Page 29 of Hot Zone

“Did you hear about the Majestic?” Steven asked.

“I did. Is that in your dad’s area?”

“It is. I talked to him a few minutes ago. The theater is a total loss. Roxy’s shattered. She was planning to help with the set for the January production the community theater was planning.”

“Yeah, I always thought I would enjoy community theater, but I never found the time to try it.” One night last week, I couldn’t sleep, and I was thinking about my realization that my life needed to change. I’d made a list of things I’d wanted to do but had never tried, and joining the local community theater group had been on that list, but Steven didn’t need to know that.

“You always did love theater when we were in school.”

“I did. I’m sure they’ll find a new place, but they’d put so much work into that old theater. It’s just a shame.”

“It is.”

A customer stepped up to the counter ready to pay, so I excused myself to go and check them out. When I was done, I rejoined him in the tea room.

“The shop seems really busy today.” He motioned with his head towards the room where I kept the incense and the candles.

“It’s probably because the weather finally started to get chilly, and people are indoors more. They’re thinking about cozy things like candles and hearths, not to mention the fact that Samhain is right around the corner.”

“Do you need me to bring you lunch?” he asked.

“Not today. Your dad seems to think I’m not capable of caring for myself, and he keeps packaging me up stuff for lunch from the night before’s leftovers.”

Steven gave me a look and shook his head. “Listen, Mars, my dad can be bossy, you know that. Don’t think you have to do what he says just because he tells you to.”

I remembered how Steven used to complain about his dad trying to tell him how to live his life, but I’d never thought he was so bad. It wasn’t like he was mean about it or treated Steven poorly. Sure, he had opinions sometimes about some of Steven’s choices, but honestly, he was usually right. Not that I would dare tell Steven that.

“Trust me, your dad isn’t bossing me around. He’s… well, it’s kind of nice for a change. You know, to have someone who gives a shit if I eat or whatever.”

“I know, but don’t let it go too far. He never knows when to stop. I think that’s why he doesn’t have a relationship. Nobody wants someone else telling them what to do all the time.”

I would let Samuel tell me what to do all day long and twice on Sunday, but again, not information Steven needed.

“I can stick up for myself, don’t worry. That’s why Troy is gone, remember?”

“I know you can, Marsy, but you’re way too nice, and you give people way too many chances.”

“I hear you, but I won’t be there much longer. I got my insurance check, and I’m ready to start looking for a place. I was planning to look over the weekend, but it wasn’t a good time to make major decisions, so I’m waiting until this weekend to look.”

“Sounds good. If you need any help or want someone to go with you, just let me know.”

The rest of the day sped by, and the shop stayed busy all the way up until closing time when I flipped off the neon open sign and locked the door.

By the time I got home, it was later than normal, and Samuel was already there. He was sitting in his recliner with his head leaned back, and he looked absolutely exhausted.

“Hey there, big guy,” I said quietly.

A small smile tweaked at his lip, but he didn’t open his eyes. “Hey there.”

“You look tired.”

He lifted his head and looked at me. “Iamtired, and I’m worried.”

“Because of the fire today at the Majestic?”

“Yeah, we managed to save the Silver Box, but McCoy’s bakery sustained major damage. Those two stores shared an attic space, so the fire moved in that direction. It isn’t a total loss like the theater, but they’ll be closed for a while.”

“What caused the fire?” I asked.

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