Chapter 39: Further Complications

It was dark in the dungeon, as was the tradition. The suffering of Declan’s mind extended to the rest of his being. It wasn’t a dungeon in the traditional sense, his house wasn’t that old, but his office could sometimes feel like it. Especially when he had to be so isolated.

The knock came lightly on the door, pattering like spring rain. Even Jones knew better than to be jarring when Declan was in a stupor. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, the entire house went on alert.

Easing up to something like a standing position, Declan went to the door with no great enthusiasm. Knowing in his bones that if he ignored it, the knocks would only come again. Jones could be very persistent that way.

“Luncheon, sir?” Jones said, phrasing it as a question.

“Thank you, Jones.”