Rentboy

I’ve been
    married for five years.”
    “To a woman?” Fox asked.
    “Yes, but it’s all the same in the end, isn’t it? Respect, compromise, honesty.”
    “That’s the problem. I haven’t been honest,” Fox said. “And I’m not sure he even believes in
    God. He’s a scientist.”
    “It’s not necessary that either of you believe in God to have a little counseling. But if you change
    your mind…” He licked his fingers before delving into his pocket for his card. “You can reach me
    there. St. Luke the Apostle. The rectory is beside the church. My wife’s name is Gemma.” He picked
    up his cake and took a big bite, so obviously enjoying it that it made Fox smile and like him even
    more.
    It was like watching the twins enjoy themselves. It always made him feel good.
    “I don’t think we’ve ever introduced ourselves. I’m Godfrey Rooke.” He stuck out a hand with
    crumbs and icing on his fingers, then laughed and withdrew it to wipe up with the napkin.
    Laughter erupted from Fox. “God for short.”
    “Ridiculous, isn’t it?”
    “I’m Fox Baillie.” They shook hands. “Actually maybe a bit of counseling would help. He won’t
    listen to me.”
    The man’s smile was lovely. “Gladly! I could help you on Saturday if you like.”
    “But he’s not speaking to me. He’s angry with me because I lied to him. But I only lied because I
    had no choice.”
    Godfrey swallowed his last bit of cake. “What if I come with you to his home? Most people are
    far too polite to turn away a vicar. Where does he live?”
    Fox scribbled down Eddie’s address on his order pad, tore off the sheet, and handed it over.
    “This could be a disaster. It could make things worse.”
    “God works in mysterious ways, Fox.” Godfrey rose and ambled to the door. “I’d better get
    going. Thank you for the treats. See you on Saturday at, what? Two?”
    “Saturday at two.” Fox waved him off.
    I’m insane. Of course it won’t work. Eddie will be furious. Counseling with some straight
    vicar indeed!
    What had he got himself into?
    “Two skinny lattes, please.” Fox looked up to see a couple of girls with blonde hair and deep
    tans.
    “Coming right up, ladies.”
    Chapter Thirteen
    Fortified with the encouragement of his father, Edward walked into Dr. Crispin Howard’s office
    a little before noon. Staring down at a paper on his desk, Howard ignored him. Edward suspected
    there was nothing of importance in the paper. It was merely Howard’s way of saying, I am more
    important than you, so you can wait . After about thirty seconds, Edward coughed pointedly. Howard
    then raised one finger in a gesture even Edward could read as, Wait, I’m busy.
    “Oh, for God’s sake. You are not the only one with things to do!” Edward was getting good at
    this. No more was he going to let people walk all over him. Perhaps he was still clueless about the
    finer points of human interaction, but he was definitely catching on to people being rude and self-
    important.
    Howard looked at him over the top of his pretentious half-frame reading glasses. “Just leave the
    information and go about your day, Dr. Atherton.”
    “I’m not giving you or anyone the data on the lethal version of Lintrane. I destroyed it because
    it’s dangerous, and I don’t want any errors made in the production process. You have all the
    information you need for Comtrex.”
    “I’d strongly advise you change your mind about that,” Howard stated.
    “I’m not changing my mind. I’ve decided what’s best, and I will not be persuaded to change.”
    “You are making a mistake, Atherton.”
    With as much attitude as he could manage for one so gawky, Edward turned on his heel and
    marched to the door. If only half of what Fox said was true, the man was despicable. His lack of
    morals where ladies were concerned was something Edward was already aware of, but this was in a
    different league. All he knew for certain was he could not trust this man, and he would take no risks
    with the lives of innocent Ugandans.
    Looking at Howard, he said, “It’s Dr . Atherton.” With that he walked out into the corridor, and
    for some reason all he could see was Fox saying, Yes!

    * * * *
    There was a row of doorbells to the right of the front door on Great Russell Street. Fox pressed

    the one stating Dr. E. J. Atherton. He did not expect a great reception from Eddie, but he hoped at
    least he would be listened to and that Godfrey, when he arrived, might