The call from Laura came.
Rick, she said in her official tone.
Laura, I replied.
I was calm. I knew what was coming.
The final report’s coming out tomorrow, she said.
Okay.
I wanted to give you a heads-up.
I appreciate that.
It won’t come as a surprise to you.
Nothing would come as a surprise to me. I’m all surprised out.
She paused.
Okay, she said. The bottom line is, involuntary overdose. Self-inflicted.
Right.
I can give you the details.
No. No. I can read it tomorrow.
Okay. But if you change your mind.
No. I won’t. It’s okay.
All right, then.
All right.
I hung up. I sat back. I was suffused with a most confusing calm.
I paid a memorial visit to the Wolf’s Lair. I ordered soda water.
Double? asked Thom.
Sure, I said. Let’s go crazy.
Another double soda water later, Jake came through the door.
We shook hands.
We stood awkwardly. I wondered whether I should call him Jake or Brendan.
Have a seat, my man, I said at last.
We sat side by side at the bar. I felt no imperative to speak. I could have asked him all those questions about Melissa. Filled in some of the remaining blanks. But I didn’t.
Let her rest in peace, I thought. Leave her with her mysteries.
So, he said. Anything new going on?
I told him I’d quit drinking.
He was impressed. Said he might try that too.
I told him about the poker room.
He liked it.
Hey, he said, the World Series starts in two weeks.
Shit, I said. I’d forgotten all about that.
The World Series of Poker. Vegas. Lights. Cameras. Action. Millions in prizes. Side tables full of overstuffed rubes. Babes in bikinis.
I looked at him.
He looked at me.
I’ll make the reservations, I said.