Page 59 of Fake-Off with Fate
They aren’t poisonous, so there’s nothing to worry about. But I understand they even found one in the men’s room.
Phillip
I can’t. I mean, I can’t …
Mayor Thompkins
What can’t you do?
But there’s no response. I peek out of the bathroom and see Phillip standing so still it’s like he’s playing that old childhood game, statue maker. His pallor is even a grey-like marble.
I take a tentative step toward him, and say, “Phillip, are you okay?”
He shakes his head slowly. “I … I … How can I leave the building knowing there are snakes out there?”
Shoot, I didn’t think about that. I wrack my brain to come up with something to get him out of the building. “The snakes only come out during the day,” I tell him. “They sleep at night.”
“But … but … they’re out there.”
“They’re asleep, Phillip. They can’t hurt you.” Darn if I don’t feel a little bit of sympathy for the guy. I reach out and take his arm and offer, “I’ll walk you out to your car. I’ll even go first.”
His head bobs up and down slowly, but he looks like he’s insome kind of fear-induced trance. As soon as we exit the building, Phillip pulls his arm away from me and practically sprints down the walkway toward the parking garage. I follow after him at a more dignified pace.
As soon as he gets to his car, he says, “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to come into the office until the snake problem is taken care of. I don’t like snakes.” Then he pulls out like the hounds of hell are chasing him with intent.
Even though I feel bad playing Phillip’s worst fear against him, I’d be lying if I didn’t say inventing a snake infestation was genius on my part. After all, desperate times call for desperate measures. And I am nothing if not totally desperate to get that man to stop asking questions about my parents.
Before I can go back inside, my phone rings. Looking down at the screen, I almost fall over in shock. “Mom! How are you? I’ve been a nervous wreck worrying about you guys.”
“Wow, honey, what a rush!” She sounds oddly excited.
“The hurricane was a rush? Were you terrified? Are you both okay?”
“It was amazing!” She sounds like a ten-year-old who just took her first ride on an adult rollercoaster. “We’re both good, but the island is a disaster. I’m not sure when we’re going to be able to get out of here.”
“I’m just glad you’re okay,” I tell her, suddenly feeling like the weight of the world is off my shoulders.
“How are things in Maple Falls?”
“Same as they were a week ago, except now some blowhard who works for Alexander MacDonald has shown up in town. He’s trying to get everyone on board with the idea of developing the land.”
“It sounds like they won’t take the money even if you can raise it.”
“I’m not giving up on that yet, Mom. We’re going full steam ahead to come up with the cash. Then, if need be, I’ll appeal to the man in person. According to his lawyer he’s out of thecountry, but I’ll fly to Bangladesh and plead with him if I have to.”
“And if he doesn’t take it? What does that mean for businesses already on the land?”
“I don’t know,” I tell her. “But now that you and dad are safe, I’ll be spending all of my time trying to figure that out.”
“Good girl,” my mom says. “Your dad and I love you so much, dear. There isn’t anything you can’t do once you set your mind to it.”
“Thanks, Mom. That means the world.”
I’m so relieved my parents are okay that as soon as we hang up, all I want to do is celebrate. So instead of going back into the meeting I call the only person I want to share this news with.
“Ashlyn, hey. What’s up?” Jamie asks.
“Want to take me out for a glass of champagne?”
