Yellow Ceramic Mug and Red Silk Scarf in a Red Buick

and peppermint tea filled the small room.

Raymond slid the single sheet of cream-colored paper across the polished surface of his desk.

Julian did not look up to read it. He kept his chin pressed near his collar, his shoulders hunched forward as if he were trying to occupy less space in the green leather chair.

“This is a formal disclaimer of interest,continue reading …