The Seller

There was obviously something she wanted to get off her chest, quickly. Lucas looked down at his son, ruffling his hair. Toby looked up.

"It wasn't my fault, Dad."

"Tell me what happened." Lucas was determined to hear the child's version first.

"James said something about Mama. I was upset." Toby's head dropped.

Lucas fought back the rising tide of irritation at the mention of Clara.

"Is that correct?" he queried the teacher.

"Apparently so. If we'd known this right away we would've informed you by phone. You've had a wasted journey, for which I apologize on behalf of the school." The woman shuffled her feet and folded her arms defensively as if she was ready for a row.

Lucas didn't want her to clam up, so he smiled. "I'd rather hear about this in person. Rest assured you did the right thing."

The teacher gave a quick smile, as if relieved. "My understanding is the other child involved made a remark about Mrs. Eaglestone. I'm not clear on the exact circumstances," she said quickly, blinking and averting her eyes, "but it seems Mrs. Eaglestone is…a friend…of the other boy's father, Adrian Deacon."

Lucas sighed, inwardly. "I understand." He resisted the urge to say more. "My outstanding concern is will there be any more trouble?"

"No. The other boy has apologized, as has Toby. We believe it's important we reintegrate them soon, before that's forgotten." She gave him a meaningful glance.

Toby looked up at Lucas. He looked fretful. Lucas squeezed his shoulder, nodded at him and smiled.

The boy's expression lifted. "My hand hurts," he declared.

Despite the circumstances, Lucas was relieved. "Of course it does. You won't do it again?"

Toby shook his head vehemently.

"It's always better to talk, to ask what was meant if someone says something that upsets you. You'll think about that and keep it in mind?"

"Yes, Dad."

He glanced at his watch. "What time would you like Toby to rejoin his friends?"

The teacher perked up. "The group will be back from ski practice in about forty-five minutes."

Lucas nodded. "I'll spend those forty-five minutes with Toby, if that suits you?"

"Yes, of course. Thank you Mr. Eaglestone."

When the teacher left, Lucas nodded over at the games console. "Is this a new game, something you can teach me?"

Toby nodded, grinned and led the way.

Chapter Nine

Naomi took a hot shower. The bathroom was luxurious, and huge — as much square footage as her living quarters above the shop in Edinburgh. The thought amused her. It also made her feel like an impostor. That thought kept stealing back, and hot on its tails the reminder she'd gone to London with a business plan, not to find a lover. Luckily the shower had a steambath feature. She needed it.

After she steamed herself to relaxation, she got wrapped in one of the plush toweling robes, then she strolled around the suite, toweling her wet hair as she went. Marble pillars punctuated the spa

ce. The furnishings were in shades of chocolate. Smokey full length mirrors only served to make the opulent space seem larger still. She turned, catching sight of herself at all angles as she moved. It was a world away from any luxury she'd ever experienced.

Noises outside the door of the suite caught her attention. Room service? No, Lucas said he'd order when he got back. Unless he'd changed his mind. Perhaps he'd ordered some cocktails, or champagne. She dropped the towel on a chair, retied the belt on her robe then strolled toward the door.

It sounded like a disagreement going on outside the door to the suite, and the voices were getting louder. Naomi quietly walked closer, curious.

As she did, the door burst open.