Chapter 189: Alphas, Part 15

James

The following morning Richard and Beth join us for breakfast, accompanied by Ross who from God-knows-where produces enormous quantities of oatmeal, eggs and ham, orange juice and coffee. Will joins us but only knocks back cup after cup of black coffee.

After half an hour’s steady work which leaves the table looking rather empty, both Michael and Charlotte look much revived.

“I want to go home,” says Charlotte.

“It's pretty rough and ready,” says Richard. “You're welcome to stay here. You'll be a lot more comfortable.”

“But it's not home,” she says.

Michael beams.

That just made his day.

“There’s no reason you can’t,” says Will. “We know now what we’re looking for. So long as you have an internet connection you can do it all remotely.

*****

Over the next day or so, I try to stay cheerful at home, not to let my grim mood show. And all the while I wonder how to give the news to Charlotte that she can’t return to her university.

I can expect stiff resistance there….