42
I stop the Mini outside the motel and climb out. Darla slides over and takes the wheel.
"Stay home the rest of the day," I say. "No taking Prince for a walk."
"You can always hide out at my place," Darla says, concern in her eyes.
"Get out of here," I say.
Darla pouts her lips through the window. I kiss her on 'em.
"Good luck, Charlie," she says.
I slap the roof a couple of times and step away from the car. She drives off into the distance with a toot of her horn.
I check my watch, turn and walk to the hardware store down the street. It's open. I walk in and pick up a red plastic basket from inside the door. There's an old guy I haven't met before. He stands behind the counter and nods at me like he knows me. Maybe he's heard the news. I told Father Shaw and Florence to spread t
