Chapter 101: The Father's Betrayal, Part 13, Tom

JAMES

Tom enters the lobby flanked by a police officer to either side, Kirstie directing them to the conference room where we are waiting.

The central table is bare save for a tray with a water jug and glasses. Stanton sits at the end of the table nearest the door, an officer standing by his shoulder.

As they enter, Tom is guided to a seat at the end of the table furthest from the door. The police officers stand behind him, one to either side. His face is pale, shiny.

Michael enters, quickly looks around the room and then calls something back through the door. Charlotte follows him in, then silently, she sits. Michael takes a seat next to her.

Tom's face flashes recognition and he stands awkwardly. "Hello, Jenny." His expression is odd; as though he's trying to smile, but he's nervous. "It is you, then."

Her face is a frozen blank. "Hello, Tom. And yes, it's me."

He looks around at the gathering. "Am I under arrest?"

Stanton shifts in his seat. "Let us say for the momen