The House of Lennon

IV

...

"And how did you come to be in Mr. Lennon's employ?"

George yanked out another weed before he answered. "Through Paul. He recommended me, just as I recommended you."

Richard's eyes widened in remembrance. "He did mention that." Then he smiled at the fact both he and George were so trusted. "I'm glad he took your advice. It's a gift."

The word inspired an odd grin in the younger man, as if it was some joke only he knew and hoped Richard would never learn. "Yes..." he echoed, trying to hide his widening smile with a turn of his head. "A gift."

...

Before he would have denied it as pure panicked fancy, but now there was no doubt in his mind: There was something in the water. Something imperceptible, but tangible in its taste. It added to the favor, but at the cost of his consciousness, and as if on cue, Richard suddenly lost all motivation to further interrogate his drink. Yawning, he retreated further into his bed, deeming the issue fit for the next morning, though the final vestiges of his waking mind knew he would not return to it until the same time the following night, alone and unwilling.

...