Birthright

Gerald absorbed the information, head tilted a little as he listened. The only occasions he'd been in one place for any duration was on some of the more involved 'digs', where there was a great deal to be observed and monitored as items were uncovered that the Council needed to ensure were 'safe', or in some instances, procure them to remove them from circulation, and causing any undue grief. He had always regarding his home as being in London, and it had only been since his wife's death that he had been less anxious about returning home as quickly as possible. Now he was a widower there was less pull on him to return, and if he was honest with himself, he would admit that returning home usually carried a good deal more pain than pleasure, as the empty rooms and darkened drawing room, his wife's favourite room, only served to remind him of his loss. Now he found that having a reason to extend his stay somewhere was more welcome that the journey home.

"So how long have you been here?" he asked, taking a sip from his glass then adding, "and have there been any visits from other Watchers?"