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.