It took until 11am to get Sophie discharged, and the doctors still weren’t happy about it. Hunter drove back, James sitting in silent sorrow next to him, Sophie asleep on the back seat. Eventually they were pulling up on the gravel driveway at the front of Astley Manor. Hunter saw an unfamiliar car parked up, but was too tired to wonder.
Charles was at the door, waiting for them. “Good morning, sir. Mrs King arrived half an hour ago and insisted on waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Charles.” Hunter replied wearily. “Oh, and Charles, Miss Murphy is going to be staying with us. Will you prepare her a room?”
“Yes, sir.”
Silence enveloped the three of them again, and they moved together into the sitting room.
“Hunter!” Charlotte jumped up from her seat as they entered. “I came as soon as I heard. It’s - I can’t believe it.” Her eyes were red from tears already shed and they as threatened to spill again, Hunter pulled her into a fierce hug. This time he needed her, as much as she needed him.
“The grumpy old sod had a good running.” Hunter muttered, making Charlotte gulp a laugh.
There was a clink of glass as James poured four drinks. He handed them out. “To Brian, loved and hated in equal measure.”
Hunter raised his glass, “To Brian, the scariest bloke ever known.”
Charlotte raised her glass. “To Brian, sexist, but brilliant.”
The three old friends tapped their glasses together and drank, both cheered and saddened by their memories of him.
Sophie sat in quiet exclusion, in the corner. She sipped the warming alcohol, watching the group vaguely, her eyes still glazed with shock.