Chapter 10
1
Weinstock went to do some paperwork and Crow spent some time with Val, who was awake again. They talked about Sarah’s request and then Val drifted off again, so Crow went back to the solarium to make some calls. His first was to his store and Mike answered on the fourth ring, “Crow’s Nest. We have everything you need for a happy Halloween. ”
“You sound chipper, young Jedi. ”
“Crow? Hey! Your friend Dave Kramer just stopped in to get some stuff for the Hayride and he told me what happened last night! I can’t believe it. How’s Val?”
“She’ll be okay. ” Crow gave Mike an abbreviated version of what had happened, sparing him the more lurid details and all of the backstory. Mike kept telling him how sorry he was and to give his best to Val.
“I’ll tell her, kiddo…but listen, there’s no way I’m coming in today, and probably not tomorrow, either. You good there? I know it’s a lot to ask…”
There was a brief pause before Mike answered. “Sure, Crow…I got the routine down now. I can handle things. ”
“Terrific. You know I’ll take care of you come payday. ”
“Man…don’t even go there. I’m having fun here. ”
“So, you’re telling me retail sales is your heart’s desire?”
“Duh, no…it’s just that I like doing this. I like being here. I feel…I don’t know…safe here. ” Mike immediately added, “I know that sounds stupid and all—”
“No it doesn’t, kiddo. ” The moment turned awkward and to cover it Crow said, “Take some cash from the drawer and have food delivered. Whatever you want. There’s a whole bunch of menus in the third file drawer. You need a break, just lock the place up. ”
“I got it. Thanks, Crow. Look, there’s a couple customers coming in. I gotta go. ” Mike hung up.
Crow frowned at the phone for a moment, saw Sarah Wolfe coming toward him. “How’s Val?”
“Sleeping. ”
“Sounds like what we should all be doing. I’m heading home now to see the kids, get showered, and find some fresh clothes. I feel like I’ve been wearing these for a month. ”
“I should probably do the same,” he agreed. “I must stink like a skunk. ”
“A little bit worse than a skunk,” she said, trying for a joke. The effort was an encouraging sign and he gave her a smile. Sarah touched his arm. “Have you given any thought to what I asked you?”
“Yeah
. About running the Festival? Sure. I talked it over with Val, and she thinks I should do it, but I still don’t know if it’s a good idea, Sarah. With all that’s happening, I’m not so sure bringing in more tourists is a good thing. ”
“We have to, or the town will—”
“I know, I know. ” He felt frustrated and hamstrung by having his fears on one hand and the realities of the town’s needs on the other. Sarah stood there, looking into his eyes, her need as strident as if she were shouting it. He sighed. “Oh, hell, sure. Why not?”
Sarah gave him a short, fierce hug. “Thank you, Crow…I know it doesn’t feel like it matters, not with Val and Mark and all. With what’s happening with Terry I feel the same way. But it’s what the town needs. It’ll help all of our friends. You’re doing the right thing. ”
So why does it feel like I just made the worst mistake of my life? he asked himself, but to her he just smiled and nodded.
Sarah gave him another quick peck on the cheek and left. He got up and bought a Yoo-hoo from the machine, shook it, cracked it open, and drank half of it down as he sank back onto the couch, punching in another number on his phone.
“Hey, Newt? It’s me. ”
“Crow…what’s…um, happening? Is there anything new?” The reporter sounded wary, and Crow couldn’t blame him.
“What condition are you in?”
“I’m a train wreck. What the hell do you think?”