books > Little Light > story

Below is an extract from the start of the book:
 

It is on a cold, rainy and thoroughly miserable Saturday, a few weeks before Christmas, that Jonathan and Penelope Warrender arrive in the little town of Rye for the first time.  As usual they are quarrelling.

“ This is definitely, most definitely the last place we’re going to see to‑day,” muttered Jon, taking off his rain‑speckled glasses and peering closely at some sodden papers that the wind was trying to wrestle from his hand.  The High Street in which he was standing thronged with shoppers swarming busily around him and spilling into the narrow road.

On receiving no response, he turned to see Penny a short distance behind him.  She ran to catch up.

“ Why do people do that ? ” she stormed.  “ Why do they just suddenly stand stock still in the middle of a crowded street and then get all upset when I walk into them ! ”

“ You didn’t hear what I said, did you ? ” Jon snapped angrily at her.

“ Of course I didn’t, stupid,” Penny bit back, flicking a strand of wet hair from her face.  “ I was back there and you were up here.  How in the hell do you expect me to hear what you’re saying when you’re a thousand miles in front of me, and another thing . . .”

She stopped mid‑sentence and cast Jon a baleful glance.  “ Why are we in such a mood then ? ” she enquired sarcastically.