Chapter 114: The Shadow Of Obsession, Part 2, The Search

MICHAEL

James rolls the razor over the line of jaw to neck, angling in the mirror to see the result.

"You've got it all," I say. "Bloody nuisance for you having to shave as often as you do."

He harrumphs, then, "Maybe I should grow a beard." He looks himself left then right in the mirror. "What do you think?"

"It's not my opinion you should ask." I cock my head towards the door.

"Mmmm." He runs a finger from chin to ear, sucking in his cheeks. "How is she?"

"Pretty hyper. I'm beginning to wish I'd not told her about the address; checked it out first myself. I could easily have found a different Christmas gift if I tried... If we get there and don't find anything. If her mother's moved or died..."

"Worst scenario..." says James, "No-one's heard of her at all. No-one knows anything. Anything else is at least a step forward."

"Yes, but that's really why I wanted you to come along too. If it's bad news, I can't drive and hold her hand too..."

Charlotte bounces into the ro