Chapter 9

* * * *

The rest of the week was busy at the bookstore. Friday, during the morning hours, I worked with Maury one on one, going over sales trends, upcoming hot releases, and basic management techniques.

While having lunch at the diner, I glimpsed Murphy as he walked along the sidewalk with Leonard. They seemed to be deep in discussion about something and the set of Murphy’s shoulders was tense.

I supposed it was a sign of some sort that he hadn’t left town. It could be only a matter of time, but there was something to be said for finding a place to bed down and stay warm in the middle of winter, like I’d said.

* * * *

“Austin?” a voice called.

I looked up from the paperwork on my desk around four o’clock to see Maury standing before me. I kept the door to my office open most of the time and I hadn’t heard him come in.

“It’s time for me to go. Remember I said I needed time off today?”

Oh, right. “Sure. No problem. I’ll see you tomorrow.”