The Ghost in the Machine by Mary Woodbury

Author:Mary Woodbury [Woodbury, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Talking Stick Press
Published: 2012-01-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Just as they finished climbing the hill to the farmyard, the car started smoking. Two seconds later gas fumes and the stench of frying rubber and plastic enveloped the car. Tyler stopped in front of the garage and rushed to open the back. Flames rose. He grabbed a bucket of water and threw it on Princess. He turned the garden hose on her. Billows of smoke and steam rose in the air. The smell was gross. “Now we’ve done it.”

Haley dashed around to stand beside him at the rear of the car. “What happened?”

Ty picked up his work gloves and pulled them on. He hooked the back hatch open. Smoke billowed. The smell of singed wires made him cough. What had gone wrong? What did he forget to do?

He should have done a better job. He was really angry at himself. As Grandpa would say, don’t ever get on a high horse because then you have further to fall. Ty said a few choice words to himself about his ability as a mechanic. He’d been feeling so good. Now this!

His grandfather drove into the yard. That’s all Ty needed. What a fine time to come. He wasn’t sure he was up to dealing with the old guy. Maybe his grandpa would be in a good mood. Maybe he could give him some advice. Ty could only hope. He stood up slowly and walked over to the pickup.

Grandma handed Ty a plate of cookies through the window. Maybe Ida Graham was psychic. Hadn’t Haley just asked for cookies? Veronica waved from the back seat. She was munching on a cookie. “Grandpa says the country’s goin’ to the dogs.”

“Shush, child,” Grandma whispered. The fragile look on her face told Ty lots about his grandpa’s current state of mind. He’s probably sounding off about the goldurn politicians.

“This is Robin Nixon’s niece Haley, Grandma,” Tyler tried to keep his enthusiasm under control. He wasn’t ready to share his feelings yet. His voice came out sounding flatter than he wanted.

Grandma nodded hello.

Haley stared at Ty, trying to figure out what was going on with the Grahams. It made Ty feel uncomfortable. He didn’t want her to see his family, especially his grandpa in full voice. He wished she wasn’t there.

“I’ve heard lots about you, Mrs. Graham. My aunt says you make the best cookies in the valley.”

“Thanks, dear.” Grandma’s voice was thin and shaky. Ty figured Grandpa had been in the middle of the rant as they pulled into the laneway.

“We’ve been swimming.” Tyler felt the tension in the air. His grandpa hadn’t said anything yet. He was glaring at Haley and Ty, and staring at the steaming car. His grandpa might say something bad. He hoped it wouldn’t be about Haley. The old guy was pretty insensitive.

“What in tarnation, Tyler! You trying to burn down the farm. Bad enough there’s forest fires in the next valley. All we need is some stupid teenager starting a fire with his stupid car. Next thing you know the whole valley will be on fire.

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