Uncle Richard

Kieran went downstairs with me, where Richard and his secretary Clement were waiting in the living room. They both rose as soon as they saw me. Carole served tea, then withdrew into the kitchen. ‘Good morning, Amiyah.’ Richard smiled at me. ‘Sorry for coming at such an early hour. But I simply couldn’t rest until I see you again.’ I sat on the sofa opposite him with Kieran holding my hand, unsure of what to say. ‘I would like to apologise for the way I sprang the whole thing on you last night.’ Richard never took his eyes off me. ‘I kept waiting for the right moment. But the way that old lady derided you…’ He shot a quick glance at Kieran, who did not react. ‘Anyway, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. So I, ah, I crashed the party. I hope you’ll forgive me.’ ‘I don’t understand.’ I kept both hands on my knees, sat with my back ramrod straight, hoping I didn’t look as nervous as I felt. ‘The paternity test report. How…Why…?’ I had so many questions, I wasn’t even sure where to beg