Klempner doesn’t reply, but droops his lids. Slowly, carefully, Michael tilts the flask to his lips, giving him a bare mouthful, then squats back on his haunches, waiting. Klempner holds the water, then swallows slowly…
Compos mentis then…
“Here, have another sip.”
Klempner parts his lips, his eyes on the water-bottle, and Michael gives him a little more. And then again.
Finally, rheumy eyes settle on me. Parchment lips twitch. In barely a whisper, “You… took… your… f*****g… time.”
“My apologies, the invitation was a little unclear. And you failed to include the RSVP.”
“James…” Michael’s tone is urgent. “I’m all for hellos and hilarity, but first things first. Klempner, where’s Juliana? Is she likely to turn up while we get you out of here?”
“Dead…” The voice is brittle as autumn le
