“He’s asleep,” I confirmed. “Out like a light.”
“He normally fights bedtime with the determination of a seasoned negotiator.”
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
“You have a gift.”
“Just beginner’s luck.”
“Nightcap?”
He gestured toward the stairs.
I hesitated, glancing at my watch. It was already past 9.
“One drink,” he said. “Then Nicholas will drive you home.”
I nodded, following him down to his study. The room felt different in the evening, warmer, less intimidating, with soft lamps casting golden light across the bookshelves.
He poured 2 glasses of amber liquid and handed one to me.
“To new beginnings,” he said, raising his glass slightly.
I touched my glass to his but did not echo the toast. Instead, I took a small sip. The whiskey burned pleasantly down my throat.
“You’ve made a decision.”
He watched me over the rim of his glass. It was not a question, but I nodded anyway.
“Yes.”
I took a deep breath.
“I’ll take the position under the conditions we discussed.”
Something like triumph flashed in his eyes before his expression returned to its usual inscrutability.
“When can you start?”
“I need to give 2 weeks’ notice at the hospital.”
