Contents
29. Winter Journey
Overview
Kumiko manipulates Swain’s minder during a Portobello Road shopping trip, stages an escape, and seeks help at the Rose and Crown. Bevan, alarmed by Sally’s name, gives her Tick’s Brixton address as police close in. Colin warns that Special Branch can track her chip, so Kumiko vanishes into the Underground to wait for dark.
Summary
Petal reluctantly allows Kumiko an outing with Swain’s man, Dick. On Portobello Road, Kumiko weaponizes aimless antique shopping to burden and distract him, charging expensive, awkward items. When Dick likely prepares to call for a car, Kumiko breaks a boot heel by design, strips to gripping toe-socks, and shoves past him to escape into the crowd.
Kumiko races through side passages, guided by Colin, and heads to the Rose and Crown to find Tick. Inside, she asks barman Bevan for Tick, invoking Sally Shears. Startled and wary, Bevan weighs the risk of aiding a police plant against angering Sally.
As Alice warns that police have arrived, Bevan hurriedly directs Kumiko to Margaret Road, SW2, for Tick. Colin urges her out the back, noting these are no ordinary officers and likely linked to Swain’s Special Branch contact.
Colin then leads Kumiko into the Underground at Holland Park. He explains that any use of her MitsuBank chip would expose her to Special Branch tracking. With little cash and daylight making Brixton too dangerous, Kumiko opts to disappear into the warmth of the trains and stations, planning to reach Tick after dark.
Who Appears
- Kumiko YanakaAssertive and resourceful; orchestrates a public escape from Swain’s minder and seeks Tick to protect Sally.
- ColinDigital guide; advises on escape routes and warns of Special Branch tracking via Kumiko’s bank chip.
- DickSwain’s minder; accompanies Kumiko shopping before being outmaneuvered during her planned getaway.
- BevanBarman at the Rose and Crown; alarmed by Sally’s name, he provides Tick’s Brixton address as police arrive.
- AliceBar staff at the Rose and Crown; alerts Bevan to the arrival of police.
- PetalReluctantly permits Kumiko’s outing, setting the stage for Kumiko’s escape.