Коллекционер

           "Mr.Singleton?"shesaid,asifshewasn’thearingproperly.

           He’snotwhatyouthink,Isaid.

           Suddenlyshesatdownonthearmofthearmchair,likeitwasalltoomuchforher."YoumeanMr.Singletonorderedyoutokidnapme?"

           Inodded.

           "ButIknowhisdaughter.He’s...oh,it’smad,"shesaid.

           DoyourememberthegirlinPenhurstRoad?

           "WhatgirlinPenhurstRoad?"

           Theonethatdisappearedthreeyearsago.

           ItwassomethingIinvented.Mymindwasreallyquickthatmorning.SoIthought.

           "Iwasprobablyawayatschool.Whathappenedtoher?"

           Idon’tknow.Excepthedidit.

           "Didwhat?"

           Idon’tknow.Idon’tknowwhathappenedtoher.Buthedidit,whateveritwas.She’sneverbeenheardofsince.

           Suddenlyshesaid,"Haveyougotacigarette?"

           Iwasallawkward,Igotapacketoutofmypocketandmylighterandwentandpassedthemtoher.Ididn’tknowifIoughttolighthercigarette,butitseemedsilly.