Charlie sucked in a breath as he realised that this was a face he had never seen before. Sweet sammie, Mistress Samantha and his own dear Sam had all delighted him at various times, but he had known that there was another persona kept in reserve - just in case.
Spade walked towards them, poised, athletic, cold faced. In her eyes was only recognition, and perhaps a little respect when she glanced at Deacon.
"Good," she said. "At least you had the sense not to bring her. Why upset her unnecessarily?" she glanced over her shoulder then back at them. "You've been ill," she said to Charlie. "You need to take better care of yourself. Deacon, make him. Got a pen?"