Chapter 6Once they were settled at a table in the tavern, Adam racked his brain to keep up a polite flow of conversation. At least the place was relatively empty at this time of day, though no doubt it would get busy as soon as dock, warehouse, and office workers clocked off their shifts.
Alf, sitting opposite Adam, clutching his half-pint mug, looked no more comfortable than he had outside and as though he was regretting the impulse to join Adam.
“So,” Adam said, doing his best to break the ice. “How are your parents doing?”
“Fine,” replied Alf tersely. Then he unbent a little for the sake of manners. “Doing better,” He added. They’ll never get over Trevor’s death, but it’s not so raw now.”
Alf’s older brother, like so many others, had died in combat and both his parents were devastat
