Chapter 31: Conversation with Walter

“I’ve been expecting this,” Walter said when Harley arrived the next night. “Marian isn’t up yet. But I’m guessing you knew that.”

“I know she sleeps later than I do. But I don’t really know how much later.”

“She’s probably stirring now,” he said, looking over his shoulder. “So we’ve got like an hour. She doesn’t like waking up fast.”

Harley smirked. “That all depends on how you wake her,” she said. “But yeah, I came early on purpose.”

Walter stepped to the side, freeing the doorway. “Then enter, of your own free will,” he said, taking on a mockingly ominous tone for a second. He gave her a very formal bow, then smiled. “Do you want something to drink?”

“A bit of absinthe would be good.”

He chuckled. “I don’t get why you like that stuff. But I’ll get it. Grab a seat.”