Chapter 60

“Good,” he said. “Charles just arrived, and he’s in the master suite, washing up.” He pointed to an open doorway at the rear of the study.

He led us downstairs and to a large glass-enclosed porch that appeared to run across the entire back of the house. The walls were floor-to-ceiling glass, framed by large pillars paneled in wood. There was a large glass-topped table at one end, with places already set. Sitting in an easy chair at the other end of the room was an older woman with gray hair, who stood with the aid of a cane as we approached.

“Hi, Gran,” Philip said. “Is lunch ready?”

“By the time we’re seated, it will be,” she said. “Where’s Charles?”

“Washing up,” he said. “Gran, this is Mitch Edwards, Rion Murphy, and their son, Jamie. Guys, meet Charles’ grandmother, Mrs. Barnett.”

We shook hands with Mrs. Barnett and followed her to the table at her invitation. Charles appeared in the room just as we had done so.

“Hi, guys,” he said. “Sorry I was a bit late.”