Chapter 65: The Sin Of The Parent, Part 20, Twenty-Nine Years Ago

He's not expecting much from the trip. One boring meeting after another. If he's lucky, they might sign the contract this time. More likely he'll have to come back a couple of times while they prevaricate and demand more details, extra costings, more projections.

But he's a professional. And a professional keeps smiling as long as it's needed to get the job done.

A drink....

Then an early night with a good book, or maybe a movie.

In the lounge, discreet music plays. A fire burns in the hearth. A pleasant environment.

"What can I get you, sir?"

"Malt on the rocks, please."

A bottle. The clink of ice cubes and the glass slides across to him. He sips, inhaling the vapours and feeling the chill burn hit the back of his throat.

That's good....

He tugs his tie open, undoes the top button of his shirt, then perching a hip onto a stool, turns to survey the room.