How can I say what I mean? Islington, a long-standing friendship with Hawkes and comfortable acquaintance with Pierce, seemed to have decided I, too, had a place inside whatever circles make up his life. Hawkes was…well, Hawkes. Purveyor of his own quiet kingdom. But there was less mystery about him than usual, and more amusement at its leisure. Pierce—whom I’ve seen perform with spectacular ease in public—was more grounded in his comfort. No pretence, no presentation. He allowed a good deal of humour in the remembrances he shared.
