He said nothing to Mr. Blacke's explanation. There was nothing to say. He just wanted to forget the entire thing.

"Aye..." he muttered. "I think I'm good." He drew up his knees and, using the wall behind him for balance, he managed to scramble to his feet. Well that felt... the the absolute worst he had ever felt.

"Pippa..." he suddenly remembered. "Miss Danes, I mean, she can't know. She can't see me like this..." The alley spun.