James - Twenty Weeks
Stretched out on a lounger: I enjoy hot sunshine, the whisper of a quiet sea, a good book and on a tray by me, a jug and glasses, chilly enough to drip dew.
Perfect.
Close by, Richard doing much the same. Change my book for his newspaper and there's not much to choose between us.
He scans the financial news. A quick look sidelong at his headlines...
Markets rise...
Boom in housebuilding...
Richard Hmmms in satisfaction, then refolds the paper to read the international section.
Drugs trafficking, Afghanistan...
Organised crime, Thailand...
Gang violence, Columbia...
Can't they ever tell a good news story?
Charlotte's taken up her accustomed post by the edge of the pool, dabbling her toes, watching Michael and Beth...
Is she going to join them?
But she seem
