Chapter 46: Chapter 46

“And bring us a selection of Pierre’s hors d’oeuvres to start, if you will?”

“Yes, sir.”

I waited until he walked away, then said, “Before we get into what you’ll be doing for the next five years, there’s something I need to discuss with you.”

“I haven’t gone and blotted my copybook, have I, sir?”

“Not in the least.”

“That’s all right, then.” He toyed with his glass as his lips curled in a small smile.

“I see I’m listed in your files as next-of-kin.”

“Oh. Found that out, did you, sir?” He flushed, and I was startled to realise he was a trifle flustered.

“Did you think I wouldn’t?”

“I…” He cleared his throat. “I suppose not, but I was hoping not just yet.”

“Would you mind explaining?”

“I…er…You’ve a right to an explanation, sir.”

“Quite.”

“Well, you see, Miss Travis was getting a bit insistent about it, and…”

I’d seen grown men quake in Genevieve Travis’s presence.