Chapter five
"We lost it, " said Joan as she picked at her chips outside of the McDonald's on Kensington High Street. The old man finished his chips, pulled a paper bag of sweets from his pocket, and offered one to Joan.
"No, thank you, " said Joan. "I should have had a salad instead. My legs hurt! How do you do it at your age?"
"I thought you run marathons?' chuckled the old man as he stared up at the full moon.
"Not in an evening gown and heels. I need a pair of rollerskates to keep up with you. What's your name, by the way?"
"You can call me John, John Smith. That's all I go by these days. "
"And I'm Joan Smith. Odd coincidence?"
"Your mother named you after me. "
"Your name is really John Smith?"
"Of course not. But it's a good alias when amoung the English speaking people of earth."
"You're from another planet?"
"So was your mother."
"I'm not human?'
"You're human on your mother's side."
Their conversation was cut short as as automobile down the street erupted in fire.
"I assume that's our quarry, " said John as he drew his wand. "I promised your mother I I'd keep you safe, so stay close to me. It's my career to keep people safe."