The next afternoon, Chuck arrived on time.

He took his seat and asked Yvonne with a smile, "How rare of you to ask to meet me. I wonder if you've given our collaboration any thoughts?"

Yvonne said icily, "Did you look for Grandpa privately?"

Chuck pretended to be surprised. "Me? Looking for Sir Jim? As if I haven't had enough of his scolding."

Yvonne looked at Chuck suspiciously. She had never had a read on him since the first time they had met.

Chuck openly let Yvonne size him up. He even