time?"
What company was he talking about? I hadn't seen any cars other than my own parked in front of the house. Unless...the yellow hatchback parked back on the road? But why park so far away? "I'm sorry to disturb you." I was. Really I was. I hate when people arrive unannounced at my door and expect me to drop everything because they happened to have the time to visit.
Amuse Bouche
But, I couldn't ignore my growing feeling of uneasiness. Something was not right about this whole case. I hated giving up and it felt like that was what Chavell was asking me to do.
"I couldn't stop thinking about Tom all the way home. You hired me to find out why he left you and I didn't do that. There's something else going on here and I'd like to find out what it is.
But you're right, we can talk about this some other time. Maybe tomorrow?" As 1 said the words I wondered if Chavell would think I was trying to wrangle a few more chargeable hours out of him.
"Actually, let's finish this right now. I can't go on with this any longer. You did your job— everything I asked. It's clear from what you told me that Tom is anxious to get away from me. For now and maybe forever. I'm confused and distraught. . .but I have to deal with that in my own way. It isn't easy. However, I don't need any more information from you. I've heard all I care to. You have to understand.. .this isn't the type of experience I desire or welcome into my life. It's tawdry and disreputable and disruptive. If it's a matter of the bill, just send me an invoice..."
I shook my head. "The retainer you gave me is more than sufficient. In fact I'll write you a cheque for the unused portion."
"No. No, please, keep it. I'm sure this job 126
Anthony Bidulka
went far beyond what you normally do. I appreciate that. And I appreciate your continued discretion. Please keep any extra. It is well worth your efforts."
I like being stroked as much as the next guy, yet I couldn't help but get the feeling that I was being brushed off What did he mean by saying the whole thing was disruptive? Was Tom's disappearance being relegated to the category of an annoying disruption in Chavell's otherwise orderly life? One more try. "I do think there is more to find out here."
"No, there isn't." His answer sounded pretty final. I looked into his eyes and tried to decipher what I saw. Was this a guy who just wanted to get back to his company or a guy whose heart had been publicly thrashed by his lover and just wanted to, finally, leave it be?
"Can I ask you one question before I go?"
"Of course." Always the gentleman.
"Did you give Tom a half-heart pendant as a gift recently? Perhaps as a pre-wedding present?"
He slowly shook his head. "No."
If he was beat, he was really beat. Chavell gave no indication of being the least bit curious about the pendant or why I'd asked the question. You don't have to tell me twice! Well, maybe twice, but never three times. As far as Chavell was concerned, Tom Osborn was a 127
closed chapter in his life. I wished him goodnight and headed toward my waiting car. I heard the front door close behind me and quickly diverted myself toward the window of what I knew, from my earlier visit, to be the office/sitting room. Lucky me. The drapes were open.
Looking comfy on the eggplant couch were two men, obviously awaiting Chavell's return. One was attractive, older, elegantly dressed and, I'd bet my bottom dollar, gay as a garden party; the other looked much the same but about twenty years younger. Neither of them looked like the type to be driving a rusted yellow hatchback.
Knowing Chavell might be waiting to hear my vehicle leave, I pulled away from the window and headed for my car.
Having a suspicious mind is a common and useful trait in my business. As I drove away I couldn't help wondering who the men in Chavell's sitting room were and why they were there. Friends? Potential new lovers? Business partners? Relatives? Were they simply enjoying a convivial evening
What company was he talking about? I hadn't seen any cars other than my own parked in front of the house. Unless...the yellow hatchback parked back on the road? But why park so far away? "I'm sorry to disturb you." I was. Really I was. I hate when people arrive unannounced at my door and expect me to drop everything because they happened to have the time to visit.
Amuse Bouche
But, I couldn't ignore my growing feeling of uneasiness. Something was not right about this whole case. I hated giving up and it felt like that was what Chavell was asking me to do.
"I couldn't stop thinking about Tom all the way home. You hired me to find out why he left you and I didn't do that. There's something else going on here and I'd like to find out what it is.
But you're right, we can talk about this some other time. Maybe tomorrow?" As 1 said the words I wondered if Chavell would think I was trying to wrangle a few more chargeable hours out of him.
"Actually, let's finish this right now. I can't go on with this any longer. You did your job— everything I asked. It's clear from what you told me that Tom is anxious to get away from me. For now and maybe forever. I'm confused and distraught. . .but I have to deal with that in my own way. It isn't easy. However, I don't need any more information from you. I've heard all I care to. You have to understand.. .this isn't the type of experience I desire or welcome into my life. It's tawdry and disreputable and disruptive. If it's a matter of the bill, just send me an invoice..."
I shook my head. "The retainer you gave me is more than sufficient. In fact I'll write you a cheque for the unused portion."
"No. No, please, keep it. I'm sure this job 126
Anthony Bidulka
went far beyond what you normally do. I appreciate that. And I appreciate your continued discretion. Please keep any extra. It is well worth your efforts."
I like being stroked as much as the next guy, yet I couldn't help but get the feeling that I was being brushed off What did he mean by saying the whole thing was disruptive? Was Tom's disappearance being relegated to the category of an annoying disruption in Chavell's otherwise orderly life? One more try. "I do think there is more to find out here."
"No, there isn't." His answer sounded pretty final. I looked into his eyes and tried to decipher what I saw. Was this a guy who just wanted to get back to his company or a guy whose heart had been publicly thrashed by his lover and just wanted to, finally, leave it be?
"Can I ask you one question before I go?"
"Of course." Always the gentleman.
"Did you give Tom a half-heart pendant as a gift recently? Perhaps as a pre-wedding present?"
He slowly shook his head. "No."
If he was beat, he was really beat. Chavell gave no indication of being the least bit curious about the pendant or why I'd asked the question. You don't have to tell me twice! Well, maybe twice, but never three times. As far as Chavell was concerned, Tom Osborn was a 127
closed chapter in his life. I wished him goodnight and headed toward my waiting car. I heard the front door close behind me and quickly diverted myself toward the window of what I knew, from my earlier visit, to be the office/sitting room. Lucky me. The drapes were open.
Looking comfy on the eggplant couch were two men, obviously awaiting Chavell's return. One was attractive, older, elegantly dressed and, I'd bet my bottom dollar, gay as a garden party; the other looked much the same but about twenty years younger. Neither of them looked like the type to be driving a rusted yellow hatchback.
Knowing Chavell might be waiting to hear my vehicle leave, I pulled away from the window and headed for my car.
Having a suspicious mind is a common and useful trait in my business. As I drove away I couldn't help wondering who the men in Chavell's sitting room were and why they were there. Friends? Potential new lovers? Business partners? Relatives? Were they simply enjoying a convivial evening
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