At the door Ronnie and the elderly man exchanged a meaningful look. "Don't worry, I'll be back," the old man assured him. "I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize my wife's life." And, although Ronnie Davison was fifty pounds heavier and half a foot taller, he issued him a warning. "If you harm her, I'll kill you."
Ronnie pushed open the door and Vern slipped through. His attempt at a jog was unintentionally comical.
Tiel watched his progress across the parking lot until he reached the gas pumps and climbed into the Winnebago.
Doc was talking Sabra through another pain. When it passed, the girl relaxed and closed her eyes. Tiel looked at Doc, who was watching the girl. "What else would be helpful to you?"
"Gloves."
"I'll see what I can find."
"Some vinegar."
"Standard distilled vinegar?"
"Hmm." After a brief pause, he remarked, "You're awfully cool under pressure."
"Thanks." They continued to watch the girl, who, for the moment, seemed to be asleep. Tiel asked softly, "Is this going to end badly?"
His lips compressed into a grim line. "Not if I can help it."
"How bad-"
"Hey, what are you two whispering about?"
Tiel looked up at Ronnie. "Doc needs some gloves. I was about to ask Donna if the store stocks them."
"Okay, go ahead."
She left Sabra's side and moved to the counter. Donna was standing behind it, waiting to unlock the door when Vern returned. She regarded Tiel suspiciously. "What do you want?"
"Donna, please remain calm. Hysteria will only worsen the situation. For the time being, we're all safe."
"Safe? Ha! This is my third time."
"To be robbed?"
"My luck's bound to run out. First time, there were three of them. Came in pretty as you please, emptied the register, and locked me in the freezer. If the dairy delivery man hadn't come by, I'd've been a goner. Second time, this guy in a mask clubbed me good 'longside the head with the butt of his pistol. Had a concussion and couldn't work for six weeks on account of headaches. So dizzy I puked 'round the clock." Her narrow chest rose and fell on a deep sigh of resignation. "It's only a matter o' time.
The odds'll catch up with me, and one of 'em'll kill me.
Do you think he'd let us smoke?"
"If you're so afraid, why don't you quit and get another job?"
She looked at Tiel as though she had lost her mind. "I love my work."
If that was logical, maybe Tiel was losing her mind. "Do you carry any latex gloves in the store? The kind a doctor wears."
She shook her frizzy, permed head. "Rubbermaid.
That's it. I think we got two pairs over yonder with the household cleansers."
"Thanks. Stay cool, Donna."
As Tiel moved past Gladys, she leaned down and whispered,
"Is there a tape in your video camera?"