Chapter twenty two
1000 Words
Still,I didn't like the idea of her staying up all night not worrying about it.
''I can't come in tomorrow ,''She said again.''You're not gonna fire me, are you?''
''No''I sat up .''I'm not .''I couldn't blame her .I wasn't even sure I liked the idea of going to work alone.
''Thank you.''
''Ofcourse .Get some sleep and don't worry .I know you're not sick. But I understand.''
''I'm sorry.''
''it's okay .''
The next morning ,I parked behind the bakery and got out of the car ,My feet crunching against the pavement .The building was pretty starightfoward , a square , red brick shop wih a glass froont.It was built in the back of the lot , next to a wooden fence that was hanging sideways almost to the ground.
I walked into the alleyway behind it, ignoring the smell of dirty diapers and rotting food ,It wasn't very long , just a block , but it offered alot of cover , so I took my time looking through , watching for anything that a homeless personwould sleep on-blankets , pillows , jackets - any sign of Mr Beetle's camp. He was always around , and he didn't smel like he had anywhere else to call home.
There wasn't much in the alley .Just some old newspapers flying around in the wind and a pile of old books sitting next to a dumpster .I walked back ,a little disappointmen.I thought that maybe if I could find his camp ,I could tell the police where it was if he caused me any more trouble. Wherever the hell he lived, it wasn't behind the aley, and I didn't have time to go traipsing around downtown hunting for him.
I opened the bakery and walked into the kitchen .My phone vibrated , and I pulled it out,Laura sent me a message saying .
''How's it going?''
''You're worried ,''I typed .''I'm not ignoring this anymore.''
''Good .''She added a smiley face.
The day was slow .It was saturday , which meant that the mechanics were still sleeping off their hangovers or getting ready for a secon round. All the downtown office buildings were still safe at home , nestled under their covers .It was probably better that way.I wasn't sure I wanted to deal with anyone , and I already had enough money to get through the mouth.
I decided to take it slow and do some baking now taht I had a chance.After the lunch rush , and the ensuing clean up ,I took a muffing in back so I could eat and read to clear my head .Things were quiet and I was tense .Mr Beetle usually came in around that time.
The doorbell rang .My back went stiff ,and I found myself sniffing the air for the stench of rolled cigarettes and cogulated urine. I didn't smell anything , but that didn't mean I was in the clear .I got up slowly and inched my way closer to the kitchen door, trying to see who was in the loppy , but they were standing behind one of cake displays.
''Yeah , Laura.I think we can probably add a little more cocoa powder to that batch,''I called out,
loud enough for whoever was in the lobby to hear .It was a desperate attempt t keep Mr Beetle from thinking that I was alone .it was stupid .I was freaking out over a handful of rocks , and I was making myself look like an i***t ,It didnt matter what I did .I'd still have to walk out there , and Mr, Beetle was there ,'d have to deal with him .I got up and walked out into the lobby.
''Hi, how can I help you?''I stopped halfway to the register.
''Oh
''Oh ''Archer was standing in front of the register ,subdued and a little sheepish with his hands in his pockets.
''How are you?''I tried to deispel the initial shock ,but I could see right away that that wasn't going to happen, si I trew caution to the wind .''I thought I'd never see youagain.''
''I didn't think you would either ,I just- I'm sorry , May.''
''What is it? One second ,you want it .The next you don't ''
''My life isn't easy .You must know that ,Ive got thirty things going on at anytime-weapons development , defense contarcts .It's not the kind of world you just let somebody into, and yeah ,it's been hard .I wasn't sure what to do , but I'm here , aren't I?''
''Yeah , you are .''I was glad that we could talk directly about it.He had this way of smilling without even lifting without even lifting his mouth .It was his eyes .I couldn't undertsand how he did it, but it gave me chills.
''Is somebody here with you?''
He looked around me.
''No.''I said laughing awkwardly.''I thought you wre this guy .The one you saw at the club.''
''Is he giving you trouble ?''I watched the muscles flex in his arms when his hands balled up into fists .
''He stood outside yesterday and scared some of the customers,So the girl that works with me,Laura , she ran over to lock the door so he couldn't come in .He rushed at her , almost got inside before she cold lock it.Then, he picked up a handful of rocks and thew them at the door.''
Archer turned back .''Did he breal the window ?''
''No , and I don't know what I would've done if he did.I have insurance , but the premiums are already too hugh.''
''Maya . this isn't the first time he's done this.Are you sure you're okay here alone?''
''I think he's homeless .He's probably begging for money just to eat.He can't affford a gun or a knife, and he's not that big.laura and I could probably overpower him.
''But you don't know that.''
Archer was clearly disturbed by what I'd told him like he needed some reassurance.
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