9 Chapter 9

Sebastian stood back a little, so he wouldn’t be seen, largely as he was stark naked and sporting a spectacular cockstand, but also because there was something about Hawkins demeanour that spoke of a solitude that would not welcome company. When they had met, he had stood rigid. Shoulders back, every inch the officer. Now, his body looked weary. Tired. He sat on an ornamental bench that had a beautiful view of the garden, and his shoulders sagged. He rubbed his face, and then bowed his head. Sebastian held still and watched. Hawkins didn’t move except to link his hands together and let them hang between his knees. He was there for so long that Sebastian wondered if he might have fallen asleep. He felt as though he were intruding unforgivably, but he was afraid to move in case Hawkins noticed him.