'It's no secret they weren't friends. Ron and his wife divorced years ago and Alex sided with his mother, although he didn't go to America with her. Apparently he didn't want to leave Sydney and his mates - he was about fifteen, I think - but he never saw his father unless absolutely necessary; preferred boarding school.'
'Must've been lonely.'
'Far from it from what I know. Miles above everyone scholastically and in sports.'
'Insufferable?'
'Apparently not; well liked generally. Which goes to show how good he was.'
Noel prompted when he didn't explain. 'I don't follow.'
Nick's answer was sharp. 'At deception. He was a bastard.' He saw Noel blink and eased up. 'Good at hiding it, but a bastard. Wasn't above touching Ron for money when he needed it, which I gathered was often. Liked t
