Page 57 of Strangers in Time

“Fairly long, yes. Oh, it’s the most beautiful country. People often go there for their health and to take in the sea air. Now, there are trains that leave from Paddington, but there are several transfers along the way, at least there were. But what with the war, I have no idea how long it would take or if it’s even possible right now. The last I heard, all rail lines south were out of commission. Whether that strictly includes Cornwall or not, I’m not certain.”

“So you’ve been there?” asked Molly excitedly.

“Well, in Plymouth in Devon, very near Cornwall. My wife and I honeymooned there.”

“You might have stayed near where the Institute is located,” said Molly.

“We might have done, but I don’t recall any such place. I don’t know how long it’s been there, either. And our honeymoon wasfifteen years ago.” His face fell as he said this. “Fifteen years ago… yesterday. We had always planned to go back, but…”

“I’m so sorry for bringing this all up,” said Molly, noting his despair.

“Please. You couldn’t possibly have known.”

“Then I guess I won’t be able to see my mother,” said Molly.

“You really should speak to your father about this,” urged Oliver. “I’m certain that even though he is terribly busy, he would perhaps make a call to the Institute and let you talk to the doctor, or even your mother, if she is able to. Or he could possibly arrange a trip there with his government contacts.”

“Yes, yes,” said Molly dully. “I… I will talk to… Father.”

“Good,” said Oliver, although he looked puzzled by Molly’s clear lack of enthusiasm at his quite sensible suggestion.

“Mr. Oliver?” she said. “There’s one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“I know this will sound quite silly, but it seems that, what I mean to say is, there might be people watching my house. And following me.”

“Following you?” he exclaimed.

“Yes. When I first came here to see you, two men in a car followed me. I’m sure of it. And I’ve seen another man watching my house. And so has my nanny.”

“And don’t forget ’bout the bloke that took your picture at the park and then run off,” interjected Charlie.

“Took your picture?” parroted Oliver.

“Well, at least I think he did,” said Molly.

“Have you told your father about this?”

“I… No, but I suppose I should.”

“Yes, Molly, you absolutely must. It might be nothing but, then again, one can never be too careful. Particularly these days.”

“Of course, yes, I will tell him straightaway.”

“Good.” He turned to Charlie. “And how are you, Charlie?”

“I’m fine, guv.”

“And what brings you here?”

“I… saw your door was all banged up.”

“Yes, it seems that someone tried to break in. I didn’t see who. It was a group of boys, I think. It turned quite tragic. You might have heard about it? Two people died after being hit out on the street by a passing lorry.”

Molly exclaimed, “Oh dear, do you mean the constable and the boy? Charlie and I did read about that in the paper.”

He glanced at Charlie. “I have no idea why out of all the shops around here they would choose mine.”

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