Page 72 of Code Name: Typhon
He held up his hand. “No need to explain. I’ve got daughters of my own. Daddy’s girls, my wife used to say. They argued with her since the day they were born. I’d say they were right about your age when they finally started getting along.”
“No chance of that for me and my mum. My father either.”
He pulled up a stool and sat down. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Not everyone is meant to be a parent. Although it’s a good thing they were, or I’d not be here.”
He winked. “I agree.”
“I spent a lot of time in boarding school, then away at university. Before they shipped me off at the ripe old age of seven, I had nannies. None who lasted very long. God. Sorry. I’m rambling.” I motioned to the kiln. “Shall we?”
Mike shook his head. “You need to talk more than you need to fire that thing up.”
“Really, I’m fine.”
“You aren’t, lass, and you know it. I take it she’s on her way to see you.”
I wasn’t sure how he knew that, other than from hearing her side of the call. “Brighton is big enough for me to hide, right?” I laughed, but I wasn’t joking. Whatever my mother needed to discuss with me, I sensed it was something I didn’t want to know.
“Where’s Levi?” Mike asked.
“Surrey. For work. He said he’d return in time for dinner.”
He nodded. “In that case, tell her to meet you at Bill’s.”
“Okay. But, um, why?”
“My buddies and I will be at the bar around five, like we always are. We’ll keep watch over you until Levi arrives.”
I studied him. “Why do you think I need watching over?”
“It’s written all over your face, lass.”
I spent the next few hours only half listening to Mike. I’d messaged my mother, suggesting we meet at Bill’s. Now, I wished I’d stood firm on my refusal to see her today. I hated that I was wasting his time, but it wasn’t as though I had a switch to turn off the anxiety related to seeing my mother.
After walking me through the use of the two kilns, which were from the same manufacturer, as well as the furnace, we went through the supplies he had on hand, which were few, as well as the vendors he’d used to procure them in the past.
“They’ll give you the same deal they gave me, lass. I’ll make sure of it.”
“You’re very kind. My apologies if I seem distracted. I do appreciate the time you’ve spent with me.”
“Let’s lock up and take a look at the house. Shall we?”
I was about to suggest we do it another day, but there was still an hour before I was scheduled to meet Millicent, and I needed to keep my mind occupied.
“As I think I told ya, luv, there’s a tenant on the lower level who’ve been here for years. You’d do well to let them stay.”
He hadn’t told me, but Levi had. “Mike, I told you I can’t purchase the house at this time.”
“You said you didn’t think you could. I know better.”
There was a sparkle in his eye, but I didn’t push it. Like before, maybe he was only teasing.
Once we were inside, I knew why he’d insisted on giving me the tour. The views were breathtaking, and the space was warm and inviting.
“My son oversaw the remodel a few years ago. He’s a contractor, you know?”
I ran my hand over the surface of the kitchen island. “It’s lovely. Truly.” As was the rest of the house. There were small pieces Mike had created in several of the rooms. Most sculptors started with a test version before undertaking a large-scale version. I had no doubt that’s what these all were. Of course, each one looked perfect. It would take me years to achieve his mastery.