“In a way, yes.”
“You can’t retire.” I looked at him in shock.
Was he mad?
“I can, and I think it’s time. Well, maybe not full-time.” He adjusted his glasses as he often did when there was more he wanted to say. “I’m getting older and have a few things I’d like to do.”
“Such as?” I looked at him with wide eyes.
“Such as pull back on my duties here. I will, of course, still work with Dark Water until they bring in someone. But the timing of your situation and how well you’ve fit in here couldn’t have come at a better time. You’ve earned the confidence of everyone here, and—”
“Why did you dodge my question?” I folded my arms as he cleared his throat.
“You may have noticed I’ve been a little distant lately.”
“Yes, but I just figured you were off in a dark corner with someone. You know
