‘We can do those after we’ve checked in on Myffy and Priti.We’ll be heading in that direction anyway,’ Nash suggests.
‘Excellent idea.What I’ll need from you is to take note of who is in, and if there are any immediate needs.’
Shaz plonks a big stack of printed flyers on the table in front of them.‘And if no one answers, pop one of these through the door.’
They’re pretty basic, in black and white with large text so that they can be easily read, explaining who the task force members are and what number to call for help.
‘Do you need us to cook any more too?’Christopher asks.
‘Can we let you know later?’Tamara says, handing him their own copy of the map, roads marked for them to visit.‘Sorry, I know it’s a lot—’
‘We can handle it.’
‘Thank you.’
Shaz looks around at the map, then at the computer, and back up to Tamara.‘Tammy, have you slept?’
‘Not since 1996.Why?’
In a mock whisper to Christopher, Shaz continues, ‘I think you guys should make her some treats, just in case.Our lives are in her hands.’
‘A bit of snow won’t break me.’
A laugh sounds across the room, and Christopher turns to see Ursula walking in.
‘That might though,’ Tamara mutters under her breath.
For just a moment, Nash puts on the film star smile.The glow appears.‘All right then.We’ll get going.You all stay warm and safe now, ma’am.’
And Christopher could swear that Tamara giggles like a schoolgirl behind her hand, before clearing her throat.‘Yes, you too.’
As they walk out of the community centre, Christopher says, ‘That was quite impressive.’
‘What?’
‘Thema’am-ing.’
‘Oh that.Easiest way to diffuse a situation.’
‘Flirting?’
‘Something like that.’
‘I think you might have too much power.’
They carefully pick back across the road to the bakery, and Christopher finds it far easier this time.It would be easier ifNash hadn’t walked ahead, and if he could hold onto him to steady himself, but he makes it all the same.
They reach the van, which is somehow even colder inside than outside, and Nash slings the bag of supplies into the back.It doesn’t take too long for the van to splutter to life, and a very small amount of heat to filter through.
‘Any ideas about fixing the heating in here?’Christopher asks.
Nash shakes his head.‘That’s beyond me, sorry.’
‘Were you always very handy?Or interested in machines?’Christopher trails off, trying to find words that aren’t so obviously about abefore.
‘You mean, it’s surprising someone who can’t drive knows how to repair a van, right?’
‘Well ...yes.’
