Chapter 64: The Sin Of The Parent, Part 19, James and Ben

JAMES

"Got your stuff?"

Charlotte jams her hard hat and steel-toed boots into a bag, then patting at pockets, does a visible phone, purse, notebook, pen check. "Yes, got everything. You good to go?"

"Yes, let's get moving. I don't want to be late."

We head down, Charlotte stepping out of the elevator ahead of me and heading smartly for the door.

Ben's there, talking to Kirstie. He's smiling, but she looks uncomfortable, although Ben seems not to notice.

His smile fades as he sees me.

"Oh hello, Ben. I didn't know you were around," says Charlotte. "Are you here to see me for something?"

He replies to her politely enough, but his eyes are on me and are not friendly. "No, I just called by to say hello to Kirstie."

This isn't the place for an argument....

I switch to polite but cool mode myself. "Hello, Ben. Charlotte and I just going out on-site."

"Really? What's happening on-site?"

What's wrong with the man?