Chapter 122: The Shadow Of Obsession, Part 10, Mr Kalkowski

Michael gazes at the letter, then passes it to Chad. "What did he mean," he asks, "about his own experiences?"

"He'd left his old country, years before, to come here. Just him and his wife. He never really told me about it. But it was clear that he'd lived through bad times."

Chad perches on the table beside her. "Jenny, are you still mad at me?" Sebastian looks over his shoulder, then turns away with an overly obvious show of disinterest.

She lays her hand on his. "No, not anymore." She stares into space for a moment then, "I'll admit it wasn't always like that. There were times that if you'd been standing in front of me, I would have punched your face in, but that's long gone."

He laughs, but the sound is rueful. "I'm pleased to hear it. I would have felt morally bound to let you land the punch."

The doorbell rings.

Perfect timing...

Lighten the mood...

"That will be Beth and Richard," I announce. "Michael, Charlotte, why don't you answer the door. Chad, Sebastian, wh