Yolks on You Box Set

Chapter 16-1

Chapter 16

Katie was good enough to again mind the store alone, and Kiko said nothing about the cell phone on her; it was frightening alone, after all, not knowing when a bomb might go off. Dom checked the news repeatedly, but no word was released that the police had anyone in custody, which made Kiko uneasy. He acted like he didn’t worry, but Dom’s theory had made him suspicious about further explosions.

“You’re not your chipper self,” said Dom as they pulled into the grassy lawn at the farm. “Is it that there’s not going to be a chance to make out here?”

Kiko forced a smile.

“Something like that.”

Dom shifted only slightly underneath Mother, causing Kiko to reach over and take the goose. It was cute how Dom was clearly petrified of the animal but wouldn’t admit it.

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of public speaking.”

“No,” said Kiko, then sighed, hand on the door latch. “I’m…concerned you could be right.”

“About a bomb? We’ll just have to try to figure out where it is first.”

“No,” said Kiko, turning and grabbing Dom’s arm. Dom looked startled. Kiko let up his grip. “I mean…don’t go setting it off, all right?”

Dom smiled mischievously.

“Don’t want your weekend toy to get ground beefed like Buddy Angus? Don’t worry, Kiko, I don’t want to end up blown up. I’ll be careful. Here.” He leaned forward and kissed Kiko, lips gentle, the kiss prolonged. He pulled back. “Don’t get yourself exploded either.”

“We should get going,” said Kiko, popping open the door and getting out with Mother. He adjusted his tie, pastel purple with festive eggs on it, and glanced at the stream of people on their way down the muddy drive to the barns at the bottom of the hill. He and Dom followed.

At the bottom of the drive signs pointed in different directions; the barn with the livestock for petting, also containing games; the lawn for further games, like the egg race; the barn with the breakfast itself. Kiko set out for that one, as that was where he was scheduled to give his announcement. Otherwise he was supposed to join the few others with what were deemed “interesting” pets mingling with the tourists. He saw Wendy already out and about just outside the livestock barn, her ferret on a leash.

“This is a really big deal, isn’t it?” asked Dom as they entered the breakfast barn and a wave of loud chatter hit them. “It’s packed in here.”

“Everyone normally shows up to the Sunday events—or nearly everyone. The Farm Breakfast and the Grand Hunt are the culmination of the Eggstravaganza, after all.” He noticed Dom staring at the tables of food. “If you want second breakfast, you’re going to have to buy yourself a wristband.” He nodded to the table a small ways in front of them.

“How much?”

“Ten, I think. All you can eat, obviously.”

“I’ll meet you at the—where is it you’re going?”

“The stage,” said Kiko, nodding to the back of the barn. As Dom darted off Kiko’s phone pinged and he realized he’d forgotten to turn it to vibrate. He made his way awkwardly through the crowd while fishing it out of his pocket and juggling a now-squirming Mother who wanted to be put down. He stopped as he saw that Chad had texted him. It occurred to him he should have thought of doing just that earlier, rather than have another awkward conversation with the kid’s parents, which he’d put off.

Hey, read the text. Wat’s going on?

Kiko poked the keys with his thumb, stepping to the side to let an elderly woman with a walker by.

I’m at the Farm Breakfast. Are you still in the hospital?

Nope! @ home. Painkillers tho. U don’t need me 2 work, right?

No, Katie and I have it covered.

Lol boss, replied Chad before Kiko could form a further reply. Ur like an english teacher.

Kiko stared at the phone, guessing Chad was referring to the “Katie and I” bit of his text.

N e way I remembered sumthing.

About the explosion? asked Kiko immediately, wondering whether Chad had the information that would lead to the murderer—the police wouldn’t have to believe Dom or him then, they’d simply have to re-question Chad. This could all be over soon.

Kinda. The boxes were all weird.

What do you mean? asked Kiko, frowning at the phone now. Chad should have called him for this. Explain.

I’m trying. They were all stacked, but not right. U no? Not like u stack them. Weird.

Could you be clearer? asked Kiko, realizing Chad was frustrated and tired of the subject when he replied.

Y?

Because it might be important.

English teachers don’t start a sentence with because.

Chad, typed Kiko, pressing hard on the buttons. He started walking again toward the stage, not wanting to be late. Weird how?

Not ur pyramid. Just all lined up. 3 hi. A line of boxes. Weird, right? U do that? Mess with me?

No, sent Kiko before thinking that maybe he shouldn’t have. He didn’t need to give Chad’s parents anything else to be upset about when Chad went running his mouth to them about how Kiko wasn’t observant enough of the goings-on in his own store. But I’ll ask Katie. I have to go now. I have the golden egg announcement to do.

No prob. All the Transformers movies marathon on. Not bad. Painkillers!

Kiko turned his phone to silent, smiling slightly.

“It’s you then,” said a voice, and he looked up to see Dom’s ex standing before him, not looking happy. “You have a f*****g goose?”

“There are children around,” said Kiko in his best placate-a-customer voice. The man stepped closer, sneering, looking Kiko up and down in a show of disdain and disgust.

“Mine are at the table eating,” he said, continuing his appraisal, leaving Kiko feeling uncomfortable.

“Other children,” he said. The man began shaking his head.

“Dom’s really gone down in the world,” he said, then, “Who’s top? He whine to you about it all the time, too?”

“I have to be going,” said Kiko, resisting the urge to frown at the man. He wouldn’t allow him to have the satisfaction of stirring up anything. “I suspect you’ll want to take your seat, too; there will be an announcement regarding the Eggstravaganza shortly.” He smiled as professionally as possible, pleased to note Dom’s ex hesitate.

“Have you seen these pancakes?” asked Dom, coming up from behind Kiko and then stopping at his side. He and his ex noticed each other. Dom grinned. “Oh, hi, Alec. Having a lonely time?”

“You disgust me,” said Alec.

“You should have called Megan like I suggested,” said Dom. “And you should definitely try the apple pancakes. They don’t even have anything you don’t like in them.”

Alec eyed Dom suspiciously before stalking away. Kiko turned to Dom, who looked very amused, holding a plate of pancakes topped with what looked like spiced apples.

“I hope he’s too suspecting of me to try them,” said Dom. “They’re too good for him anyway. Have you seen these? They ladle a bunch of these cinnamon apples on top, and real maple syrup. You have real maple syrup here in Wisconsin? I thought it was a Canadian thing.”

“You can find it in the grocery store,” said Kiko. “Look next time you go.”

“You seem short,” said Dom, following Kiko as he crossed the rest of the distance to the stage. “Alec didn’t get you down, did he?”

“No,” said Kiko, looking about for the person in charge. “But Chad did text me some information. I’ll tell you after the announcement. Sorry, Dom, but I’m running a little late.”