Hal waited outside the chamber. Last time his papa had faced this awful thing, he had been at his side doing everything he could to help him save Sam’s life. Now it seemed Michael had taken-on that task, and quite rightly. He sat up higher on the sofa when the old woman came out with Pearl beside her. There was nothing to read on either of their faces. Nothing to tell him how Sam was. Christ, he had looked bad the last time he checked on him. Michael came out then and lowered himself beside him. ‘What’s happening? How is he?’
Michael rubbed his face. A gesture he recognised as their father’s. And his own too, now he thought of it. ‘Ma Gala’s dressed his wound again.’ After telling his brother all of it, he laughed. ‘Your face is the mirror of Papa’s when she said she would–’
Hal held up
