HAUNTING STURGEONS: Chapter Eighteen

 Previously in this blog serial...

(Click here to read Chapter Seventeen) 

Now the HAUNTING continues...

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    I am entering a less suspicious atmosphere in Gordon’s Bar.  A few heads turn at the sound of the door, but I no longer hold their interest.  They quickly return to their conversations and drinks as a slow instrumental song plays on the jukebox.  There is no sign of Eddie, so I take a seat at the bar. 

    Valerie Danforth steps up to the other side and scrutinizes me with a genial smile.  “Long day, Jimmy?”

    After the emotional land mind of Ms. Minch, reading the lawman’s book while being watched by an eager librarian and the disappointing conversation with the bride of Woodhouse, a long day seems like an understatement.  “Yeah, and a strange one, Val.” 

    “Welcome to Sturgeons,”she gently smirks, placing a coaster in front of me.  “What will it be?”

    We lock eyes and I once again see the haunted look of someone who lost a loved one to Sturgeons.  “Maybe just a water while I wait for Eddie.”  

    She nods in what I assume is approval.  “Is he why you came back to town?” 

    From someone else, the blunt question might irritate me, but she is obviously protective of Eddie.  “He is one reason.  Another reason is my brother.”  

    Val places a glass of water on the coaster and leans in, “I understand.  The memory of my grandfather brought me back here.” 

    “Eddie told me your grandfather owned this bar.” 

    “Oh, he didn’t just own it, he started Gordon’s.  Turned an empty building into a thriving business.”  She briefly glances towards the jukebox and the mounted croquet mallet above it.  “Gramps loved this place, so I knew Gordon’s Bar would return when Sturgeons was rebuilt.”

      “Do you ever wonder what happened to your grandfather?”  I cringe inside, hoping I haven’t crossed a line.  “Sorry.”  

    “It’s ok, Jimmy.  I do think about all the rumors and theories, but I try not to dwell on it.”  She randomly wipes a rag over an area of the bar, “My gramps wouldn’t want me to get lost in mourning.” 

    I take in her words, a sentimental variation of the scientist’s advice, and try to apply them to my situation.  We both lost someone, but I suspect our last ten years have been extremely different from one another.  Did Val experience the endless crying or the encompassing rage?  Did she end up losing so much more than her grandfather?  I open my mouth to ask, but she stops me before I can begin. 

    “Besides, there are better things to dwell on.”  Val moves away from the bar, her curly hair bouncing lightly.  “I’ll bring you a pitcher.” 

    This confuses me until a  hand comes to rest on my shoulder and I hear his voice, “Thanks, Val.”  

    I turn a little to find Eddie standing at my side, his lopsided grin larger than usual.  “Hope you haven’t been waiting long.” 

    “No,” I answer, feeling the warmth of his touch.  “You’re right on time.” 

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The HAUNTING continues in…

Thank you for reading or listening to my half-blind words! 

Freak Out, 

JLH 

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