11 Chapter 11

It was around seven when I walked into the club. I left my leather jacket in the cloakroom, and walked through the place, including the back room, to be certain Lorne wasn’t around. After that, I found an empty stool at the bar, and ordered my usual scotch. Then I turned, leaned back, and prepared myself forwhat might be the fruitless job of watching the front door of the club, waiting for Lorne to appear.

I was on my second scotch, sipping slowly, when Lorne came in. He was wearing a heavy jacket he left in the cloakroom before entering the main room. I decided to wait for him to spot me, figuring it would give him a chance to turn around and leave if he didn’t want me bothering him.

He saw me and, somewhat to my surprise, came directly over. “I was hoping,” he said shyly, taking the stool next to mine.

“That I’d be here?” I replied with an ingratiating smile, since he didn’t finish his thought.