As the door closes, Haswell stands, checking that it is properly closed, then sits again regarding me in silence, chin propped on his fingertips.
Here we go….
I sit, watching and waiting. The silence extends, and I begin to wonder....
“So, James,” he begins, “off-hand, I don"t think the book of etiquette has anything to say on this conversation.... You bought yourself a virgin?”
Haswell doesn’t look angry, more bemused.
Best to take the bull by the horns….
“I did, yes. I didn’t hurt her. I think you can see that. But if you want me to go, say so now. I’ll not leave you in the lurch. I’ll do everything I committed to for you, but I don’t want to waste my time…
He holds up a hand. “I didn’t say that I want you to go, did I?”
“No, fair enough. You didn’t.”
Where the hell do I go from
