Gathering and Sharing

in honour of Tax Day in the U.S.

At the loud banging on the door, Holly jumped up. 'Who could that be?' she said. 'It's not teatime, not quite yet, and while I always make extra...'

The caller would not be put off; the banging came louder yet. Holly thought perhaps the door would burst open in another moment. She hurried to the door.

...and looked up, way up, to the sneering face of one of Lotho's Men. 'Yes?' she said. 'You wanted something?'

He smiled, and not a nice smile. 'Yes, my little lady,' he said, with an ironic bow, 'as a matter of fact, I do.'