Page 116 of Crocodile Tears

“Did Doctor Baumann give you any painkillers?”

“No, sir. I think she was worried about my mental state and what I might do with them.”

“Well, if you need any, just ask.” He handed the gel back and turned to go.

“I will, but I’m fine for now. And sir?”

“Hmm?” He glanced back.

“Thank you,” Alexander said softly.

“Did Elliot take you to a doctor after this happened?” Josiah demanded.

“He mentioned it, but he was worried he’d be reported for abusing an IS, and I’d be taken away from him.”

“Christ, Elliot Dacre sounds like a complete shit,” he said.

Alexander shrugged. “I don’t think he was a bad man, sir, but I’ll be honest with you – out of the three houders I’ve had, you’re by far the best, so far.”

Josiah gave a little grunt.

Alexander shot him a sweet, genuine smile. “I mean it, sir,” he said softly. “I really like you.”

Chapter Twenty

OCTOBER 2087

Alex

“You’re leaving?” Noah paused in the act of pouring himself a drink from the small bar area in his office and stared at Alex in disbelief.

“Yes.” Alex lifted his head, his jaw jutting out obstinately. “I want to develop my designs, and you’ve made it perfectly clear that’s not going to happen here, so I’ve found somewhere else.”

“So, what – you walked into a bank, and they agreed to hand over millions to you, of all people?” Noah raised a sceptical eyebrow.

“That – there – is precisely why I have to get out of this toxic environment and go somewhere I’m appreciated,” Alex said tightly.

“Why would anyone invest in the untried ideas of a complete novice?”

“Because I’ve found someone who believes in me, and, let’s face it, Dad, you don’t.”

“Who are you talking about? What have you got yourself into, Alex?”

“I’ve found an investor. I don’t need Lytton AV anymore.”

“Who is this investor?” Noah asked sharply.

“It’s none of your business.”

“Seriously – who would giveyoumoney? Who would take that risk, given your reputation?”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake! It always comes back to that, doesn’t it? You look at me and see the kid who screwed up, and you never allow me to be anything else. I got a first-class degree in a subject I hated, I put in time on the factory floor, but nothing I do will ever be good enough for you.”

“That’s not true, but you haven’t earned it yet.”

“Itistrue!” Alex roared. “It’s always been about Charles for you.”

“Your brother applied himself to something. He worked hard, put everything into his rowing, and he wasn’t expelled from three different schools because of his bad attitude.”

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