Chapter 2
Butch Noonan walked into Universal for his afternoon/evening shift. Putting down his duffle bag and leaning on the counter, he greeted Mary, the receptionist.
“Hey yourself, Butch,” Mary replied, looking up from her computer. “Something wrong?”
“No, why?” Butch answered, wondering if his subliminal feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction were discernable to his colleagues.
“You usually come in here with a smile and a wisecrack. The last couple days you’ve looked like you’ve had something on your mind.”
“Nope,” he answered, trying for nonchalance. He had no idea where this malcontent was coming from. He just knew he didn’t feel himself and hadn’t for some time. Mustering up some enthusiasm, he added, “What’s on the program for tonight? Anyone interesting?”
Mary looked b
