Long Lunch

Let’s have lunch tomorrow, said the email, but when Montbretia arrived at her friend’s office he wasn’t there. When did he leave? Montbretia asked the receptionist. Monday, came the reply. No. I mean, when did he leave for lunch?
Monday, repeated the receptionist. He left at lunchtime on Monday.
But today’s Wednesday, said Montbretia. The receptionist’s face softened with a look of amusement as she tried to sympathize with Montbretia’s embarrassment. A long lunch. Montbretia searches for her friend, trying to find out where he is, why he left the office and his home, and how he sent a message 24 hours after he disappeared.