Michael

The kitchen seems as good a place as any to wait. Given the endless supply of tea and coffee needed, why go anywhere else?

Charlotte sits by the fire. “It’s going to feel funny having a brother for Cara.”

“Not exactly a brother,” says her mother. Mitch is on a knitting spree again, this time, a small blue hat.

Charlotte ponders. “True, but Adam will feel like a brother, won’t he.”

James puts a bottle of Cava in the fridge. “Something to celebrate with,” he says.

“We’ll need more than one…” I say... “… And… it’s Richard we’re talking about. I’ll pop across to the hotel and get some champagne.” He opens his mouth to protest and I hold up warding hands. “I know, it’s the same, but Richard would prefer it. And it’s his and Beth’s day. Why don’t you make sure we have plenty of ice for the bucket.”

“You’re right.” James lifts the lid of the freezer, rummaging inside.

“…Then you could make a pot of tea to take upstairs. If you give Richard any more coffee, they’ll be scraping him off the ceiling.”

James tugs out a bag of ice cubes. “Yes, there’s plenty.” He sucks at his cheeks. “Never thought I’d be so nervous on behalf of someone’s else’s child being born.”

on her lap. “Scared someone might think you

her a basilisk stare, but she simply chuckles

for the hob. “So, who wants

beyond the door, drifting from the upper floor, the wail of new lungs being tested out for

*****

Klempner

tap and wait. The answer’s a little slower in coming than

Timezone?

yes… Early morning there. Perhaps

off, the line clicks and connects.

wasn’t thinking. I should

of bed. You caught me making coffee.” A pause

are things over there, Hickman? Everything

If there had been, naturally I would have contacted

“Mitch?”

say Miss Kimberley is missing you, sir. She spends a lot of time staring into space and fiddling with your

my daughter and

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