by Alan Townendbreakfast but the officer was empty-handed. The new shift had just
fallen in and it was made absolutely clear to me that I was to fall
out. As I emerged blinking into the bright sunlight I felt like a
prisoner being let out after a long sentence and as I did so bumped
straight into my next-door neighbour about to start his early shift. I
was so embarrassed I just wanted the ground to fall in and hide me
from the shame of it all. From that day I fell down in her estimation
as she was convinced I had been locked up for the night for criminal
behaviour. I've tried to explain what happened but she merely falls
about laughing and refuses to believe me. It's her little joke now if
anybody falls under suspicion and their guilt is reported in the local
newspaper to take me to one side and say: 'I see so and so missed
the last train.'