The Shape Shifter

Belle et Bonne and Ageless are returning to the riverbank where the otter sicked up the gold coin which fell out of Arthur's pocket.

Kobo is in Belle's backpack, reading Kafka By The Shore.

They are being followed at a respectful distance by Hideo, the Japanese customer who seems to know so much about otters.

Belle and Ageless are discussing love and obligation.

I do think it was lovely of you Ageless, says Belle et Bonne, to take Kobo to a bookshop and buy her a book. By the way, you owe me three pounds fifty.

That's where you are out of luck, says Ageless. I have no money.

I thought as much, says Belle et Bonne. But make no mistake, you will repay me somehow.

Did you know we're being followed? says Ageless.

Belle turns around and sees the Japanese customer a short way behind them.

Are you lost? says Belle et Bonne to the Japanese customer. Do you need directions?

Kawai, says Hideo, rudely.

Very funny, says Ageless. We know you. We saw you in the bookshop.

I wish to see the otter, says Hideo. The one that ate your money.

The otter won't be there, explains Belle et Bonne. He sicked up the coin and dived straight back into the water. We're just going to meet our friends. But you're welcome to join us. Perhaps you can tell us more about otters, they must be very interesting creatures.

I prefer to follow you at a distance, says Hideo.

That's really creepy, says Belle et Bonne.

Don't worry, says Ageless. Ageless will protect you from the predatory human.

Thanks, says Belle et Bonne. As long as you know it's not worth three pounds fifty. Look! I see Rosie and Arthur.

Rosie and Arthur are standing at the riverbank, next to a heap of grass. Arthur is holding an empty bucket.

Hi, says Belle et Bonne. Have you got it?

No, says Arthur. We were waiting for you.

Me? says Belle et Bonne. Oh all right. Give me the bucket.

She drops her backpack on the grass.

Ouch! says Kobo from inside the backpack. Do be careful!

Who's that man? says Rosie. He's looking at us funny.

A serial killer, says Ageless. But don't panic.

An otter afficionado, says Belle et Bonne. Totally harmless. Aren't you?

Kawai, says Hideo, the shape shifter, as he dives into the glittering Water of Leith.

Bizarre! says Rosie. What a nutcase! Come on, let's get this thing over with and leave.

Belle swishes water from the bucket over the pile of grass and vomit. The gold coin, uncovered, shimmers in the sun. Still no one really wants to pick it up.

They look at one another helplessly.

I'll do it, for a price, says Ageless. Three pounds fifty.

Done, says Arthur. I'll have to owe it to you.

Everyone watches as Ageless picks up the coin with his large pincer.

They don't see the otter as it slides out of the water, and creeps towards Belle's backpack lying open on the grass.