Chapter 132: Confidants, Part 11

James

As the door closes, Haswell stands, checking that it is properly closed, then sits again, regarding me in silence, chin propped on his fingertips.

Here we go….

I sit, watching and waiting. The silence extends, and I begin to wonder....

“So, James,” he begins, “off-hand, I don't think the book of etiquette has anything to say on this conversation.... You bought yourself a virgin?”

Haswell doesn’t look angry, more bemused.

Best to take the bull by the horns….

“I did, yes. I didn’t hurt her. I think you can see that. But if you want me to go, say so now. I’ll not leave you in the lurch. I’ll do everything I committed to for you, but I don’t want to waste my time…

He holds up a hand. “I didn’t say that I want you to go, did I?”

“No, fair enough. You didn’t.”

Where the hell do I go from here?

“When did all this happen?” asks Haswell.

“Last summer.”

His mouth quirks. “Around the time you won the original contract with my company then?”