Confronting the Fallen by J. J. Thompson Read Free Book Online

continued to eat but was listening closely
to the conversation.
    “Well, I certainly hope we keep him,”
Chef said. “He just helped save my whole shipment of tomatoes
without being asked. Something some of our...less helpful youngsters
wouldn't have done.”
    Chris listened even more intently. So, there were
other young people living here, he thought. Interesting.
    “Now, be nice, Chef.” Martin sounded
amused. “They're good at heart, you know that, or they wouldn't
be here.”
    The cook sighed. “Yes, yes, I know. His
honor trusts them and we all know he's infallible. But still, just
because they're passed the test...”
    “Chef!” Martin no longer sounded
amused and Chris glanced at the two men. Martin was staring sternly
at the cook. “We aren't supposed to forewarn candidates. You
know that.”
    The other man didn't seem to be bothered by
Martin's attitude and smiled as he caught Chris watching them.
    “I don't see why not. It can't affect the
outcome, you know that. Besides, I've decided I like our young
Christopher here,” and he waved at Chris. “I think we
should keep him.”
    Chris returned the man's smile and then went back
to his dinner.
    “That's up to the judge, Chef,” Martin
replied. Then he hesitated and said “But I will pass on your
opinion to his honor.”
    Was it Chris' imagination or did Martin sound a
bit impressed?
    “Yes, you do that, Martin,” Chef said
and then both men remained silent.
    In a very short time, Chris finished his meal and
heaped praise on the cook.
    “It was amazing, sir. Totally amazing. The
pie was just, just...” He couldn't think of a big enough
compliment. “Amazing,” he repeated again, a bit lamely.
But Chef was beaming at him.
    “Ah, it was nothing, Christopher. Wait until
pizza night. I pride myself on my pizzas.”
    Even though he was full, the thought of what Chef
could do with a pizza almost made Chris hungry again.
    “I can't wait, sir,” Chris said
eagerly.
    Martin interrupted. “Okay, okay, gentlemen.
Mr. Wright has had a very long day and it's time I showed him to his
room.” He glanced at the cook. “Thanks for doing this on
such short notice, Chef.”
    The large man waved away the comment. “Not
at all. Thank you for bringing Christopher here in time to save my
tomatoes. Sleep well, young man. We'll talk again soon.” Then
he waved at them both and left the kitchen through a side door.
    Chris followed Martin back toward the stairs. With
his hunger sated, his legs were starting to feel as though they were
made of lead and he had to push himself to keep up with Martin. The
man seemed to sense this and he slowed his pace as they began to
ascend the stairs.
    “So, what did you think of Chef, Mr.
Wright?” Martin asked as they walked.
    “Oh, I liked him. A lot. And his food is
awesome.”
    Martin laughed lightly. “It is indeed. The
judge would pay any price if Chef ever threatened to leave, but he
seems to like it here.” The man's tone changed slightly as he
continued. “And he seems to like you as well.”
    They reached the top of the stairs and began
walking down the corridor. Chris glanced at the man's face but it was
blank of expression.
    “Well, I did help him a bit with those
crates,” Chris said with a shrug. Martin shook his head.
    “Chef's opinion is valued by the judge. By
all of the staff, really.” He glanced down at Chris for a
moment. “It isn't my place to discuss his background, but Chef
wasn't always a cook. And if he says he likes you, you can take it as
a huge compliment.”
    The man stopped talking and continued to lead
Chris through the house, while Chris wondered about Chef and why his
opinion seemed to matter so much.
    Finally, just when Chris felt that he couldn't
walk another step, they stopped in front of a door, which Martin
unlocked with a key from his pocket. He then turned to Chris and
handed it to him.
    “This is the Lancelot room. While you stay
in it, it is considered yours. Housekeeping has a