|
|
|
IT WAS NEARLY NOON WHEN Mike called out: “Let’s go get some lunch.”
A clear November day, the pleasant temperature and clear skies made for a great walk to the café It was buzzing when they went in. After finding their normal table, Mike thought out loud: “I wonder what’s happening?” When Mrs. McKinney approached the table he asked: “What’s got everyone so excited?”
“It’s Mr. Bob. He’s having one of his temper tantrums.”
“What did he do this time?”
“He had the mayor appoint Craig as the new City Sheriff.”
“You’re kidding! Why did he do that?”
“Not sure, something about he thinks his daughter is trying to blackmail him or something. Craig has seen her car around town a couple of times”
“Margaret?”
“Yeah, that’s her name. I had almost forgotten. She left town years ago.”
Mother Barkley was quick to defend: “ Blackmail! Margaret would never do that! I know. She is the sweetest person I know. I love her like a daughter. After her mother died she almost made the post office her home while she was trying to make some sense out of that car accident. I haven’t seen her since she left for college, but she could not have changed that much.”
“I’m sure you’re right.”
“Mike, I wonder what Craig will be like?”
“I’m afraid he will make Billy Bob look like a schoolboy. We’ll just have to wait and see I guess.”
“What can I get you today?”
“Three specials will do it.”
“Coming up.”
That afternoon he thought about the events of the day. It was apparent that Mr. Bob wasn’t complying with his instructions, must think he is still in charge. He would let the week play out and just watch Mr. Bob and Craig squirm a bit. It was clear to him that Mr. Bob needed a real attention getter. Well, I’m the one that can make that happen, he thought to himself. He would need to recover the rifle hidden last Saturday. He’d do that tonight.
Wednesday found Jim filling in the details of his plan. He had retrieved the rifle without incident and it was clear he would need to make a shot from the attic of the apartment. To complete his shooting bench, he would need a rest. A sandbag was perfect. However, he could not find one in the shed and decided one of the old pillowcases would work. He would fill it with dirt from the garden and complete the shooting room tonight.
Each time he had the opportunity to be outside he would sneak a look at Mr. Bob’s house observing what activity he could. About 2:00 p.m. he noticed Craig driving Billy Bob’s police car up to the back of the house several times. Now what are they up to? Jim wondered.
That night he quickly half filled the pillowcase with dry dirt, then folded and tied the case securely. He placed it on his shooting bench and climbed down from the attic to complete another needed project and placed the three white candles on the kitchen table. He needed to know their burning rate. As one candle burned he would mark the other two candles. He did not start marking until the first candle had burned for one hour. After that he would mark the others every fifteen minutes. His window of opportunity would be less than thirty minutes and he planned the shot for sometime within the first ten. He was now ready for Mr. Bob’s well-deserved punishment.
The rest of the week he kept watch on Mr. Bob’s house. Keeping a list on times and events, he verified that the routine Mr. Bob had with Butch had not changed. Friday, he began to get a little excited. After lunch he observed that Craig’s patrol car stayed at Mr. Bob’s all day. When he made the coffee run at three he noticed the patrol car was parked a half block away. From that location Craig could see Mr. Bob’s front yard and the entrance to the post office. How stupid can they be?
A cold chill ran down the back of his neck. There was another possibility to what appeared to be their outright stupid behavior. Could he be falling into a trap? It would be dangerous to assume they were that naive. Mr. Bob had been double-dealing all his life and Jim knew that Mr. Bob would try to set him up. Well, two can play that game, Jim thought. He stopped looking at the obvious blunders Craig made and started concentrating on any actions that might identify him.
At 4:15 p.m. as usual, Jim began to slowly sweep and mop the lobby of the post office. He took his time trying to make it look like he was just doing a great cleaning job. At exactly 4:30 p.m. a young boy came in to mail a letter. Jim stood between him and the mail slot with his mop and offered to help by saying: “I’ll mail it for you if you like.”
“No, sir! I must mail it myself.”
“Is that right?”
“Yeah. Mr. Bob gave me ten whole dollars to mail it!”
Jim stepped out of the way and said: “Don’t let me stop a man on a mission.”
The boy smiled and put the white envelope through the slot.
“Have a good weekend” — Jim said.
“I will! I’ve got ten whole dollars!”
He finished cleaning up as Mike closed the window at the counter and locked it. “See you tomorrow, Jim.”
“Good night, sir.”
Jim went straight to his room, climbed the stairs, and looked about to see if anyone was watching ? and saw nothing. He climbed into the attic, went to the vent and removed a louver then slowly scanned the entire area. After thirty minutes, he decided whatever Mr. Bob and Craig had planned didn’t work.
He sat down on the stool, got relaxed, and smiled with satisfaction.
 |  |  |
|
|
|