Chapitre 88: Chapter 88: Predator, Part 8

Klempner

The cafe is cheap and nondescript, serving the kind of food where the clientele looks for quantity over quality. The waitress sets down two breakfasts and two coffees then returns with a rack of toast. "Anything else?"

"No, that's fine, thank you."

Hickman slices into an egg. "Pleasant holiday, sir?"

"Very pleasant, yes. But..." I exhale, regarding the rasher on my fork.

Hickman chews and swallows. "... But sometimes you want to get back to real life?"

"Quite."

"Indeed, sir. Families can be a worry." Hickman tips ketchup on the side of his plate then offers me the bottle.

"No, thanks. Can't stand the stuff."

He shrugs and nods. "Family time is all very well...." He swipes a rasher through the sauce and engulfs the result, speaking through his mouthful... "... but it doesn't achieve anything."

I absorb that. I'd never considered the personal life of this classic 'heavy'. "You have a family, Hickman?"