I kicked wildly, trying to stab his feet and legs with my heels but it was all grist to his mill. ‘You remember the bit in my story where the young soldier took my skirt and top and said he would leave them to dry at the bulkhead heater?’ James said nothing, simply glared. He looked down and sliced once, then moved and sliced again. You’ve met him – you’ve even been at his wedding, the one in Dundalk…’
‘What! I stood my ground. I could move and walk – I even kicked at him, fruitlessly – but my range was limited to the arc of the door. I kicked wildly, trying to stab his feet and legs with my heels but it was all grist to his mill. He looked down and sliced once, then moved and sliced again. I drew myself upright and thrust out my bosom in defiance.