Page 85 of Too Old for This

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Burke:Did you get a chance to read that file?

Norma:Most of it. I can’t say I understand it all.

Burke:Let me know when you have time for a call. I’d love to explain everything.

That night, Norma was on the phone with Burke for two hours and twenty-eight minutes. The texting continued in the days afterward. Most of the time, Burke initiated the conversations.

Burke:Just checking in. How are you doing?

Norma:Hanging in there. A little nervous about Baycliff.

Burke:It’s for your daughter. Remember that.

Norma:I know. I do.

Burke:But…?

Norma:But I’m scared I can’t do this.

Burke:You’ll be fine. I trust you

He usesemojis. This just gets worse and worse.

They were in contact almost every day. It became routine enough that “Hello” and “Goodbye” and “How are you?”vanished. Burke got straight to the point, and he pushed her a little bit harder each time.

Burke:I know you can do this. Just talk to her like a friend.

Norma:I really am trying.

Burke:Of course you are. You’re doing great.

Norma told him about her first meeting with Tula, all the way up to the note I left and the phone calls to her hotel.

Burke:Don’t pay attention to the noise. Pay attention to her.

Norma:I just want to find Plum.

Burke:And I’m helping you do that.

Norma:I know, I know. And I appreciate it. This is just making me so crazy.

Burke:Lottie’s doing it on purpose. Don’t let her. Whenever you feel like it’s too much, just give me a call. I’m always here for you.

I shiver, making a face at his words. It was creepy how Burke always circled back to me. Norma had been sharing so much with him, including all the clues that led away from me, but he wouldn’t stop. Regardless of the evidence—or lack thereof—he kept trying to convince her I was the center of everything.

Norma:There is so much that points to Cole. He won’t even talk to me anymore.

Burke:What did I tell you?

Norma:That she made it up.

Burke:It’s what she does.

Norma:I get that. I’m just saying, maybe this time she didn’t.

Burke:I can’t believe this.

Norma:Believe what?

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