BURKE WAS SURPRISED to hear Louisa Orchard’s voice when he answered the phone. Of all the people he might have anticipated the call coming from, Louisa was almost at the bottom. He couldn’t imagine why she was calling him, and it was a few moments before he thought to ask.
“Good morning, Louisa, how can I help you?” he asked, keeping his voice as polite as a sleep and caffeine deprived system would allow. He could do nothing about his lack of sleep just then, but he could rectify his caffeine deprivation - he poured himself a cup of heavenly, aromatic Arabica coffee, and then left the machine running while he wandered into the living room.
“I’ve just heard the news report on the radio,” Louisa said, her voice distressed. “How’s Nathan? Are he and his family alright?”
“Nathan’s alright,
