Barrett's Hotel, Lambton Quay, Wellington

He began filling his pipe with methodical slowness, packing the tobacco firmly in the bowl, but not too hard, it had to be just right. He placed the stem in his mouth and gave a couple of experimental sucks before lighting a match. With a grimace he slowly dipped his head, still feeling the odd twinge from the beating he'd received. With the flaming match held above the bowl, he sucked noisily, drawing the flame down. Within ...