Chapter 16

By the time I hang up the phone, ten minutes and a new headache later, I’m exhausted and cranky. I am given three minutes of silence. Even the tap-tap-tapping of Jimmy’s keyboard ceases. Then I hear the roll of his chair. I hear the mini-fridge open and then close. His footsteps are the only thing I don’t actually hear, but I know he’s advancing. I’m already looking up at the doorway when Jimmy pokes his head through and holds out a glass of water.

“I’ll call up the travel agent and look into flights if you give me names and details,” he says quietly.

We lock up gazes, Jimmy doing his best to look innocent.

“They’re good guys,” I tell him.

“No doubt.” Jimmy smiles.

“They’ll get used to you.”

Jimmy nods. “I hope so.” He steps forward and puts the water on my desk. “Thanks, Eric. For the chance. Even if it doesn’t work out.”

“It’ll work out.”

His disbelief is so obvious, he could have been shouting it. Without another word, Jimmy turns his back and goes back to his data entry.