Michael Malone by Dingley Falls

Author:Dingley Falls [Falls, Dingley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-02-15T06:00:00+00:00

At the post office Sammy Smalter found Judith Haig in black, seated behind her window. He offered his condolences about Alf Marco, then nodded to where, behind her, a sullen, overweight woman jabbed letters into pigeonholes as if they were knives. "They sent someone to help you?"

"Yes, from the Argyle main office. Mrs. Lowtry will replace me here as soon as we can manage it. I'm told there's some chance they'll close this branch entirely."

"Surely not. Ah, I dropped by because you mentioned yesterday trying to locate the Vietnamese girl who works—"

"Yes. Thank you. I got in touch with Miss Lattice."

"Ah, good. Pru had called me, in fact, well, to ask if I could give her anything to help the girl get some sleep. Hot milk and/or Scotch is what I always answer." The small pharmacist smiled. "Well, anyhow. If, I don't want to pry, but if there's any problem you're trying to help her with that I could be of assistance—"

"Thank you, but—"

"Please believe me that I'd like to, very much, if there is something."

"That's kind of you. But I'm afraid there's nothing really."

"Ah, well. Good. Please don't hesitate though, if something should, well…Back to work then." He tapped his hand on the counter. "Mrs. Haig. By chance, I spoke with Arthur Abernathy yesterday about getting something done about those dogs. In the meantime I'd be glad to furnish my yellow sewing machine of a car again to give you a ride home."

"You're very thoughtful." Judith smiled, frowning. "But someone is picking me up. Mr. MacDermott's wife. Thank you though."

"Good. Well, if ever. I'm at your disposal."

Don't be, her eyes told him, please don't be. "Thank you. Goodbye then," she said.

"See you tomorrow. Good day."

Mrs. Lowtry came over to the window, gnawing dirt from beneath a fingernail. "That a dwarf that was talking to you?"

"I don't believe so." Judith turned her back and began to sort letters.

"Kind of turns my stomach, I can't help it. So do the ones that are, you know, all crippled. With the shakes. I feel sorry for them and everything, but it's just the way I feel. I guess I just can't help it. Just a natural response. See what I mean?"

"Yes. Our first delivery arrives here at 9:30, as I said. If you'll step back here with me, I'll show you how we've arranged the sorting."

Mrs. Lowtry decided Mrs. Haig was a cold fish.

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