““swift glance to his watch, then sat down carefully on a low wall that edged a reed-choked dyke, and removed one of his trainers. ‘Fifteen, fourteen, thirteen . . .’ ‘You alright, mister?’ Oh perfect, perfect timing, young man! Ted looked up and blinked at the boy. ‘Sorry. Didn’t see you there. Yeah, I’m fine.’ He rubbed at his foot and winced. ‘Stone in my shoe, damned great blister. Must have””