Chapter 32: The Visitors

Emily started to sketch a picture of Rupert, illuminated by the setting sun. It helped her pass the time while she waited for Byron to come to his senses.

It was probably going to take a long time since he had done nothing but drink, stare at the wall, then stare out the window. He crossed his legs, then uncrossed them and leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

The sound of footsteps made Emily look up. A short, prematurely balding man entered the room, looking right at home.

"Hey man, you haven't returned my calls. Oh, hi," he said, spotting Emily, "I'm Nathan Clarke."

"That's because I didn't feel like talking," Byron said.

"I've been his friend since elementary school," said Nathan, "and this is how he treats me. And you must be the lovely Emily."

They shook hands, then Nathan went over and patted Rupert.

"Do you think the situation is all that bad?" Emily asked.

"I don't have an inside view of the business," Nathan said, pouring himself a whisky and plopping a couple of ice