Hallie Torsson – Chapter 2
By Storms-Are-My-Nature
I know, I know, you all thought I was dead. But I wasn't. Just busy. And banned from the computer for a while. And working on a novel and lots of Torchwood fanfics. But I'll try to be better. Just savour this chapter!
Disclaimer: If I owned Charlie Bone I would hardly be writing this Fanfic, would I? It would actually be a book.
Tancred walked down the frosty street, his breath clouding in front of his face. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and his nose was cold.
He often felt annoyed at having no control over temperature – the number of times people had complained at him...! – but now he was used to it. Almost.
The streets were empty, which in itself was odd enough on a Saturday evening, but Tancred thought nothing of it as he made his way to the Pet's Café.
Behind him, he heard footsteps, and spun around in time to see a dark shape flit into a darkened alley. He frowned, and a win picked up, blowing trash high into the air. He waited, in case he saw the figure again. His feet were getting cold in their thin trainers.
A few seconds later, he resumed his walking, looking forward to the warmth of the café. His thoughts flicked to Hallie, all alone in the big house by herself, but he shook aside any worries. Hallie can look after herself, he reminded himself. She's a big girl now.
The Pet's Café loomed into view.
He opened the door (the bell tinkled cheerily) and let himself into the welcome warmth. Lysander, Billy, Gabriel and Fidelio were all seated around a big table in the corner. Tancred went over to them and slid into a seat.
"Charlie and Naren with Mathy, then?" he asked, more for the sake of saying something than anything else. "How is he, by the way?"
"Still in hospital," Fidelio replied. "Liv's looking after Jessie and the kids back home."
"Oh."
Silence reigned over the table for a while.
"So how are things, Billy?" Lysander asked, false smile plastered over his face. "Not heard from you much recently."
"It's William, actually," Billy replied stiffly. "And 'things' are fine at the moment. I've been promoted at the bank."
"That's good," Gabriel offered timidly.
"When's your next concert then, Fido?" Tancred asked. "Monday, isn't it?"
"Monday," Fidelio confirmed. "Felicity and Freddie are playing too."
"That's nice. What grade are they now?"
"Lissie's just got her grade 5 on the flute and Freddie's taking his grade 6 oboe next month." Fidelio toyed with his tie.
"Right."
Sorry I had to leave it there – stressy mother! Will try and finish sooner, though!
Love to you all,
Storms.