Page 34 of The Inmate
I watch the three bubbles hovering on the screen. A few seconds later, the reply pops up:
I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.
ChapterEighteen
FIVE MONTHS EARLIER
To: Melinda Hoffman
From: Seth Hoffman
Subject: Tonight
I’ll be home late tonight. Eat without me. I’ll grab dinner for myself on the way home.
To: Seth Hoffman
From: Melinda Hoffman
Subject: Re: Tonight
Again??? How late are we talking? I wouldn’t mind eating on the late side…
To: Melinda Hoffman
From: Seth Hoffman
Subject: Re: Tonight
It’s really busy here. Completely swamped. Probably won’t be till after ten. Eat without me. Really sorry, will make it up to you.
To: Seth Hoffman
From: Melinda Hoffman
Subject: Re: Tonight
But promise you’ll be home on time tomorrow, okay?
To: Melinda Hoffman
From: Seth Hoffman
Subject: Re: Tonight
I promise. Love you.
To: Mia Hodge
From: Dawn Schiff
Subject: Re: Greetings
Dear Mia,
I had the most terrifying experience this morning.
When I got to my cubicle this morning at 8:45 AM, there was already a woman standing in the middle of the small square space. She had on a black trenchcoat, and her stringy brown hair was pulled into a bun that had come partially unraveled. Natalie sometimes wears messy buns, but hers are stylishly messy. This woman looks disheveled. Like she slept in the street.
