Chapter 108: The Father's Betrayal, Part 20, Into The Dungeon

RICHARD

Between courses of the spectacular meal, nature calls. I rise from the table. "Ummm..."

Michael points out of the room. "Down the hall and on the left. I'll show you. Heading that way myself."

In the bathroom, "Michael, am I missing something? Elizabeth and I are here today at James' invitation, but Charlotte seemed uncomfortable at first. At least until he made it completely clear to her what his intentions were."

The blond man shuffles on his feet.

"Is it me?" I say. "Have I done something to offend?"

"No," he says quickly, zipping up. "It's not you."

"What then?"

He rubs at his forehead. "The fact is.... that our relationship with Charlotte has had its ups and downs. And some of the downs were very down."

The sound of laughter echoes down the hall. He glances toward the dining room. "Look," he says. "I'm happy to have this conversation with you sometime. But not today, eh?"

"I understand. But you're sure everything is alright with Charlotte?"

"The way