Chapter 42: Chapter 42

Paula was sitting at Isobel's desk when Isobel returned, her hand on the receiver and a look of triumph on her face.

"When you've finished sorting through Frank's things, you can start packing your own. We won't be needing you anymore after today."

Isobel pushed her dripping hair out of her face (the umbrella she'd bought at the deli had already given up the ghost) and took a deep breath.

"You can't do that."

"Isn't that funny? I just did," Paula said smugly. "I've informed Felice Edwards that your questionable services are no longer required."

"But Frank said-"

"It doesn't really matter what Frank said, does it? At precisely 5:01 p.m. today, this is no longer his department."

"But I-"

Paula stood up. "You said you'd be gone for ten minutes and it's been," she consulted her watch, "forty-five. You and Conchita cannot be gone at the same time, you know that."

"It was an emergency!"

"Oh, really? What was so urgent?"