Snow Angels by Swanson Cathe

Author:Swanson, Cathe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-01-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

“No.”

Lisa would have believed the woman was bored and completely disinterested if she hadn’t lengthened her stride and walked out of the cafeteria without getting her lunch. Pete had warned her that Tally Zemmer was prickly.

“She doesn’t talk much. The VA people have tried a few times to get her into one of the little houses like Hub and Randy have, but she disappears when they get too close. She needs some money, though. She could work with Randy’s crew if they still need someone, but I’ve got plenty of guys already.”

She shared the average American’s frustration over the plight of homeless vets, but the idea of female veterans living on the street sickened Lisa. So far, the Army medic had eluded her. Not this time.

“Ms. Zemmer!” The woman might keep walking, but Lisa had the advantage; she was willing to run. And shout. “I want to talk to you!”

She cut off her victim and grasped her elbow. “Just a few minutes and then I won’t bother you again.”

“Promise?”

Lisa was relieved by the unexpected trace of humor. The face under the hoodie was weathered and bare of makeup, but the eyes were exasperated rather than angry.

“Well,” Lisa temporized, “I don’t want to bother you, but I heard you might be interested in a job.”

“I’m not interested in your holly jolly Christmas program.” She pulled her arm away but didn’t try to escape. “I don’t think you know anything about Christmas in this neighborhood.”

That was an accusation that hadn’t been leveled at her yet, but it had occurred to her. She’d decided to do it, though, and she wasn’t going to stop because she couldn’t do it perfectly.

“I don’t know everything about the neighborhood, but I do know a little about the elderly community.” She decided to push back. “Do you?”

“No.”

Lisa hadn’t expected a simple capitulation. She stuck out her hand, and the woman responded as reflexively as most people did. It was usually an effective tactic.

“I’m Lisa Marsh. You’re Tally Zemmer, right?” At the nod, she went on. “Can I buy you some lunch? I’m starved.”

Tally looked at her silently, unsmiling for several seconds before saying, “Sure. Why not?”

At the restaurant, Lisa ordered a large meal, hoping it would inspire Tally to do the same, but she ordered a burger, fries and milk without looking at the menu board.

“Who told you I was looking for a job?”

“Pete. The one from the community center—young, with a beard.”

“They all have beards. I know you who mean, but I don’t know why he thinks I want a job.”

“You don’t want a job?”

Tally sighed and rolled a French fry in her fingers. “I don’t think so. I don’t know.”

“It doesn’t pay much, and it’s not permanent.”

“Is that supposed to convince me?” A genuine smile lit up her face.

“I just want to be up front. And if you aren’t sure you want a job, maybe you could handle a temporary one with no long-term commitment.”

“Actually, that does make it more appealing. What’s the job?”

“We have some elderly ladies who would like to go Christmas shopping.

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