Julia leaned forward, engaged in the conversation. Val began to grow comfortable as she spoke. She seemed to be winning Julia over and felt her chances of getting this job increasing.

“You know, as I look through your résumé, I just have one last thing to say,” Julia said as she closed the document. Julia smiled as she spoke and Val felt secure the job was hers.

“What’s that?” Val responded enthusiastically.

“You have no experience as a death investigator.” The statement was blunt and the smile vanished from Julia’s face.

“The ad didn’t say experience was required.” As soon as she said the words, Val wanted to retract them. A knot formed in her stomach and her chest constricted as she tried to correct the error.

“I have ten years’ experience as a dentist. I have a lot of medical training.” Her voice came out sounding guilty. Perspiration formed as the temperature in the room seemed to increase. She continued to ramble, digging the hole deeper with each word.

Julia sat back in the chair, crossed her arms, and frowned. Val couldn’t help but think that she was going to have her thrown out of this office. But as Val talked, Julia’s irritated expression changed, and now she had a quizzical look on her face.

Once the babbling stopped, Julia spoke. “Are you actually practicing dentistry?”

That question took Val by surprise. What does that have to do with anything? It took a second before she answered, “In Florida, but not since I’ve come back to Buffalo.”

“That’s an awfully long time.”

“Like I said, I’m looking for a change in careers.”

“Yes, you did say that. What part of Florida were you in?”

“Clearwater,” Val said slowly, still not seeing the point.

“That’s a very nice area. I’ve been there many times. So, you must have licenses to practice in both New York and Florida?”

“I have one for Florida but haven’t gotten around to applying for New York yet,” Val lied. Her Florida license was expired. She couldn’t afford to renew it.

“You keep your Florida license current, but are now living in New York with no means to practice?” Julia seemed confused and Val didn’t know what to say. Julia’s question was valid.

“My Florida license is due for renewal soon. I think next month,” she continued to lie. Julia knew the truth about Oliver. This interview was over. Why else would there be all of this off-topic talk? Val didn’t feel like being interrogated on her dental license now. It was just too humiliating. She envisioned living on the street, her life over. Reality was hitting hard. Tears were starting. This job was her last hope and now all hope was gone.