Chapter 22: The Measure of a River

Qing left at ten, still accusing Leon of teaching by ambush. "He explained muggins after I had failed to claim two points," she said from the stairs. "The board has holes it refuses to account for." She touched two fingers to the doorframe, took Leon's refill and her grievance down King Street, and left Su to open White Pine alone. Nathan came in at eleven seventeen. He carried no umbrella. His coat was dry at the shoulders, his chaplain's badge lay flat against his shirt, and his hands held nothing. Su locked the front door. "That will inconvenience your customers," he said. "You have already done so." She turned the sign to BACK IN FIFTEEN MINUTES and drew the shade. "You waited until Qing was gone." "I came when I could speak without her deciding for you." "You timed her departure." "Yes." At least he did not offer coincidence. Su…