Saving Grapes by J.T. Lundy

Author:J.T. Lundy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group

CHAPTER 16

“What did Hammersmith say?” Stumpy asked.

Stumpy and I sat on the patio Tuesday afternoon. The bees worked feverishly in the purple lilacs. We had three days left. We drank beer for the first time in France because it was hot out, and drinking beer is how we typically brainstormed during a crisis.

“No one answered. They must have cut out early today. I’ll email him.”

A small hummingbird floated by, unconcerned with our problems or us. Stumpy emptied his Kronenbourg in one gulp. He went into the kitchen and came back with two more. He set one down next to me even though I had only taken a sip of my first. He paced and started sucking on his second bottle.

“Easy there, Blotto.”

“Why are you so calm? We have to figure something out.”

Usually I was the panicked one. “Why are you so not calm? I thought you didn’t care about the money, Mister Love Panda. You can see Melanie regardless.”

Stumpy stopped pacing. He looked at me wild-eyed and then breathed. “Not if I’m arrested for aiding and abetting.”

“I escaped on my own. Don’t worry; I won’t sell you out.”

“I don’t care about that. And I don’t care about the money. It’s just that … I feel like I belong here. I love this place. My work is important. The nuns are so nice and they don’t yell at me—ever.”

“They can’t talk most of the time.”

“Yes, well.” He paused. “But they smile and don’t frown like everyone back home. The past weeks have been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I could live here and never have to take another pill.” Stumpy fell to his knees, clasped his hands prayer-like and shook them pleadingly. “I want to stay here. We gotta figure something out.”

Stumpy’s heartfelt speech got to me. The past weeks had been pretty good. Maybe the best ever. I had met Jacqueline. Man, I wished she were here now—well, maybe not—I wasn’t expecting to see her until after the final due date, so better that I straighten this mess out and that she never learn of my potential status as a felon. I felt empowered. I stood up with determination. “Okay, this is what we’re going to do.”

Stumpy nodded and smiled and looked hopeful.

“You got any ideas?”

His face fell. “Come on, Jason. You’re the idea man.”

“Okay, okay.” I grabbed my beer and drank and paced. “You got any money?”

“No.”

“Stocks, bonds, IRAs, or 401k?”

Stumpy put his hands on his head and pulled at his hair. “Stop confusing me.”

“Okay, okay.” I drank some more. “I’ll work on the money part. But our first problem is to make sure Eustace doesn’t figure out we’re here.”

“Can’t we just stay hidden here? I know a couple of nuns who’ve got an Xbox hidden in their room. I’m sure they’d let us use it.”

I grabbed two more beers out of the fridge. “There’s too much we have to do. And I’ve got to be out searching for some cash.”

“I hope the townspeople don’t give us away.

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