As we leave, Richard murmurs, “Keep your face straight.”
“You might have warned me….”
“What? That you were my ace-in-a-hole?” Despite his advice, his mouth is twitching. “Not a chance. It worked out so much better that you were surprised when he finally realised who you are.”
I glance over my shoulder to see that we are safely out of range, then stop and turn to face him. “Richard, who am I? I’m an architect. A good architect granted, but….”
He lays a hand on my shoulder. “You, my friend, are the architect who will have changed the face of the City. Not many can make that claim. Your immortality is going to be standing as evidence around us for generations to come.”
It’s an interesting thought.
“I never expected to be famous.”
He rocks a hand back and forth. “Perhaps not with the Common Man, but I looked through those Get-Well cards at the hospital. Did you?”
“Er, no.”
“You should. I asked Michael to keep them for when you left the hospital; for when you finally got around to noticing how many people think you matter. The university sent you a card and it was signed by the Chancellor.”
*****
Richard
I’ve seldom seen James so completely flummoxed. He clearly has had no idea how well regarded he is.
I get a couple of beers in and put one of them in front of him. Michael re-joins us only a few minutes later and performs a visible reality check:
Happy faces: two.
Glasses of Beer: two.
All okay….
Then he looks around. “Where’s Charlotte?”
“Gone shopping,” says James.
He glazes over. “Shopping? When did Charlotte ever go shopping? She hates shopping.”
James takes a long mouthful of beer. “It’s a university town. She’s just discovered the street with all the second-hand bookshops….”
“Ahhh.…” Michael rocks on his heels. “Right…. Might as well get a beer then.”
James sucks in his cheeks. “Several beers I should think.”
When he returns from the bar, glass in hand, “How did it go? Got her course details sorted out?” He tosses a couple of bags of peanuts on the table, opens one and tosses back a handful, then shoves the bag across.
we’re both quite pleased with the result. James said, and I suspect you agree, that, for her own safety, he’d be happier having Charlotte close at hand, rather than
eyes at me, then, “Yes, I am happier with
the material by distance learning and online training. So long as she can pass the exams, that covers all the academic material. And the practical experience presents no difficulties. I’ll make sure she works her way around everything that’s available in the industry within fifty miles. James here can handle
university
on the Haswell Corporation for a lot of favours. I’ve called some of them
on the table. “You like getting your own way, don’t
You noticed, eh….
of wealth. I
patterns through a little slopped liquid. Then he locks eyes with me. “And by the way, you’ve not pulled the wool
Damn….
“Meaning?” I take some nuts, chewing on
another You’re not fooling me look. “Charlotte is not
you’ll look after Charlotte
Fair enough….
is silent but
of it than Ross. On his watch, Elizabeth has been kidnapped twice, and Charlotte herself escaped when
narrow. “That still doesn’t make it Charlotte’s
think will stop Charlotte? If she sets her mind
to explain that to her? Or would you like me to
tattoo on the table top as he
he looks back again, his tone is much milder. “And Charlotte, is
to
to James. “You’re unusually quiet. Do you think she’s
enough….” he
of it
no
if she
And for once in this, she’s going to do as she’s damn well told. She’ll get what she
a long look, then turns his attention
What are you thinking….?
don’t say
do
again against Charlotte making her entry, laden with bags. Obviously full of books, some
stands, relieving her of some of the bags. “Ah, Charlotte, there you are. I see you
Her eyes are alive with pleasure, her
slightly. “Mind if I look at what you’ve bought?” The smile turns whimsical as he works
‘The Chronicles of Narnia’,
look, shaking his head slightly but also
Prejudice’…. An eclectic mix.” He opens a copy of what
“Specialisation
examination of the volume in his hand, frowning as he
mouth opens, and her eyes widen
know the reference, but for the life of me, I can’t
Charlotte’s eyes are glossing….
What’s going on here?