Some men might beam at that. My sombre fellow director merely gives a small smile. “Thank you, Richard.”
My intercom buzzes.
“Yes, Francis?”
“Mr Haswell, this is for James, I have Georgie on the line…” A small pause, then, “She sounds quite upset. She says she’s called several times but you didn’t answer.”
Alarm crosses James’ face. “No, I’d barred calls while Richard and I were talking. Pass her straight through, please.”
A click and then a voice bawls out. “Dad! I’ve been ringing and ringing and…”
“Calm down, Georgie. What’s wrong? What’s the matter?”
Her voice blurts out over the conference room. “Dad, I went to the stables. And she was there. With Michael and they were… They were…”
James raises his face and lets out air, his mouth moving in a muttered curse. Then, “Georgie, cal
