“Well,” he said, shifting to the edge of his seat, hands clasped together, elbows on his legs as he leaned further in, “it seems us wardens know our neighborhoods better than most . . . and who and what goes on there.” He widened his eyes at Alice.

“And?” Helena said.

“I’m just saying, there’s a lot that goes unsaid but not unnoticed, if you know what I mean.” He tapped the side of his nose with his forefinger, then gave them each a purposeful stare.

“Can you elaborate for us, Rex?” Penny asked.

“Of course. I know most of the streets and what goes on, and it strikes me that most of the other wardens would be the same. It would only take me having a word with some of them to see if anyone knows of anything untoward in their area.”

Alice caught Penny’s eye and smiled, feeling hopeful at this new avenue to explore. “Thank you, Rex,” she said. “That’s a marvelous idea. You’ve been most helpful.”

“It doesn’t seem right to me,” Terrance said with a sniff.

“What do you mean?” Helena asked.

“Isn’t there some code of conduct, something wardens have to sign to protect our privacy? I mean, what goes on in our homes should stay in our homes, shouldn’t it?”

“What have you got to hide, then?” Rex asked crossly.

“I don’t have anything to hide, but I also value my privacy,” Terrance said, looking affronted.

“I understand what you mean,” Alice said. “Remember the posters: careless talk costs lives? But we also have a moral obligation, don’t you think? It’s our duty to be vigilant.”

“Exactly,” said Penny. “It’s our duty to look out for spies. And baby farmers.”

“So, you’ll talk to the other wardens from the different areas?” Alice asked Rex.

“I’ll certainly talk to the ones I know.”

“And how can the rest of us help?” Helena asked.

“By talking to your friends and family,” said Alice. “Ask if there’s anything unusual happening in your area—couples with babies or children they didn’t have before.” Her energy was ebbing away, and she sat down. “Thanks, all of you.”

“Can we get on and talk about the book now?” Marjorie said with a sigh. She picked up her edition of How Green Was My Valley, the cover image bearing the stoic faces of miners.

“In a moment,” Penny said. “Alice?”

The room suddenly felt quite stuffy; the windows were closed, the blackout blinds drawn, and steam from the kettle had heated the limited air. Alice undid her top button and wiped the hair from her face, then took a large gulp of water. She felt faint and couldn’t keep track of what they were all saying.

“Are you all right, love?” Rex’s voice echoed distantly.

Penny’s face loomed in front of her before it began to spin, and everything went black.