Page 26 of Fake-Off with Fate
It's weird walking into my parents’ house knowing they’re gone. Going into the kitchen I open the refrigerator and pull out a bottle of wine. After pouring myself a glass, I head back out to the front porch so I can sit on the swing and enjoy it.
That’s when it occurs to me that I haven’t checked my dad’s cell phone since I took it from him. If I’m going to pretend he’s still in town, I’d better return some messages.
There are twelve, which makes me nervous that I’m going to have a hard time keeping up this ruse. I start with the most recent. It’s from that goblin, Phillip. I really do not want to have any contact with that guy.
Phillip
Sir, I’m a little bit concerned that your daughter seems to have taken up residence in your office. She stayed long after you left, and I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
I laugh when I start to type and see that my dad has programmed his title into his phone instead of just his name.
Mayor Thompkins
Please don’t concern yourself, Phillip. As I told you, Ashlyn will be in town for a week to help me out. She has my full consent to use my office as she sees fit.
Phillip responds immediately.
Phillip
But sir, why do you need your daughter? You have me.
Mayor Thompkins
I don’t like it when you question me. Now, if we can please be done with this, I would like to get off the phone so I can take my wife to supper.
Phillip
Yes, sir.
I know this won’t be the last time I have to deal with my dad’s assistant, but I’m hoping I can find something for him to do so that he stays out of my way. That’s when I get a brilliant idea.
Mayor Thompkins
I need you to go to the fairgrounds tomorrow and make a new map of the vendors’ locations.
Phillip
We already have a map, sir.
Mayor Thompkins
I want a visual map, with photographs of where everyone will be located.
The three dot ellipses comes and goes, making it clear Phillip is having a hard time coming up with a reply. After a full two minutes he finally responds.
Phillip
Why?
Mayor Thompkins
Because that’s what I need you to do.
I have no idea what my dad’s relationship is with his assistant and while I don’t want to do anything to harm it, I also don’t need this twerp in my hair.
Phillip
Yes, sir.
