Tunnels 03, Freefall

ago. "This was where the luminescent orb was discovered, wasn't it?"
    "Yes -- this is Mrs. Tantrumi's house."
    Will shrugged. "So what are we doing here?"
    "She was a friend of Oscar's," Dr. Burrows told him.
    "So, what, are you going to ask her what happened to him?"
    "Yes, that was my intention," Dr. Burrows confirmed decisively. "And there was more that just the luminescent orb here."
    Will looked searchingly at his father. "What do you mean?"
    "The orb was found in the basement just beyond those steps over there," Dr. Burrows told him, glancing at the dark doorway. "There was also a wardrobe in there, stuffed full of Colonist's coats."
    "Colonist's coats," Will repeated, then realized what his father had said. "Jesus Christ, Dad!" he burst out. "You must be bloody mad!" He was looking nervously around now. "This is probably a route down to the Colony -- there could be Styx in that house."
    "No, just a sweet old lady," Dr. Burrows told him.
    "But, Dad," Will whined, stamping his foot. He was so frustrated that his father wasn't listening to him, he suddenly felt like he was a child of five years old again, not getting his way. He seized hold of Dr. Burrows by the arm as if he was about to drag him forcibly away from the wall. "This is just crazy. We've got to get away from here," Will pleaded. "We have to!"
    Dr. Burrows turned to give him a stern look. "Unhand me, Will."
    Will did as he was told and released his father's arm. He recognized the resolve in his father's voice as he spoke. "I've spent too much of my life hanging back from what I should've done. It's all too easy to find an excuse to put things off until another day. Christ knows, I should know. But right at this moment, I need to investigate what your sister..." he faltered for a beat, "... that twin said. I have to find out if Oscar really was some sort of Styx agent. I have to check the facts for myself."
    "I suppose you're right, Dad," Will agreed reluctantly.
    "Good," Dr. Burrows said, straight away hauling himself on top of the wall, then jumping down the other side. As he landed in the mud, his feet slid from under him and he sat right on top of one of the numerous bowls. The sharp crack of breaking plastic resounded around the garden, and in the ensuing silence Dr. Burrows swore and hauled himself to his feet, wiping the algae from his duffle coat. "Not again," he muttered to himself.
    Full of misgiving, Will remained where he was, watching as his father went to the back door and knocked on it gently.
    "Mrs. Tantrumi," Dr. Burrows called. "Are you there?" It's me... Roger Burrows."
    The door opened a crack and an enormous ball of black and white fur bolted out. It flew straight between Dr. Burrows' legs and into the garden. Startled, Dr. Burrows muttered "Cat?" as he tottered back a couple of steps.
    A wrinkled face peeped short-sightedly through the gap.
    "Hello? Who's that?"
    "Mrs. Tantrumi, it's all right. It's only me, Roger Burrows."
    Who?"
    "Dr. Burrows. I... um... dropped in to see you last year about the luminescent orb that Oscar Embers brought to me. Do you remember?"
    The door opened fully. The old lady had wispy white hair and was wearing an apron that wasn't tied properly, so that large yellow and white flowers ran at rather an odd angle across her body. She also appeared to be very unsteady on her feet, and was hanging on to the door jamb as if she needed it to support herself. She adjusted her glasses, clearly finding it a struggle to focus on Dr. Burrows. "Yes, of course I remember you," she eventually answered. "You're from the museum. You wrote me that lovely letter."
    "Yes, that's right," Dr. Burrows said in a relieved voice.
    "How lovely that you've come to see me again," she grinned, her old face lighting up. "You must join me for a cup of tea."
    "That would be very nice," Dr. Burrows replied warmly as the old lady waddled back into the kitchen.
    Dr. Burrows remained by the open door, stooping to stroke an ancient and painfully thin ginger cat. To his surprise, the cat hissed and lashed out at him.
    "Orlando! Mind your manners, you naughty boy! I'm so sorry, Dr. Burrows. He's not used to strangers. I hope he didn't scratch you."
    "Not badly," Dr. Burrows said, rubbing his finger where a claw had caught the skin. He narrowed his eyes angrily at the cat, which was still standing there with its scraggy ruff up, like a feline guard dog. "Mrs. Tantrumi, I actually came to ask you about Oscar Embers. Is he all right?"
    Mrs.