Alice

‘Oh, there you are,’ said Bella. ‘I’ve been trying to ring you on your mobile but it keeps going to voicemail.’

‘Is everything okay? We lent our mobile to someone, sorry.’

‘That explains it. Yes, we’re fine, thanks. The thing is, your three new guests came over to mine yesterday evening-’

Kim let out a huge sigh of relief and Joe raised his eyebrows. 

Kim covered the mouthpiece and whispered they’re at Bella’s as her friend continued.

‘I was in a bit of a pickle and came over to ask you to mind the girls, but you were out. Anyway, they very kindly came back to mine for the evening. They’re lovely people aren’t they? The girls adore them. Anyway, when I got back, it was a bit later than I’d said and what with you being out and them not having a key, they stayed here for the night. They said they didn’t mind sleeping on the floor - sort of camping, I suppose.’

‘We wondered where they were. Shall I come over and get them? I know it’s a school day, you’ll be busy getting the girls ready-‘

‘Aren’t they with you? When I came down this morning, they’d gone. I assumed they’d gone back to your house somehow - called  a cab or something?’

‘Hmm. They haven’t turned up yet - they’re probably on their way. Not to worry, I’m sure they’ll turn up soon.’ Kim crossed her fingers.

‘Okay - well, they’re grown-ups aren’t they? I was just a bit concerned, they seem to have gone awfully early - didn’t even leave a note. Maybe it’s a Swedish thing?’

Kim had no idea what Bella was talking about and was glad when she finally ended the call, to take her girls to school. She relayed what her friend had said about the other three.

‘Swedish? What’s that about?’ asked Joe.

‘No idea,’ said Kim. ‘Oh - wait a minute - I think I might have said Xavier was from Sweden. But that was to Josie, when I was trying to explain why she saw Xavier with nothing on, the other day. I don’t know. I feel like Alice through the looking glass - ordinary things just aren’t making sense to me.’

‘Perhaps we could perform an exercise in logic and try to determine what may have happened?’ suggested Emma. ‘I think the Swedish element is not important in the overall situation.’

‘You’re probably right. Let’s have some breakfast and talk it through.’ Josie rummaged in the cupboards and came up with the last of the bread, a heel of cheese, cereal and some yogurts. ‘This is all we have for now - I must do some food shopping.’