The Final Shortcut by G. Bernard Ray

Author:G. Bernard Ray
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
Published: 2012-03-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Junior slept until late the next morning, rising only to relieve himself painfully against a tree. Unable to move without hurting he decided not to descend the ladder into the mine. The memories of the day before were muddled and all he could recall was seeing Celeste alive. Everything else, even the beating from Bert, evaporated from his consciousness. He sat for over an hour in a reflective trance, unable to shake off the confusion. His bruised ribs and groin weren’t severe and the pain was dwindling. But deep inside another pain was coming to the surface. A mild throbbing in his temples began to pulsate in rhythm with his heart. He could hear the beat pounding, resounding with great clarity. It was time to move.

He rose from his bed, ignoring any discomfort, and went for his truck. There was no thought of what to do, only the irresistible urge to do something. He made his way home, and as usual at this time of day it was empty. Quickly and mechanically he showered, changed and drove to the restaurant. The throbbing in his head maintained its pressure. When he walked in the dining room, no one but Ellen gave him a second glance. She waved him toward the counter for a seat. He opted to ease into a booth and put his feet up. Ellen grabbed a large glass of tea and joined him straight away.

“Are you alright? You look hurt.” she stuck a straw in the tea and slid it to Junior.

“I took a fall off my bike…caught a limb with my crotch.”

“Ouch, are you alright?” He pulled up a bit and drank deeply. “I think so, nothing broken.”

“I wish you’d be more careful. You’re not a kid anymore.” She reached out and grabbed his arm. “You have a nice truck too, why don’t you leave the bikes alone?” He nodded and drank more tea, but he didn’t speak. Ellen got up to leave, “Are you sure you’re alright?” He nodded again and she turned to go back to work. She had gotten used to him sleeping in the shack; she often didn’t see him at home for days at a time. Many times she had wanted to go out and see his private lodge, but she had never been there. Today she was just glad he wasn’t seriously hurt. She wanted to know more about what happened but she didn’t ask. He would tell her when he felt like it, or maybe not.

The clock struck one p.m. and the lunch crowd was still coming. Junior moved outside to a chair on the covered porch to make more room inside. An old church pew, three other chairs and a couple wood barrels lined the rails and served as the smokers lounge. Many non-smoking regulars would hang around as well, drinking coffee and shooting the breeze.

It was a cool, clear day and the brilliant colors of fall were everywhere. With only two weeks till Halloween the weather was exceptionally beautiful, for in the coming weeks it would see rapid changes.

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