Outpaced

Eventually, Nick had to give up trying to walk quickly, and broke into a jog.

While this meant he could keep up, it also meant putting up with the mock-sympathetic looks that Margaret and Alice were giving him.

He was also aware of how odd it must look, and felt hot-faced with embarrassment. Please, he thought to himself, don't let anyone see me. Why couldn't he keep his trap shut?

He was glad when they turned into a covered alleyway.

The ease with which the two women seemed to glide along was only reinforced by their breathing; while he was puffing and panting, they weren't even slightly out of breath. This he knew because they couldn't resist taunting him - Margaret especially.

"Come on, son" she cackled. "Pick your knees up!"



Part Two begins here.