, scant details other than DEAF / SLOW TO COME TO DOOR. So far the other side of town it may as well be abroad.
Traffic like magma.
Finally make the address. Park up. Check watch. Run across the road.
Ring the bell.
Wait.
Ring.
Knock.
Peer through window.
Ring.
Knock.
Wait.
Eventually go next door.
Hi. Sorry to bother you. I’ve come to visit Mrs Holloway, but she’s not answering the door.
– Oh yes? (laughs)
Yes. I understand she’s a bit slow…
– A bit?
So – I don’t suppose you have a key?
– A key?
Or…
– No.
Oh.
– She’s a bit slow getting to the door, mate. You have to give her plenty of time.
I was waiting a while.
– No, but I’m saying – plenty of time.
Oh.
– She’s probably out back.
Really?
– Yeah. (scratches nose) Feeding her tortoise.