Sandra smiled up at Marina and put her newspaper aside. “I’m good Marina, how are you today?”

Marina smiled, “I’m good. I’m sorry to interrupt you this morning, but I just wanted to quickly introduce you to my friend, Shane. Shane is a hair dresser and looking to possibly change salons. I thought she might be a good fit for you.”

Sandra gave me a once over and stood up, offering her hand. “Nice to meet you Shane…?”

I took her hand, “McCutcheon. Nice to meet you Sandra.” I flashed the smile.

“Where are you working right now and how long have you been there?”

“Uh, I’m at Tonic right now. Been there almost about a year now.”

Sandra nodded, “Ah yes, Matt’s place. Your first salon?” I nodded, “Then you’ve spent the last year basically shampooing and mixing dyes, the occasional trim here and there. Not enough that darling Matt has to pay you more but enough to keep you with him thinking you’ll work your way up I take it?”

I smiled and chuckled at her frankness and direct line of dialogue. “Something like that…”

She chuckled and pulled out a card from her pocket. “Well, give me a call in the next day or so, we’ll talk. And don’t worry, I won’t say anything to Matt so he won’t find out you’re checking out your options.”

I thanked her for the card, told her I’d call her in the next day or so, and thanked Marina before ducking out of the café. Once outside, I pulled out the index card that Alice had given me and called the number listed. I set up a meeting that afternoon to check out the apartment. Maybe today was going to be a good day after all.

The day dragged, it seemed to be the day that everyone who came into Tonic had had a crappy day and as their first point of contact, I was the one who got to hear all about it. My lunch break was non-existent and by the time I ducked out after five, I immediately went to light a much-needed ciggie before climbing in the truck and heading off to check out the apartment. I pulled up to a relatively decent building and climbed the stairs to the third floor, putting out the cigarette before knocking on the door. A guy who looked like he belonged on a surf board answered the door.