Page 86 of Too Old for This

Burke:That after all I’ve shared with you, and the files I’ve given you, I can’t believe you would doubt me.

Norma:I don’t doubt you. You’re obviously an expert about this woman.

Burke:I’m trying to help you find out what happened to Plum. If you don’t want my help, it’s fine.

Norma:I didn’t say that.

Burke:You came to me. I don’t have to do this.

Norma:I do need your help. And I appreciate it.

This passive-aggressive thing Burke did is new. His manipulation tactics have improved since we last met. I don’t like that one bit.

Their last exchange makes me feel a bit ill.

Norma:I have an idea.

Burke:An idea?

Norma:A surprise. Just wait.

She wanted to impress him. Norma didn’t tell him about her plan.

He waited until today to text again. In between, she showed up at my house, drugged me, and tied me up. But he doesn’t know that.

—

I have to answer Burke. If Norma stops responding, he is going to look for her. And I know exactly who he would start with. He wouldn’t be wrong, either. That’s the problem.

It’s hard to believe that after all this time, I am going to talk to Burke. And he has no idea.

My hands tremble as I type.

I stop, close my eyes, force myself to relax. And I try again.

Norma:I’m here.

I send the text. Blue dots appear, disappear, reappear. I imagine old man Burke sitting in a rocking chair, trying to figure out what he wants to say. Or maybe he’s in a wheelchair at this point.

Burke:Everything okay? I was worried.

Norma:Everything is perfect.

Burke:Yes?

Norma:I talked to her. Actually, I followed her so I could “run into” her at the store. We sat down and had coffee together.

Burke:Brilliant. You are just brilliant.

I smile. Not because I think he’s being honest, but because he’s trying to flatter me.

No, he’s trying to flatterNorma. And she would’ve believed him.

Norma:Brilliant? Oh, stop that. Don’t be ridiculous.

Burke:It’s true! So what did she say?

Norma:It was so odd. She told me she’s been talking to Tula quite a bit.