“You wouldn’t believe everything that’s been going on. I can’t wait to catch you up to speed, but first please tell me there’s been a terrible misunderstanding, and I haven’t been fired.” The silence on the other end of the line is cavernous. Then Luce says, “You must have the wrong number.” A feeling of cold dread crackles over my skin, like ice forming on still water. Nervously licking my lips, I say, “Luce, it’s me. May.” “I don’t know a May.” My voice rises. “May Blackthorn. The head of the Entomology Department. The lepidoptera curator. I’ve worked for you for five years!” Her voice is
...more
