Book Two: Branch Sixty Seven

"Oh my God," Alethea said again with a hiccup following the exclamation.

"Hello I am Joshua and I am here looking for Ms. Aletta. Is this where she lives?" he asked her.

She suddenly snapped as if she was under a spell and had just been released. "I know you, everyone in the city knows you" she whispered but he could make out what she said.

"I am looking for Ms. Aletta?" he said again trying to make sure she heard him.

"So Aletta was not lying about you?" she blurted out without thinking.

"Is she home?" he asked again.

"Oh my goodness, pardon my manners. I should let you in" she said pulling the door wide and stepping aside.

Joshua took a minute to think deeply. Should he really be going in here? He did not know how Aletta might react to seeing him here but he was worried about her and that should justify his reason for coming here.

He stepped in and walked a bit inside to reveal the apartment. Of course, compared to his house this was a minute fraction but he loved how cosy it felt f