chapter 15

Bernard

"Has Ms. Booth called?"

Mary stood in the doorway to my office, a furrow appearing between her brows. "No, sir. Would you like me to call her for you?"

I shook my head and sat down behind my desk. "No, thank you, Mary. If she calls, make sure you let me know."

Mary shifted from one foot to the other and hesitated. "Is everything alright, sir?"

I pushed my chair closer to the desk and raised an eyebrow. "Yes, why wouldn't it be?"

"You don't seem happy about my choice of housekeeper, sir," Mary continued, pausing to fold her hands together. "I can find you someone else if Ms. Booth is unsuitable."

"No, she's fine. There are just some scheduling issues we need to work through."

Mary stood up straighter and straightened her back. "I can take care of whatever issues there are, sir."

"That won't be necessary, Mary. Thank you. I'll let you know if I need your help."

Mary nodded and let the door click shut behind her.

For the rest of the day, I tried to bury myself in work, alternatin