Chocolate

‘We can’t do that.’ Kim was horrified. ‘That’s trespassing. We should just wait a bit longer. If you’re hungry, I think I have some chocolate here somewhere.’ She rifled through her shoulder bag and came up with a battered bar of Fruit and Nut which she thrust at her husband. ‘I’ve only eaten one bit of it, help yourself. Want some, Xavier?’

Xavier shook his head, one hand pressed to his ear.

‘What’s the matter?’ said Kim.

‘It’s Emma. I cannot connect to her wavelength now. I am not sure why not.’

‘Right,’ said Joe. ‘That settles it. This is an emergency. I’m going to try and find a way in.’

He got out of the car and stood at the entrance to the run in for the garages, considering. At least the rain had stopped. There seemed to be nobody about. He set off, turned left behind the houses and  headed for 94.

Kim sat in the car for a moment. She was torn between going with Joe and leaving Xavier in the car. Finally, she made the only sensible choice.

‘C’mon Xavier, let’s go and see if we can help.’

They caught up with Joe and stared at the wide garage door. It was firmly closed and had a business-like padlock keeping it secure.

‘There might be another entrance, I’ll go and see.’ Joe set off and did a complete circuit of the block. He returned a couple of minutes later, limping and slightly out of breath.

‘Nothing. There’s only one way in. Xavier, are you getting anything from Emma?’

The clone shook his head.