Chapter 43

Estel entered Michael's office carrying a tray of coffee while he was studying, replacing the telephone on its hook. Michael's attitude was detached and rather gloomy as he performed this action. Estel remarked matter-of-factly, "What's the matter?" as she set the tray on the coffee table and sat down to pour the tray's contents. "Bad news?"

Estel's query coaxed Michael reluctantly out of his thoughts, and he looked at Estel for the first time as he responded with a question of his own: "What?" He went around his desk and moved to join her, settling beside her on the sofa and stretching his hand for his cup. "Oh, you mean the telephone call?" he said as he moved around his desk.

"Yes," Estel responded with a grin as she allowed her eyes to wander over him with a sense of contentment. "You look as though whatever was said disturbed you. Who was it?"

Michael responded, "Henrick," somewhat curtly, and his tone lacked the humorous fondness that he often gave to his editor. "He wants me