Chapter 15

My desk was still sitting in the hallway. When I got back, my coworkers didn't bother hiding their contempt. Everyone knew exactly where I stood in the company. I was nothing more than the Layton family's lapdog. Any courtesy shown to me was just for appearances. I threw myself into work, and before I knew it, the day had slipped away. I'd gotten through another day. Now, only 19 remained. Just as I was about to leave, Camille's call came through. I didn't want to answer. But I did so anyway. "You useless mutt. Get over here... Come pick me up!" Even through the phone, I felt like I could smell the booze. I slid into the car and drove straight to the bar. There, Camille swayed in the center of the dance floor. The air hung heavy with smoke and alcohol. Men and women gave in recklessly, each trying to drown their own burdens. I stayed off to the side, waiting for Camille. Today, she showed up on her own. That caught me completely off guard. She was never without a few m