[MaC] The ARP warden arrives - and leaves

[Mel Mason]

>>In fact, Lucia was half way down the stairs when Michael caught up with 
>>her ... and together they went out of the flat and on to the landing where 
>>the ARP warden was emerging from the lift.
>>
They were followed by Hodges (in his shirt sleeves) and Philip Powell, still 
holding his drink.
>>
>>"You were showing a light," he said curtly.  "Top floor - that flat."  He 
>>pointed to the Fitzroys' flat.
>>
>>"We're very sorry," said Lucinda.  "We've put all the lights out now. 
>>Will you come and check?"
>
> Before he could enter Vangie joined them on the landing. "I think she has 
> the headache," she said to no one in particular before frowning at the ARP 
> warden. "....what seems to be the matter?"

"Light showing, Ma'am," said the warden.  "Have to check it out."

He walked into the Fitzoys' flat and pointed upwards.  ""Light coming from 
that there," he said, taking out a torch.  "At least, it was."

He started up the stairs.

"Wait!" said Lucinda.  "My husband said something about a bomb ... an 
unexploded bomb."

He turned, swinging the torch, and it illuminated all the gathered faces.

"That's right, Ma'am," he agreed.  "We're asking you all to stay in here 
until it's defused.  You'll be safe enough inside - but we can't guarantee 
anyone wandering about.  You will be notified."

Then he carried on climbing, emerging soon enough into the darkened lounge. 
The sound of the piano was starting again - a classical piece this time.

Marty Fitzroy's voice rang out.

"We've put all the lights out, Warden."

"That's all right, Sir," said the warden.  "I know which window it was."

He moved across to close by the bar and adjusted the curtain back into 
position.

"There's a tear in this," he said.  "Best get it stitched up in the 
morning."

Oswald, standing near the light switch, switched on - and the room was 
flooded with light. Most people seemed to be in the room - apart from Esme, 
Cyril, Anton and Nola.

"Well it wasn't there last night," Marty Fitzroy indignantly.

"Could have been caused by someone brushing past with something sharp," said 
the warden.  "Tears easily, this stuff does - if it's taut."

And certainly the bar had been the busiest corner.

"I'll be off then," said the warden - unless you'd like me to have a look 
round ... "

"That will be all right," said Marty.  "Just tell us about this bomb."

The warden repeated his earlier warning and then took his leave, Marty 
Fitzroy escorting him to the lift - as though to make sure he'd really 
leave.

The lift was slowly clanking its way down ... and Marty returned.

"Now I need a drink," he announced.  "Hodges - a brandy and soda.  With not 
too much soda."

His mood seemed to have taken yet another turn for the worse.