Read The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures) for Free Online Page B

office.
    William the younger was already seated behind a rather imposing desk. Phillips stood awkwardly, not having been invited to sit down.
    He cleared his throat. “Sir, I am here to offer a sincere apology. I acted the complete cad and my behavior was reprehensible. I shall not offer explanation unless you require it as I do not feel there is an acceptable excuse for my actions.” Jerard bowed and turned to leave.
    “Wait a moment Phillips,” Lovelace said. “Please, close the door and have a seat. I would hear your explanation even though I fear you are right, I can fathom no reason for your rude behavior this afternoon.”
    Phillips nodded politely and did as requested. He closed the door firmly and returned and sat on the offered chair in front of the desk. “Sir, I believe you are aware of my unfortunate circumstance concerning Her Majesty’s service.”
    “Yes.”
    “Well Sir since leaving the service I have been plagued with solicitation regarding everything from false employment and unlikely investments to one out-right request that I spy for another country.” Phillips looked squarely at Lovelace, “I fear Sir that I mistook you for one of these…these less than honest personages. And I am here to humbly beg your pardon.”
    “And to no doubt hear what I have to say?” Lovelace sneered.
    “Yes, Sir. As I said I am here to apologize. If you do not wish to speak to me then I do understand and take all of the responsibility on my own shoulders. I have treated you poorly and if our positions were reversed I am not certain I would be willing to do business with one such as myself.” There! Phillips thought. That should be enough to assuage my and my family’s honor, now give me my father’s message damn you! All he wanted to do was get out of this stuffy office and away from this awful embarrassment. Phillips had already had enough of embarrassment to last a lifetime.
    “Well Phillips, your apology seems genuine enough. I think I shall reveal to you my client’s offer.” Lovelace steepled his fingers and looked at Phillips, allowing the silence to lengthen.
    Dear god! Get on with it man! Phillips thought, carefully keeping his face neutral.
    “My client wishes to interview you for the position of captain of his private airship.” Lovelace said bluntly. “I understand you are a capable aviator and despite your unfortunate accident and your current state..." Lovelace paused and wrinkled his nose. "you are still viewed as such.”
    “What?” Phillips said and sat back in his chair, dumbfounded. His mouth opened and then closed. Airship captain? His client? “But what of my father Sir?
    “Your father?” Now it seemed it was Lovelace’s turn to be confused. “What are you talking about man? I know nothing of your father Sir, my dealings with you concern my client.”
    “So you did not come to me with a message from my father or my family?”
    “Apparently you are daft as well a deaf.” Lovelace said rudely. “I shall repeat myself. My client wishes to interview you for the position of captain of his private airship.”
    At this moment Jerard was fervently wishing that he had not drunk so much gin or maybe he was needing more? So this was
not
about his father although he thought he could detect his loving parent’s hand in this. This ‘Lovelace’ was not working for his father but some other fellow. Private airship? Jerard had never heard of any one person owing an airship, they must be fabulously expensive.
    “Well Phillips? I’ve not got all day.”
    “Yes, of course Sir, my apologies again. But Sir, at the risk of being rude, might I inquire as to whom your client is?” Phillips knew he was probably risking all by asking this questions but he had always questioned things that appeared to be too good to be true. The promise of flying again was more than he could ever hope for but not if his honor and integrity were at stake.
    “Starblower, Mr. Phineas Starblower, Esquire. You’ve