“The man is a freelancer, honey. He makes his own schedule.”

Turtle had had this same discussion with his wife several times over the last few days, and he was not eager to have it again. He continued quickly down the hall, but his wife followed.

“But he wouldn’t be a reliable freelancer if he didn’t show up for the jobs. You know this. Above anything else, Randal is a professional.”

“He’s been reliable in the past, yes. Though it reflects on his character, if a man changes his mind on a job, that is his own business. Not mine.”