Page 21 of The Attercop

“Grab a shower,” he said. “I’ll have breakfast ready for you when you get out.”

“As long as it’s not one of those,” Charlie said, pointing to the green concoction in the blender.

Declan smiled. “Cereal and blueberry yogurt then?”

“Perfect,” Charlie said as he stripped his clothes off.

“I could join you for a second shower if you’d like…” Declan started.

“We, sir, have a meeting with Jules Slate at nine-thirty. Business before pleasure,” Charlie replied, heading into the washroom.

He quickly showered and dressed, then ate his breakfast and prepared to start his work day. Charlie made his way to the top of the stairs, turned and kissed Declan and said, “See you in the office…boss.”

“I’ll throw on some clothes and be down in a few minutes,” Declan replied.

Charlie checked his phone. The time read nine-thirty, and just as he reached the outer office, a chirp from the security system announced that a visitor was coming up from the street.

The door opened and in walked a beautiful young woman. Charlie estimated she was in her late teens. She was about Charlie’s height, dressed in a white tank top, form-fitting ivory-coloured jeans and white runners. Her long, straight brown hair cascaded down her bare shoulders.

“Jules Slate, I presume,” Charlie said, trying to sound as professional as possible.

“That’s me,” she replied.

“And before you ask, I’m not Declan Hunt. My name’s Charlie Watts. I’m going to be involved in your protection detail. I’ll be doing your intake interview.”

Her brow furrowed. She seemed disappointed.

“I thought that Declan Hunt would be handling my case personally.”

And so it begins…

“Well, the firm certainly will,” Charlie began, “and Declan will be involved, but since you will need someone by your side some of the time, it seemed that I would be more…age appropriate.”

“But Declan is available, isn’t he? I think my father would still like him to lead the case, even if he isn’t by my side all the time.”

“Of course. If you’d like to take a seat, Mr Hunt will be with us shortly.”

He decided to refer to Declan in those terms to give him more authority.

“Hey,” Charlie heard from a room in the back. “When did we get such a cute doggy?”

Declan walked out of his office wearing a brightly coloured Hawaiian shirt and beige shorts. He was carrying the invasive dog.

So much for an air of authority, Charlie thought.

“Oh, hi. You must be Jules. I’m Declan.”

The dog struggled out of Declan’s grip and headed right for Jules after it hit the ground.

“Well, hello there, little guy,” she said leaning over to pet the dog. The animal sniffed at her. He accepted her pats but, after a moment, quickly turned and made his way back to Charlie.

“Odd. Animals usually love me,” she said.

“Well, don’t take it personally. He just wandered in here off the street this morning,” Charlie replied, frowning. “He must belong to somebody out there. Mrs B, can you…show this animal out, please?”

She smiled, patted her thigh and said, “Here, boy.” The dog trotted over to her. “While I’m down there, I might as well pick up some coffee and pastries from Gwen’s. Jules, would you like a coffee?”

“Yes, please. No sugar, just black.”