Look at these exotic flower arrangements – orange-tongued birds of paradise, cream calla lilies, towers of green orchids. I wonder who has the contract? Must be worth a fortune. On the landing wall is a series of watercolour paintings of the countryside around Lewes – the dramatic chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters, a panoramic vista from high on the South Downs, rowing boats reflected in the water of the River Ouse. Michael supposes they’ve been chosen to convey peace and being at one with nature, but he still feels like he’s been through a war. He’s not slept properly in weeks, so he asks a woman vacuuming the hall carpet where he can get a coffee, and she directs him to a kitchen. He presses the button that says Espresso and is watching the cardboard cup fill with black liquid when there’s a whisper in his ear. ‘If you’re hoping for caffeine, I’d go downstairs.’ Michael turns to see a young man with a pierced eyebrow and a Mohican.
What do You think about Another Night, Another Day?
