The Hay relay story so far: Chapter one by Beryl Bainbridge Chapter two by Rose Tremain Chapter three by Thomas Keneally Chapter four by Dave Eggers Chapter five by Louisa Waugh Chapter six by Blake Morrison Chapter seven by AL Kennedy
Chapter eight
Maria had fallen asleep. Her leg lay heavily against his thigh. It must be exhausting work, making him look a fool. She'd had plenty of practice, over the years. George could still recall the prickling sense of recognition when he had read the manuscript of her first novel and encountered Harry, the bumbling, alcoholic GP with contemptuous teenage children and a strong, capable wife.
Maria would whip on her dressing gown and go to investigate. The sound had stopped but there was somebody out there in the corridor, he could sense them holding their breath.
Fuck it. George removed his wife's leg and climbed out of bed. He would show her! He walked across the room and opened the door.
The corridor was empty. He stepped out. His bare feet sank into the carpet. It was sopping wet.
At that moment he realized that he was not alone. At the end of the passage a man stood, gazing at the grandfather clock as if expecting it to chime. It was the man they had seen that first night, eating dinner with the girl. He looked as if he had slept in that linen suit. George walked up to him.
He turned. "Help at last," he said. "You look fit."
George was absurdly flattered. "Think so? My wife says - "
"We'd better get started" said the man. "I want to get it done before the dogs arrive."
Tomorrow: Toby Litt
