Page 60 of Mann Hunt
Charlie quickly composed himself. “Sorry to barge in, but Michael Taylor is downstairs and would like to see you.”
“Well, this is interesting. I’ll be right down.” Declan spun around and his towel dropped. Charlie took in the glory of the Greek sculpture that stood before him, sliding into his underwear.
When Charlie left Declan’s office, he was certain that Michael would hear his hammering heart. “Mr Hunt will be right with you.”
“Thank you.”
Charlie watched the man absentmindedly rubbing his index fingers with his thumbs as he stared at the wall ahead of him.
Declan emerged from his office. “Mr Taylor? Thank you for waiting. Please, come and have a seat in my office.” Declan indicated the way.
Michael stood, straightened his jacket and headed in. Charlie followed. Declan met him halfway.
“This guy looks pretty tense,” Declan whispered. “I think he might be more cooperative if this wasn’t two against one.”
“Yeah. Something’s got him wound up. Oh, I got us some coffees,” Charlie said, picking up one of the cups from Gwen’s. “Do you want yours now?”
“You are a life-saver…” he said, taking the cup with one hand, and rubbing Charlie’s shoulder with the other, “but…” He chewed on his bottom lip, then over hisshoulder yelled out, “Michael, would you like a latte?”
“Sure,” Michael yelled back.
Declan got a sheepish grin on his face.
“Take it,” Charlie said.
“My hero.” Declan took the coffees into his office, then closed the door.
* * * *
Michael sat in the chair by the window. He had dark brown hair cut in a low fade, and a strong chin with a cleft. His eyes were grey and capped with thick brows. Declan could see why Katherine would find him attractive. He sensed Michael was nervous. Declan handed him the latte.
“Thanks,” Michael said.
“Thank you for coming to meet me. I was going to give you a call and arrange to get together.”
“I was coming down into the area so I thought I’d save you the trouble.”
“What brings you to this part of town?” Declan asked, hoping to lighten the mood.
“I like to go to Dead Cat Records. It’s just around the corner.”
“The jazz place?” Declan asked.
“I’m into Ornette Coleman.”
“Coleman’s great. I’m partial to later stuff by Pharoah Saunders and Charles Mingus.”
“Those two are pretty awesome.”
Michael changed the subject and shifted in his seat. “Katherine said you wanted to talk. About Ian, and…other stuff.”
Declan had a feeling that whatever Michael was about to say would have been rehearsed.
Michael told him the same story of reconnecting with her when he had returned from Europe, being dazzled by her European attitudes, to say nothing of her beauty. He professed his love for her and his lack of concern with regard to their age difference.
When Michael had finished his story, Declan said, “I understand your parents are unaware of this relationship?”
The tone of Michael’s voice changed from nervous to one of superiority.
