‘It feels like something forgotten about. They could build some flats here.’ ‘That’s what Liza’s scared of,’ I said. ‘There are only a couple of houses in it, and this garage.’ It was deserted, its shutters closed and its iron sign flapping at the hinges. It was nearly nine o’clock and the light was softening, giving even the scrubland a ghostly air and making the rather dingy little lane almost picturesque. ‘It’s the one at the end that backs onto the railway line.’ I could scarcely believe that I was standing at the front door once more. I pressed the bell and waited.‘He’s obviously not going to answer,’ said Joakim. ‘Ring the other bell.’I pressed it reluctantly, praying that no one would answer.‘I don’t think anyone’s here,’ I said, after a few seconds.‘Hang on.’ Joakim pressed the bell several times, leaning on it as if that would make the sound louder. ‘I think I can hear someone.’ Sure enough, footsteps were coming rapidly towards the door.The man who opened it was young and dark-skinned, with huge glasses and a fringe.
