Page 14 of Making the Call
“Where do they run a hardware store?” Luke’s deep-blue eyes scrutinize me as he waits for more information.
“On the outskirts of Cashmere, near Leavenworth. Dad runs the store, and Mom does the bookkeeping. I think they’re a little sad no one wants to run the family business, but it’s not like they plan to retire anytime soon. Neither are even fifty, since they had Derek when they were twenty-one.”
“Wow, your parents are young. Mine are almost sixty. Both could retire if they wanted but still work because they enjoy it.” Luke’s about to say something more, but his phone rings, interrupting us. He glances at the screen before an apology crosses his features. “Sorry, I have to take this.”
I shrug it off and nod that it’s more than okay to take the call.
“This is Luke.” I hear a male voice on the other end say something, and Luke’s expression transforms from comfort and ease to hardened lines as he becomes strictly business. “You gotta be kidding me. Surely, it’s a joke.” Something’s said on the other end of the line, and he responds with, “I have it in my office.” He glances over to me then says, “Hold on a sec,” to the person on the other line. Then he whispers to me, “I’m so sorry. I have to handle something in my office. It shouldn’t be long.”
I nod once again that it’s fine. Whoever’s on the other end of the line, must have a serious problem to be calling at this time in the evening. Luke gets up and walks out of the room. His muscles strain with tension, and his voice is tight as his sentences are clipped. From the tone in his voice, I can tell whatever news he’s just received, he’s not happy.
As I look around the empty room, I see the notebook Luke gave me, calling from my purse. I retrieve it and return to the most comfortable couch I’ve ever had the privilege of sitting on, and nestle in. I read over my notes and add a few details here and there and even figure out a few plot twists. When I get stuck on what I think the main character should do next, I let my head fall back and relax further into the couch while I contemplate the scene playing through my mind. Maybe if I close my eyes and concentrate, it’ll come to me.
