Chapter 77

Tolson disappeared and returned with the brandy decanter and left it by his elbow. He sat in silence for some time, no-one bothered him, but then no-one ever did. There were not from his usual set here, not that he had many friends to speak of, and he would have been shocked to the back teeth to see any of them, so he simply watched until Tolson came back to escort him. Tolson stood back and allowed Tristan to enter the room where he had met Samuel, loved Samuel, and rescued Samuel. It was their room.

“Sir?” Tolson broke his reverie. “I am afraid Henri is no longer with us.”

“I am hardly surprised.” Tolson looked relieved and opened his mouth to speak, but before he could do so Tristan jumped in again. “There was a young man that night. Small, long dark hair. I fancy I have had my fill of brutish types.”