Chapter 77

“Never again,”

Eddy muttered, as Nuri drove away from the kerb. “Never ever ever. They

were monstrous. So energetic. So loud! And halfway through the afternoon

we had to lock the doors to stop them running out into the street to make a

snowman.”

“I think you

would have enjoyed that,” Nuri said sympathetically.

“For God’s

sake.” Eddy was still grumpy but the sparkle in his eyes implied he’d actually had

a really good time. “There’s barely enough snow for a mouse, let alone a man.”

Nuri peered up

out of the windscreen. “It’s falling more heavily now. I think we’re going to

have a decent covering tonight.” The pale flakes were light but noticeable,

fluttering onto shop awnings and the top of railings. Glancing in his mirror at

the back seat, he smiled at Eddy. Eddy was still wearing his Santa outfit,

although he’d pulled off the hat. His thin face peeked out from behind a bushy

white false beard and moustache, and he sat with folded hands resting on his