Chapter 40: The conversation with Ballentine

Once in Chicago, David called Jessica. She wasn’t home when he first called. Her machine picked up. She was probably still working.

“Hi Jessica,” he said once the machine beeped. “It’s Michael. You know, the guy you’ve been spending time with a lot lately. Michael Crane. Hopefully the only guy you’ve been spending so much time with—never mind.” He felt like an idiot. “Anyway, I was just calling to see how you were doing, what you were up to, and when I can see you next. Please call me back.” He fought the urge to say that he loved her. He wasn’t entirely sure if it was because she’d want to hear it or because he wanted to say it. “Bye.”

Time to deal with another problem.