章 79: Chapter 79: Meeting the parents

He felt sick and put his head in his hands. He felt Naylor's grip on his neck.

'You're not going to pass out on me, are you?'

He shuddered and sat up. 'No.'

Naylor grimaced at the dregs in his coffee. 'I've got to get back. They'll ring me when there's a change.' He stood and put his hands in his pockets, looking down at Alex, ruminating. 'We still need you.'

'I want to stay.'

Naylor chewed on his cheek, contorting it. What good would Alex be in his present state? 'Tomorrow morning then. I'll keep everyone off your back till then but it's got to be done.'

Alex nodded absent-mindedly and began to pace.

The policeman didn't leave. 'Why not go up?'

Alex stopped mid-step. 'No,' he said without turning. 'I'll wait here.'

'You have to talk to them sometime.'

Alex's shoes squeaked again. 'I know.'