Inescapable History, Inescapable Fates

Dean Jeffrey Richards

Henry was sitting in the Dean's waiting room, scrolling through photos on his phone of Belize's capital. He knew this place. He had been to this place before. But when? Probably when his dad was directing M15's Latin American division. He texted Shaan,

Was dad ever stationed in Belize?

Shaan was probably with Alex now, explaining the NDAs. Henry hated the paperwork, but he would hate news coverage more.

"You can go on in honey," the secretary told him from her desk. Henry pushed through large oak doors into Dean Jeffrey Richards' office. Jeffrey was signing off of a conference call while eating a salad slathered with mayonnaise and steak.

"She's gorgeous right?" He greeted Henry, nodding at the secretary. Henry looked back at her, and met her eyes, she had clearly heard. He shut the door quickly. Was she pretty? He almost wanted to open the door and double-check, to figure out if Jeffrey was being sarcastic or serious or... regardless he shouldn't have said that at all.

"I... um.. that doesn't seem relevant," Henry stammered. Ne never knew how to talk to these old acquaintances of his dad, who knew so much about him even though he only ever met them in passing. They were important to his future but demanded a level of familiarity he could not give. Henry stood awkwardly behind the chair he thought he might be meant to sit in.

"She's a secretary, that's the only thing that is relevant," Jeffrey laughed, loudly. Henry stared at him. "Ah, your dad taught you better, didn't he?" This was true. "Sit, sit..." Jeffrey motioned to the chair. "I only have a few minutes but I wanted to give you this." He slid a business card to Henry. Henry blinked at it.

"The director of M15?"

"They are looking for an intern, just to tidy up, sort papers. They have an annex near Sandhurst, top secret."

"I'm not in any way qualified." Henry pointed out.

"You're Arthur's son. He also was not qualified when he became the M15 intern back in 89' and look what it got us." With a desolate wife, three almost - orphans, and a vile of ashes, Henry thought bitterly, though he knew Jeffrey had meant Arthur Fox's very successful career. "Keep your head down and you'll do great." After a few more pleasantries Henry left Jeffrey's office clutching the card. Did Alex know he was going to get this position? Is that why they needed to be roommates?

He checked his phone.

Shaan 7:12 AM

Yes. For six months in 2005, and for six months in 2010. You visited him the first time.