You Are My Only Family

"I don't understand what you were thinking, Christopher." 

The condescending voice of Jerome Brunton didn't surprise Lord Lockhart. "I expected your call... Just a bit earlier, maybe yesterday?" he asked unfazed. The clear liquid in his glass twinkled by the lights. 

"My MaryAnn didn't want me to talk to you, in case I 'influence' you." 

"You mean coerce me?" Lord Lockhart chuckled as he stared at the half empty bottle in front of him. He poured himself another glass. 

"You made her live with guilt for the rest of her life. You should have been honest, Christopher. You want our children to get coerced by the Council in the future?" 

As usual, Jerome- the visionary cared for the future implications of everything.