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

stare, but she simply chuckles and lifts her needles again, counting under her

hob. “So, who wants tea? Who wants

drifting from the upper floor, the wail of new lungs

*****

Klempner

wait. The answer’s a little slower in

Timezone?

yes… Early morning there. Perhaps I’ve

to ring off, the line clicks and connects. “Good morning, sir.” Hickman’s tone is polite but

I wasn’t thinking. I should

already out of bed. You caught me making coffee.” A pause and a

things over there, Hickman?

If there had been, naturally I would have contacted you

“Mitch?”

sir. She spends a lot of time staring into space and fiddling

my daughter and

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