No Safe Place by Barbara Ellen Brink

Author:Barbara Ellen Brink
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: agoraphic author, smart home, urban Wisconsin lake setting, cyber stalking, finding faith
Publisher: Lapdog Books
Published: 2023-09-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Walter was whistling when he came back down the stairs to the shop an hour later. Carson guessed he’d been talking to Attie. She was a shaft of sunlight in Walter’s world, sending his doom and gloom packing.

He motioned for Carson to move out from behind the counter before he moved in and opened the register. He pulled out the larger bills from under the tray; piles of twenties, fifties, and hundreds. More people seemed to pay with cash than credit in a small town. “That kid is coming by for an interview in a few minutes and I need to clear out some of this cash, quick like. Don’t want to give him any ideas just in case he’s not on the up and up.”

Carson watched the big man bend down and push on the bottom section of the back wall behind the counter. It looked as solid and immovable as the rest of the wall, but it popped open revealing a large safe with a dial. He spun the knob, his wide shoulders blocking sight to the combo. Carson turned away, not wanting to appear too curious, but the metallic click of the spinning knob was mesmerizing. He couldn’t help glancing back.

“You think someone would apply for a job just to rob the place?”

“This is Wisconsin, son. We were raised to be suspicious, especially about outsiders. Most folks around here are just trying to stay off the government’s radar and live their lives without interference. I’d like to believe that everyone in town thinks like me. Sadly, Minneapolis is just three hours West of here and Milwaukee is about two and a half hours Northeast, and they are full of crazy people. What’s the chance one of ‘em drives down here and brings their anarchist socialist beliefs with them?”

Carson shrugged, hiding a grin. “I’m an outsider and you let me watch your store while you were gone. Weren’t you worried I would rob you blind?”

Walter glanced up and shook his head. “Nope. I was more worried you’d take off to help your lady friend, leaving my store unattended. Then some other numbskull would rob me blind.”

“Good to know.”

Walter closed the safe and wall panel and stood. He blew out a breath, wiping his hands on his jeans. A frown knit his brows. “Are you planning on being here when this kid shows up?”

“Do you need me to?” Carson fingered the keys in his jeans pocket. He really wanted to drive out to Liya’s place and check on her. The whole gasoline canister thing was freaking him out more than he thought at first.

Walter placed both hands on the counter and leaned forward, glancing around the empty store. “You know what? I think I can handle him and this crowd, all by myself. Besides, it probably won’t take long. He told me on the phone he could start right away, so I might give him a practice run this afternoon. Attie is coming over to cook me up a batch of cornbread and a pot of her special ham and bean soup for supper.

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