Page 16 of Fe
Fen frowned as he lifted his fork to his mouth. Ripley could see him thinking as he chewed. It wouldn’t be about what A Levels he took, so what was the matter?
“History, English and geography. Do you want to know my grades too? Three As. I’m not stupid. So, is this a job interview?”
“Want it to be?”
“I’m not sure what use I’d be to a barrister.”
You have no idea.His cock almost purred.Down boy!“I never thought you were stupid. But three A grades and you didn’t want to go to university?”
“No. I wanted to earn a living, not spend money I didn’t have.”
“There are such things as student loans.”
“Like I said. Money I didn’t have.”
Ripley had a feeling it wasn’t just that but he didn’t push. “What are your plans?”
“Plans?Isthis a job interview? Right. You mean like one day my prince will come or if I win the lottery sort of plans? Or realistic ambitions? Or what time I need to be in bed tonight?”
Oh fuck.“All of them?”
“I don’t know you well enough to tell you my dreams. I’m an open sort of guy, but dreams are things not easily shared with a stranger.”
“Not even a general idea of what you see yourself doing? Or are you happy enough in your job?”
Fen sighed. “It’s okay, mostly but… Being a ceramics curator in a museum would be cool, though unobtainable because I have no degree and insufficient experience. In the real world, I’ll continue to learn about antiques and how to repair them. Maybe one day, I’ll discover something really valuable and there won’t be anyone coming along telling me it shouldn’t have been sold and they want it back. Then I’ll use the money to study Japanese ceramics and become the biggest world expert who’s not Japanese. Damn it! See, I’ve blabbed now. You’re a brilliant barrister.”
Fen’s laugh wrapped around Ripley and squeezed hard. And yet Ripley sensed there was more to Fen’s hopes than what he’d revealed.
“You were right about the medal,” Ripley said. “I had no legal claim. You could have refused to let me have it or asked me for the thousands it’s worth.”
“Doing the right thing has been drummed into me all my life by my mother. I looked up your grandfather and read about his bravery. What strength of will he must have had to keep trying to escape. He must have been an amazing man. I’d love to have met him. The medal belongs to his family. I would never have felt comfortable keeping it or selling it. I called the auction house to ask how to get in touch with whoever had submitted the lot. I expected your visit. You’ve paid me back, bought me a nice meal. And I can’t eat anymore, I’m sorry.” He put his cutlery on the plate, trying twice to set the knife and fork neatly together.
He looked pale. Ripley almost pressed him to eat more; he’d eaten less than half, then bit his tongue.
“And you bought the Japanese globe, which despite me saying don’t do me any favours,didget me into my boss’s good books for a moment or two. Though you should have haggled. Except I hate haggling. Anyway, we’re even.”
When it was clear Fen was going to get to his feet, Ripley gestured for him not to. “It’s impolite to leave the table while someone is still eating.” How long could he make this food last? “Stay where you are.”
Fen settled again.
“Finish your wine.” Ripley was interested to see how far he could push him. How compliant would he be? His pulse jumped when Fen took a drink. “How old are you?
“Twenty-four. What about you? Sixty-four?”
“Not quite.” He was uncomfortably close to forty.
“Are you married? Kids?”
“No and no.”
“Are you out?”
Ripley hadn’t expected Fen to be so direct. “Yes. Are you?”
Fen grinned and Ripley’s cock twitched. “Not sure I’ve ever been in.”
“Explain.”
