Chapter 23

He implores, “I knocked, but you didn’t hear me. So I came in.”

I wave at him, greet him with a warm smile, and say, “It’s all right. No problem. What can I help you with?”

“First, I need a glass of water.”

“Of course.” We walk into the kitchen and grab a plastic bottle of chilled water out of the refrigerator.

He chugs half of the water down. He sighs. “That hit the spot. Thanks.”

I wonder what he wants. Something tells me he’s stopped by for more than water. Obviously, he has an issue about Harold that he needs to discuss with me. Maybe his job at the Keller residence is complete, and he’s moving on. There’s always going to be a new patient like Harold.

He sits down at the kitchen table with the bottle of water. The red glow about his face starts to diminish. “I wanted you to hear this from the horse’s mouth.”

“You’re not a horse, Umby, but I’ll listen. What is it?”