Chapter 47: The Sin Of The Parent, Part 2, Forty-Three Years Ago

"Thank you for agreeing to see me, Mr Haswell."

"No problem, Mr Kimberley. I'm always happy to talk with someone who's had a new idea. Please...." The tall man gestures to a chair. "Do sit down. And it's Edward. May I call you Albert? Or is it Al?"

"It's Al. And yes, of course." He takes the seat offered, placing a file and a document tube on the desk.

Edward clears his throat. "Would you mind if I bring in someone else to the meeting?"

Al hesitates, looking nervous. "Er.... Who...?"

"No-one to worry about. Just my son. He's following me into the business and it will be good training for him to see how these things are done."

"Of course. I'd like to meet him."

Edward shouts through the door again. "Linda, can you ask Richie to join us."

A minute or so later a boy appears at the door; maybe fifteen or sixteen, tall like his father, although with the usual teenage lankiness. He is dark-haired, is going to be handsome and has eyes unusually sharp in so young a face.