74 In Four years

He trudged into the boardroom with a straight face and a don’t-give-a-fuck countenance.

Then took the extreme seat opposite his dad, the chairman. And Diogo who stood by the projector screen at that time paused in cognizance of Addison's arrival.

The entire board members turned, bewildered by the man before them. Was this Addison or a pitiful reflection of him? The Addison they knew was never late nor would he don himself with a sweatshirt to a board meeting.

More bizarre was his bandaged hands, uncombed hair, and chafed disposition. Certainly, all was not well! What changed? What happened? These among the myriads of questions lingered in their minds.

On both sides of the table were rows of bedecked men, and women. Except for Diogo and the man beside Madam Magdalene most of the men and ladies were almost as old as Don Carlo. With their critical lids up, whatever Addison did was on a microscope.