Chapter 27: Spiral
Avery first noted that Tommy was late in picking him up. Three minutes past seven o’clock turned into seven minutes. He stood inside the thrift store, looking out its front glass windows. Behind him, Joe continued to price a box of silver bells.
“He’s coming. Give him time. There’s a load of snow out there.”
“I hate when dates are late. It tells me I’m not important enough to the guy.”
“You’re being dramatic, Avery. Calm down. He’ll be here before you know it.”
Avery spun around and teased his employee, “You’re lucky I like you because if I didn’t, I’d fire your ass for that comment.”
Joe laughed, continuing to price the tiny bells.
A minute later, Tommy Fort pulled up in front of the thrift store in his Blazer. He climbed out, trotted around the vehicle, and open
