Fitzroy bowed his head and introduced his Officers, Major’s Barton and Keeling and Captain Fitzroy.The Prince appraised the men before him. The Gene...ral he judged to be in his sixties, short with a prominent waistline. The redness of his face was emphasised by his white mutton chop whiskers. He had an impatient look verging on arrogance about him. Of the two Majors, Barton had all the hallmarks of being a “yes man,” whilst Keeling had a look of intelligence to go with his professional bearing.. Even the short conversation with Emma just now had been utterly humiliating. What could he do now, he wondered? Maybe quickly excuse himself and take a taxi home? Say that he’d had too much to drink and didn’t feel well? Or just go back in and ignore Kate’s wish? As if she were reading his mind though, his phone beeped then. He took it out of his pocket and saw a message from his wife that said: ‘Do it now.’He replied to her: ‘No way. I’m thinking of going home.’She didn’t reply, but a moment. The simple application of a little leverage sent the assailant sprawling on his back on the wooden floor of the inn.Without hesitating, Ponkert followed through his attack, dropping to one knee beside the downed man. Using his fisted hand like a hammer, he delivered a sharp atemi-waza blow to his opponent's exposed throat. A gurgling noise came from the man's mouth, followed by blood that trickled from his lips and nostrils. With his windpipe crushed, the robber would be of no further. . Blackmail? For sex? That’s just—A quiet tap tap on my door drew me from my ever-darkening thoughts.“It’s open.”The door swung inwards and Vanessa stepped slowly into the room. I rolled my head to the side so I could see her properly. She didn’t look happy. But then why would she?“You okay?” she asked.I grunted non-committedly. “What about you?”She shrugged. “I’m fine.” There was no conviction in her voice.“Bullshit.”She shrugged again and sat in my ghastly red chair. “I knew it would come out.