Chapter SixteenDolores was back on coffee duty at the Bean, all winks and smiles. She meant well, but Sam wasn't much in the mood today. He took his usual table near the front window and checked his watch. Archie was supposed to be here in a few minutes, dropping off his comments on the book. Soon it would be in Max's hands, and from there he didn't give a rip what happened to it. Margo would get her book and make a quick buck, they'd get their usual pittance of royalties—if that—and that would be that. A bad memory in the rear-view mirror.
“The usual?” Dolores called from the counter, already starting his brew.
“Please, and thanks,” Sam responded. The bell over the front door jingled. He looked up, expecting to see Archie's friendly face.
It was Ellie, wearing a red baseball cap and a
