Page 67 of London, Can You Wait?

The female constable did a double take. Did she recognize Mark? “So, what brings you to Southwark?”

Mark stepped forward, the top of his cap appearing. “I…surprise my girlfriend…” Alex jammed her ear against the glass. The alcove made his voice hard to make out. “…didn’t want to miss her…I’m sorry…too loudly…the neighbours.”

Freddie came into view, fidgeting with his glasses. Alex had never seen him so nervous—he was bricking it, as Mark would say.

The male constable nodded his head. “Mr. Keegan, this behaviour—loitering, watching a person—can be classified as a Section 2A offence for stalking. Now, we’ll give you a warning, provided you leave the property immediately and don’t return within the next twenty-four hours.”

“Yes officer, no problem,” Freddie jumped in, his shoulders leaving his ears. “It won’t happen again. Right, Mark?”

He stepped forward. “Right. Thanks for letting us go on a warning. I’m sorry for any misunderstanding.”

The female constable smiled. “Have a safe trip home.”

The officers walked to their car while Freddie mouthed, “Come on!” and speed-walked in the opposite direction.

Alex lifted her face from the glass. The show was over.

Mark stepped into the alcove again, out of sight, and then reappeared with his backpack and a courier box—the rectangular box she had claimed for him from the concierge. He took a few steps towards the road then turned around, looking up at the window.

Damn!She jerked backwards.

He kissed his palm and raised it at the empty window before turning and walking away.