There was white-out conditions in the town; subsequently, the roads were impassable. Sitting in the small lobby of the town’s only inn Hector watched as the external white flurry moved against the thick windowpane. It was impossible to see more than an inch distance and what was perceivable was a vacant patch with no interest.

Sighing, he glanced at the magazine he had been pretending to read for the past three hours. There was nothing to do. Phone reception was terrible, it was only...