Chapter 87

There was no one at the gym. Matt found it difficult to believe anyone would be outside on a day like this, let alone waiting at a bus stop in this storm.

At quarter to twelve, the telephone on his desk rang. He answered it quickly, thankful for the distraction. Even if it was only Roxie suggesting they order in Chinese, at least it gave him something else to focus on.

It wasn’t Roxie, and it wasn’t Vic, either, though Matt had secretly hoped his lover might call when he reached the bus depot south of the city. No, it was someone from the dog place where Sadie spent her days. Matt would pick her up at five when he left the gym for the day, but the woman on the other end of the line wanted to know if he could pick up his dog earlier? When he asked how early, she said succinctly, “Now is a good time.”

“Now?” Matt asked, incredulous. It wasn’t even the lunch hour yet. “What’s wrong?”