Behind the large and imposing desk was a man in the fortyish age range. He stood when we entered, revealing himself to be of average height with a mild middle-aged spread. His close-cropped hair was light brown and getting patchy in places that he probably didn’t want to talk about.

“What can I do for you ladies?” he asked affably, and gestured to the chairs in front of his desk.

I made sure Tabitha was settled down before sitting myself, and when I looked at Drew, I found myself feeling even shorter than usual. The chair’s height didn’t quite fit the desk and I found myself looking straight across a vast expanse of wood. I spent a brief second of envy for a desk that could stay so clean of paperwork, then opened my mouth to start talking. But Tabitha got there half a beat earlier.

“Mr. Parnell,” she said a little breathlessly. “I want to take advantage of the time I have left in this world to spread the good news about people who have helped me on my way along this path we call life.”

Though I was pretty sure my mouth hadn’t dropped open far enough for adult flies to zip into my throat, a younger and smaller one might have. Up until now, I’d had no idea the woman sitting next to me could change personalities at the drop of a hat. All she and Julia needed for a hugely successful two-woman show was a script.

“That’s right,” I said, belatedly jumping into the conversation. “My aunt had a good turn done to her by a young woman who used to work here, and she was hoping to return the favor.”

“Oh?” Drew leaned back and steepled his index fingers. “Can you tell me what happened?”

“Yes, sir, I certainly can.” Tabitha spun out her tale of being down south for the winter, having her water bill run high, and having that nice young Ariella contact her.

“These days,” Tabitha said, “you hear so much about the younger generation having poor work habits. I wanted to make sure you knew what an asset Ariella was to the city.” She looked at Drew straight on, clearly doing her best to look old and weak but also charming. Though she didn’t technically bat her eyes, she might as well have. “I hear that my young friend doesn’t work for you any longer, that she’s working as a bank teller for a lot less money. I want to know if I can convince you to hire her back.”

Drew laughed out loud. “You have got to be—” He stopped himself, shook his head, and started again. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but Ms. Tice was let go from the city for reasons I can’t talk about.”