Part III - Chapter 2

Rachel found an empty bench outside the courthouse where she could legally indulge her socially unacceptable habit in peace. She was about to light the cigarette when she heard an irritating whine coming from her purse. The LED display on her cell phone revealed the caller’s identity, but Rachel let it ring four times before answering. She had already been reprimanded once that day and was in no hurry to repeat the experience. Reluctantly, she hit the button and held the phone a few inches from her ear.

“Rachel, where are you?” Joan’s voice blared through the small receiver. “The next chapters were due in my office three hours ago!”

Fortunately, her editor was a lot easier to handle than the postal police. “I’m sorry, Joan. I should have called, but there was an emergency. The chapters are finished,” she lied. “I’ll have them on your desk first thing Monday morning, I promise,” I hope.