章 31: Chapter 31: A guilty reaction

Chuck now passed the snacks tray around.

'Noel has been telling me she wants to organise my ambassadorial duties,' he said to Nick. 'Do we need organising?'

William interjected loudly. 'She's putting together a proposal, that's all.'

Everyone looked at her.

'That's all,' she said, cursing two instead of one.

Nick thought it was time to leave and said so, adding, 'I'm willing to listen, but I don't think we need it.' He shook hands. 'We'll see you all Sunday night?'

William wanted to leave too.

As they negotiated the stairs Chuck said in a voice not intended to reach William, 'I was serious about the cabinet.'

'I was serious about the refusal.' On the footpath she said, 'Thank you for showing us around, and the hospitality.'

'Honey,' he said, steadying William before letting go, 'we'll have to do it again. See you Sunday.'

'What will we do again?' William asked.

'Have drinks. Here's a taxi; you take it. I'll see you tomorrow.'