Page 115 of Power of the Mind

“Jan, which part gets logged again?”

“In a moment, Darcy. I have a customer.”

“Okay. Crap. Sorry. Um… I’ll just…” he thumbed over his shoulder.

“You could take the garbage out if you have a minute. The truck comes in the morning to empty the bin.”

“Okay. Cool. On it.”

Darcy vanished but reappeared almost immediately. “Sorry. Fresh garbage bags would be?”

“Bottom shelf of the supply closet.”

“Thanks. Sorry.” Darcy gave a wave of apology and was gone.

“I’m training a new employee. Lost our delivery slash stock boy the other day. He got arrested for possession with intent to distribute. Lovely, right? Last time I do anyone any favors.”

“Whatever. I don’t care. Look, if you answer my questions, I’ll get out of your hair.”

“I’m not sure I understand your questions, Mr. Krause. So far, we’ve talked about your suicidal or possibly homicidal urges. Perhaps you could elaborate on your needs.”

I scrubbed my face, reminding myself to talk nice, use manners, and stop fucking swearing. “Is anything you sell regulated?”

“Meaning?”

“Can it be bought by anyone walking in the door?”

“Yes.”

I growled. “Yes, it’s regulated, or yes, it can be bought by anyone?”

“It can be bought by anyone.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Isn’t it possible you might sell something that in great quantities or when mixed with another medication or drug or alcohol might cause death?”

“Like acetaminophen? Like Aspirin? Like Benadryl? Like any number of over-the-counter medications you commonly find on the shelf at the pharmacy?”

“I get it.”

“I don’t, Mr. Krause. What are you asking?”

“Let’s say I have muscle pain.”

“Do you have muscle pain?”

“No. Let’s say I do. I go to the doctor, and he prescribes opioids.”

“Unlikely.”

“Good fucking god. It’s a fucking make-believe scenario, can you just—”

A crash sounded from the backroom, followed by, “Fuck. I’m okay. I’ll clean it up.”

“I should really check on my new employee before he hurts himself taking out the garbage.”

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