Snow was starting to fall as she paid the driver and stepped out onto the pavement. Michelle shivered. She’d always hated winter. Right from the point, usually sometime in the middle of October, when the first person gestured towards the darkening sky and told her it was starting to look Christmassy, she could happily avoid the whole season. Given the option, Michelle thought, she’d probably prefer to hibernate until spring. The thought that this time tomorrow she’d be sipping a cocktail on the beach in the Cayman Islands was the only thing keeping her from jumping straight back into the cab and demanding a ride to the nearest place with central heating. Her case seemed to have got heavier since she left the hotel. By the time she’d navigated her way to the right check-in area she was sweating despite the cold. Waiting in the queue, she unwrapped her scarf from around her neck and started to undo her heavy duffle coat. At least once she was on the plane she wouldn’t have to put those back on for another two weeks.
