Chapter 73

“We have to open the shop,” Karen announced.

Though her voice was far less stern than Dawn’s, Keith got to his feet pretty quickly

Once I had said my goodbyes, I headed up to the counter for my coffee and to debrief Preston, there where Archie had left him. “The kid did just lose his aunt,” I said to Dawn in lieu of a greeting.

“And I would have given him some time off. He comes to work, he works.” She stared down Preston. “He doesn’t come to goof around. The exterminator’s coming back one last time this morning. Archie needs to move everything so we can clean when he’s done.”

“One last time.”

“Everything has its upside.” Dawn’s eyes narrowed. “I hope they bulldoze that craphole.”

“Faye’s?” I matched her stare.

“Faye’s. Archie can find somewhere else to live. You want coffee?”