Inferencing · Level 3

As Elmo arrived at the street, he was still trying desperately to recall which house the Giffords lived in. Try as he might, he could think of no distinguishing feature that set their house apart from all the others. Just as despair was setting in, he realised that he could find them quickly after all. Reaching across the seat into his bag, he pulled out his mobile phone.

The biting wind swirled through the city as Vance made his way through the crowds on the street. At times it actually pushed him along. He turned the collar of his coat up to give a little protection and at least the pretence of winning over 'the elements. He turned off the main street into the shelter of the narrow lane.

He could smell the tantalising aromas of coffee and baking breads wafting down the lane, and he imagined that he could already feel the warmth of the cafe interior. He and his friends had an arrangement to meet each week in this secluded corner of the city, away from the bustle and noise of the traffic and pedestrians. He paused fora few seconds to readjust his coat, then walked on.

He slowed his pace as he approached the second-hand dealer's shop front. The used and discarded belongings of unknown people had always held a fascination for Vance - he enjoyed hunting for a bargain and wondering where the items had come from. He scanned the contents of this week's window display and, seeing no reason to enter the shop, he continued toward the cafe.

The door hinges squeaked as he swung it open. The cafe owner glanced up at him and smiled. Vance greeted the owner and Wendy who was already at their customary table. By the time he had taken off his coat his usual coffee and cheese roll were being delivered to him.