Chapter 78

“He’s fitted in

well with our group, hasn’t he?” Eddy was continuing, though he’d slipped off

the stool as if ready to leave. “Karel, that is. He and Lee work well together.

Well, with you as well, I guess.”

“Sure.” Patrick

had spent two hours this morning with Karel, poring over some ideas he had to

rearrange the kitchen in the future, to make the work more efficient. The

installation of a brand new water heater had opened up more space in the room,

and Patrick had always wanted to increase capacity for frozen yoghurt desserts

as well as ice cream. Karel’s professional skills had contributed very useful

guidance.

Patrick glanced

over to the counter. Curtis had left, and Lee and Karel were both leaning over

the box of placemats. Karel put his arm around Lee’s shoulder and squeezed.

They both smiled, though Lee seemed less cheerful this afternoon, and rather

pale. Was he still tiring too easily? Was Patrick working him too hard? Maybe