Page 39 of Don't Point at the Moon

“Which means Mitchell is Zane’s uncle,” said Kate.

“Are you ’dopted?” asked Angel, suddenly interested.

“No,” answered Zane patiently, but Mitchell noticed a slight frown crease his brow.

“You don’t much look like your uncle,” said Angel, glaring at Zane. “You’re a different colour.”

“Zane looks like his daddy,” said Mitchell without missing a beat, but Kate had already begun to lead Angel to an open space away from the table before crouching to whisper to her.

“Yeah, I don’t think so,” said Zane to Mitchell.

“Don’t you? I do. I think you’ve lucked out on the gene pool front with Rob’s good looks and my sister’s intelligence. A pretty lethal combination, in my honest opinion.”

Zane shrugged but did not smile. Had he experienced problems at school being biracial? Was that a part of why he didn’t socialise much? Mitchell remembered watching an interview with Barack Obama where he talked about the difficulties of being accepted by people. But both of Zane’s siblings seemed to have thrived without any problems. Moreover, Ellie had mentioned nothing and very little managed to get past her. Maybe Mitchell would broach the conversation with Zane at some point.

Kate returned to the table and eyed Mitchell an apology. Mitchell didn’t miss the frown Angel sent Zane’s way and wondered what Kate had said to her.

“We won’t disturb you any longer. Angel’s going to a princes and princesses party this afternoon in Clearwater Bay. We still need to visit the fancy dress shops on Pottinger to pick out some finishing touches for her outfit. But you’ll have to bring Zane over for dinner one night when you’re both free. I’ll pop by and speak to you in the office early Monday morning. Also, I have some news I need to share.”

“Sounds ominous.”

“Monday. Enjoy your weekend.”

Kate gave him a cryptic smile and a wink before instructing Angel to bid them goodbye and heading out of the door. Zane continued eating his food while Mitchell poured himself another cup of tea.

“They’re planning to adopt Angel,” said Mitchell. “Poor little thing has had a difficult childhood.”

“Whatever,” came the icy response.

Mitchell had placed his phone on silent but noticed the device buzzing on the table’s surface. Pauline’s name appeared on thedisplay. He had learnt to quash his annoyance at seeing her name, especially at the weekend.

“Give me a minute, Zane,” he said, snatching up the device. “I need to take this.”

Mitchell pushed out of the café door into a wall of humidity before thumbing to accept the call.

“Mitchell, I know it’s Sunday, but I need you to come to work.”

“I have my nephew with me.”

“I’m sorry, but this can’t wait. I fly to London late tonight for the board meeting tomorrow and I need you to help me collate figures and access personnel files before I leave. Forearmed, and all that.”

“What time do you need me?”

“I’ll be there around midday, but I’ve got a couple of things of my own to do. Can you be here for two?”

“Fine. Have you asked Helen?”

“Just you. And please don’t call her. The fewer people that know, the better. I’ll see you soon.”

While Mitchell was talking, the clouds had moved closer to shore, and he felt a few raindrops on his skin. When he returned to the table Zane had finished his food and lounged back in his chair, checking his phone.

“I’m sorry,” said Mitchell, taking his seat. “We’ll have to take a raincheck on the Big Buddha. Although, by the looks of the weather, that’s not such a bad plan. I need to go to work this afternoon.”

“On a Sunday? Is that even legal?”

“It’s not illegal and it doesn’t happen often. This is kind of an emergency.”

“Man, your job sucks.”

---