[ brows furrow slightly, for just a second unable to recognise the man before him ]
[ there's a purely mental sensation of falling, like he'd thought there was one more step in the stairs, or reached for a box that wasn't there ]
[ but it is there, a box of memories just pushed a little further out of reach than expected ]
"I'm afraid she's stepped out for the evening, Herr Jones."
[ his gaze, glowing faintly in the dusky shadows of early evening, sweeps past Alfred and to the stranger, a faintly worried frown dusting the features ]
[ the door is opened a little wider, offering entry, but uncertain if that is what is desired ]
"I can give her a ring - what is the matter?"