บท 178: Chapter 178: Natale, Part 16

Richard drives while I call ahead. "Michael, can you talk? Are you private?"

"Um..." His voice drops... "Just give me a minute." In the background, Charlotte, Beth and Mitch are talking. One of the babies is crying...

... The sound of footsteps... Behind the sound, the voices and the crying fade... Then silence. "Alright, I'm alone. What is it, James?"

"We've had news. Klempner may still be alive..." Michael's hissing response is quite audible... "... Certainly, he wasn't killed in the explosion as reported. We know that he was alive for certain three days later..."

"How the hell...?"

"I'll explain when I get there. But meanwhile, get the women together and prime Charlotte that she may have to hold her mother's hand."

"I imagine she might need some hand-holding herself."

"Yes, she might, but Charlotte can't miscarry..."

*****

Charlotte is waiting as we arrive, hovering in the hall by the door. "What...?"