Chapter 11
The days lengthened into weeks.
Conley had a long talk with the owner of the antiquarian bookstore where he’d worked, apologizing for his ‘unexpected’ absence. “My father died suddenly. I needed to be with my mother. They live in London.” He sighed, more because he was lying, again, than to emphasize his story. “She was left with the burden of paying bills he’d amassed without her knowledge and having to find a new home.”
“That happens sometimes,” the owner replied, giving Conley a look of compassion. “I’m sorry for your loss, and to be quite honest, I’m glad you’re here. That is if you want your job back.”
“I do,” Conley replied emphatically.
“So I’m gainfully employed again,” he told Brian that night when Brian got home from work.
“Which means I’ll only see you on Monday
