Angel and the Assassin: Be Brave

anything. “He‟d
    probably prefer it if they sat quietly and didn‟t touch anything or drop any food.”
    “Well, that‟s not going to happen.” Adam placed the open wine bottle on the
    table.
    Angel laughed. “I know. It‟s probably good for Daddy to realize that the world
    will not fall apart just because food gets spilled on the floor.”

    * * *
    The Thames looked dark and cold even though the sun was shining. Kael

    leaned on the wall, looking down into the water. “What made you ring me
    yesterday?” he asked Freddie.
    “I haven‟t seen my old mate since Christmas, that‟s what.” Freddie briefly
    wrapped his arm around Kael‟s waist and hugged him. “I wanted a natter and a
    drink with you.” They had sat in a straight pub for two hours reminiscing about
    their years at College Grange before going for a walk along the river. Freddie‟s
    mobile buzzed, and he took it out and read a text. “Come on; I‟ll walk you back.”
    They walked slowly along the river toward his flat. Kael had been told twice by
    Freddie to slow down as they walked. Not only were Freddie‟s legs a lot shorter, but
    he was overweight and unable to keep up with Kael‟s athletic pace. “I‟m so glad it‟s
    worked out with you and Angel,” Freddie said. “He‟s a lovely boy, but I must say I
    never thought you would have the patience required for a teenager.”
    “I‟m as surprised as you are,” Kael said. “But Angel‟s not an ordinary
    teenager.”
    “How‟s the teaching going? Languages, right? You were always top of the class
    in Latin, French, and German.”
    “Yes, I was, but it seems that knowing languages and teaching them are two
    completely different things. I‟m rethinking my future right now. I was told I‟ve got
    no people skills.” He looked sideways at Freddie for his reaction.
    Freddie nodded as though it was obvious. “We can‟t be good at everything.”
    “Is it true? Am I bad with people?”
    “You‟re better than you were when we were kids. At least now you don‟t punch
    everyone who disagrees with you. But Kael, interpersonal skills are not your strong
    point, my old mate.”

    68
    Fyn Alexander

    Outside Kael‟s beautiful condominium building, Freddie looked at his car and
    said, “I‟ll come up for a minute and say hello to Angel.”
    “He‟s really fond of you. And he loves your kids.”
    They were at Kael‟s door when Penelope Chalmers caught up with them. She
    must have been watching for him, and she came after him the minute he stepped
    out of the lift. “Mr. Saunders!”
    “Mrs. Chalmers.” Kael introduced Freddie, then said quickly, “Please excuse
    us.”
    “Angel had his music blaring again when you were away on business. His
    friend was rather cheeky when I complained.”
    The smell of the woman‟s makeup and perfume was so strong it turned Kael‟s
    stomach. All his senses were exceptional, and strong smells in his proximity had to
    be appealing to him or they were unbearable rather than merely annoying as they
    would be to most people. But he didn‟t want to hear that Angel had been bad
    mannered. “Was Angel cheeky?”
    “Not at all. He was very apologetic, and he turned it down. But he seems to
    forget almost at once and then repeats the infraction.”
    Infraction indeed ! “I‟m sorry. I‟ll talk to him about it.”
    “I wouldn‟t mind so much if you could get him to play something nice.”
    “It won‟t happen again.” He opened the door, shoving Freddie in ahead of him.
    “You didn‟t come to my cocktail party, Mr. Saunders.”
    “No, something came up. Perhaps another time.” He closed the door.
    Freddie laughed. “That‟s what I mean about no people skills, Kael. You closed
    the door in her face.”
    “Good. Hopefully she‟ll get the message and won‟t bother me again.”
    “I doubt that, mate. That woman has the look of a predator.” Freddie burst out
    laughing, and Kael could only imagine how scared his face looked.
    They hung their jackets in the hall cupboard, and Kael preceded Freddie into
    the living room. “Smells delicious in here. Angel must be cooking.” He was confused
    when he saw Freddie‟s husband standing beside Angel, smiling. Adam stuck out his
    hand. “Happy belated birthday, Kael.”
    The candles in his peripheral vision caught his attention, and Kael looked at
    the dining room table, beautifully set for six people. Angel put his hands on Kael‟s
    shoulders and leaped up, wrapping his legs around