It’s the primary reason why Charles stopped believing in Father Christmas, after he unwrapped a children’s Spurs kit flocked with his name. Father Christmas wouldn’t have dared flout Milton’s rigid rules and contempt for football. But Fred would have.
Fred did. Fred always did.
Charles hides under his t-shirt while he cements this staggering certainty. When he surfaces, Loris is right next to him, staring at the pendant swinging in front of his bare skin.
‘Is that Pavel’s coat of arms? That’s so cool! Where did you get it?’
‘It was bespoke made, as a present…’
Another Christmas. The last one with Fred. And a fight.
An umpteenth fight.
‘Don’t you dare! After everything I have done for—’
‘Spare me the guilt-tripping, Father. And the threats. I don’t give a rat’s arse anymore!’
‘Are you still with me?’ Loris’ piercing look flicks between the pendant, Charles’ lips and his eyes that he can draw from memory. ‘Charles?’
‘Yes, I’m… I’m here.’
‘Okay…’
Loris hands him a polo shirt striped red and white. Charles clenches his fist around the raised cotton as a realisation settles in.
Fred was at war with Milton a few weeks before his accident.
Charles puts on the shirt, grabs his mug with a shaky hand and takes his place on the sofa.
‘So what’s your concept?’ he asks, his voice a bit hoarse.
‘I’m gonna try to glitch you. I’m picturing a motion card stuck halfway between both frames. I’m not sure it’s doable, I’m experimenting more than anything.’
‘Do you need me to switch expressions back and forth?’
‘No, but feel free to move.’
‘Can I question you?’
‘About the book?’
‘Let’s keep that discussion for when you’re done and convinced.’
Loris sneers, fixing a sheet of paper onto the plank. ‘What sort of questions, then?’
‘Random ones. Like, where in France are you from?’
‘Ah. I was expecting a spicier investigation.’
‘We’ll get there…’
Charles needs to be careful playing this game. He can’t risk a ‘What about you?’ on topics he would rather keep outside the flat.
‘Andrésy, in the Parisian suburbs.’
‘What is it like?’
Charles nestles against the mismatched pillows and takes a few sips of coffee, enjoying its peanutty aftertaste.
