"I... ah... I'm... sorry I wasn't there... when you needed me. That meeting I'd wanted in Hong Kong came up, and I sent you a text that I'd extended my trip after you texted me you'd be late getting in." Richard took a deep breath. "I made the mistake of assuming you'd apparate into the foyer, never thought about out on the street."
"We can get away from here for a while, if you want. I doubt the Aurors will do any good, but when I pulled the recordings from the security cameras for them, I sent copies to a few people I know." Richard looked into Lavender's eyes. "He'll surface eventually. Do you want him before I get him?"