027

Craig let them stew. He neither called nor showed up. 

Jill lay on her bed like a wounded animal, staring at the door as if she could will her to summon him here. 

She didn't know whether to be happy about the delay or not, because there was no doubt that it was only a delay. On the one hand it might be good if things calmed down a little first, on the other hand she would have liked to get it over with. 

She hesitantly picked up her cell phone, wondering if she should call him. But she had no idea where he was or what he was doing, and surely it was better not to upset him further by bothering him. 

She noticed a message on the screen telling her she had a missed call. 

It was Craig's number, the message was from last night, just after ten o'clock. 

With a sigh, she pressed the button for her mailbox, then heard Craig's voice:

 “Jill, I'm sorry I can't make it today. I have been held up in Lakeside and will