Chapter 18

Gerry didn’t even get the book open before the phone rang. He didn’t get the handset picked up before the second line did the same thing. “Wow,” he spoke aloud, though the lack of listeners didn’t take the sarcasm out of his voice. “It’s gonna be a busy day.”

He punched the first line. “Manon Executive Realty, please hold.” He didn’t give the caller a chance to reply before putting the call on hold and activating the second line. “Good morning, Manon Executive Real—”

“You’re avoiding me.”

Gerry rolled his eyes at the pout in Francois’s voice. “And a hello to you, too,” he said with a forced smile. “Can I call you back, though? I have another line—”

“Right. Like I can trust you to call me. It’s not like I’ve been leaving you messages for days now.”

“Two,” Gerry said firmly. “You left two.”

“Which means you’ve not called me back twice.”

The other line beeped a reminder and Gerry’s smile faded. “I was out. It happens.”