I got the live octopus. It’s done. The least said the better. Now I have the opportunity to try to find and question any Palace employees who worked here circa 2002.
I’m on my way to the staff room when I see James at the reception desk. He’s with Catherine.
It’s fine. Relax Mer. They both went to high school together. Plus, Eric is a guest at the Secret Palace and Catherine is his sister. So, even if I’m not super happy to see her having around James, what could be more normal than her being here with him?
James and Catherine are smiling; they seem to be having a good time. Seeing them like this makes me want to listen in on their conversation…
I walk over, but neither James nor Catherine are aware of my presence. James seems captivated by what Catherine is telling him. “If we’re goin
