Chapter 146: Champions, Part 7

Michael

I find both Richard and James in the study, the air a little stale after the room being closed up all summer.

Richard collates papers, looking cheerful. James grim-faced and melancholy, sits in an armchair by the window, gazing out distractedly.

“Morning, James. Morning, Richard.”

James glances at me, gives a curt nod and looks away again.

“Good morning, Michael. It’s a beautiful morning, isn’t it,” says Richard.

“I’m hoping so. Can I take it you have good news?”

“You can, yes. Is Charlotte here?”

“She’s upstairs, asleep. She’s done little enough of that over the last couple of days. I wanted to leave her in bed as long as possible and certainly, until I’ve heard what’s coming so I can prepare her.”

“She’ll be fine, Michael, at least so far as any police investigation is concerned.” He eye-points me at James.

Trouble brewing…?

…. As if she needed it….

Ross enters, carrying a tray with coffee and juice. “In here, sir?