Chapter 119: The Shadow Of Obsession, Part 7, Chad

JAMES

We head for the house.

Charles. Chad... says nothing, but as I gesture him through to the lounge, Michael and Charlotte following, he swirls around, gives an apologetic nod to Michael, then sweeps Charlotte into his arms, bear-hugging her.

"God, Jenny, you're here. You're safe." He swings her back and forth. "I tried so hard to find you before they did, but you just vanished and yet here you are...." He stands back, holding her hand, his gaze openly admiring. "And look at you... You look fantastic."

Charlotte casts apologetic eyes at Michael then her gaze hovers over mine... She's tense, picking at her fingernails.

Nervous?

Of my reaction?

Perhaps...

... before she replies. "So do you, Chad. You've, um, filled out rather since I last saw you."

Set her mind at rest...

I step forward, offering my hand. "I know Michael introduced us before, but it became a bit confused, didn't it. I'm James. It's good to see Charlotte finding her old friends again."