Chapter 125: The Shadow Of Obsession, Part 13, Friends

RICHARD

I click off the video connection and almost immediately, there's a tap at my door.

James?

Waiting for me to finish?

"May I come in?"

Yes... James...

He looks terrible...

"I wanted to apologise."

I gather the sheaf of papers I was working with, injecting a business-like tone into my voice. "There's nothing to apologise for my friend."

Sounding unconvinced, "No?"

"No. We all have low points in our lives and I'd say you had one of those yesterday." I regard the man standing in my doorway...

Face sallow...

Pupils like pin-holes...

Eyes like piss-holes in snow...

"How's the hangover?"

"About what I deserve... Thank you for looking after Charlotte last night."

"I wouldn't have had it any other way, James."

He stands, head lowered, seeming lost for words. This isn't the James I know.

You're not right yet, are you... Not by a long way...

I stand, walk across to him and am about to slap him on the shoulder....

Hangover...

Splitting headache...

Nausea...