Chapter 4
Holly and Robert caught a cab back to her apartment. The whole of the trip, Holly couldn't help but stare at Robert in disbelief.
"Holly, what are you doing in Montreal?" Robert ventured.
"I cannot believe you would take the time to ask me questions," cracked Holly, "seeing as you're the one who's been missing for 8 years."
Robert held up a finger as if to shush her: "I promise to tell you the whole story once we're somewhere more private."
Holly relented. "Fine. I decided to go back to school one day. I needed a change of pace and I wanted a different sort of challenge. I'm in my 3rd year now of a B.A., studying art history"
Robert snickered: "Art history? Was that so you could use the knowledge you got from your family, or so you could run some brand-new cons?"
Face glowering, Holly snipped, "It seemed like a good place to start. I've become quite a good student, I'll have you know"
"I have no doubt about that. But what did you give as your qualifications? I don't remember the Suttons as being big on formal education"
Holly relaxed and giggled. "I did have to 'tweak' my transcripts a little. But everything else has been from the sweat of my brow"
"Why Montreal?"
"I always liked it here. It's a vibrant city, plenty to do, lots of different cultures. A new country, different language..." Holly trailed off in her list of reasons, "I don't care much for the winters"
Lost in conversation, the cab ride flew by despite the rush-hour traffic. In no time, the couple were back at Holly's apartment.
Robert and Holly walked into her apartment. "Sorry, it's a bit messy, I wasn't really expecting anyone" She fought the urge to add, "least of all, my dead husband"
Robert's eyes took in the flat, which managed to combine class and coziness. It was much nicer than the typical undergrad's apartment. A few dishes lay dirty on the table, but otherwise the place was quite clean.
"The sofa's in there," Holly gestured towards the living room, "I need a drink. Do you want something?"
"Please. Several. Whatever you're having."
Robert wandered toward the living room, feeling every bit the condemned man heading to the gallows. How can he tell Holly the truth of the last eight years?