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“But I want to…” Molly looks sincere and takes a breath. But before she has a chance to continue, the beep of my phone interrupts.
My first response is to ignore the device which is vying for my attention. I release Molly’s hands and retrieve the intrusive annoyance.
Then, Molly says, “Shouldn’t you get that?”
I look at Molly then back to my beeping phone.
“Yes. You’re right. Give me one minute.” I answer, expecting one of my crew, but it’s dispatch HQ. “Hold that thought. I’ll be right back.”
Chapter 15
Molly
Of course, I was disappointed Cam wasn’t with me at the battle re-enactment. I watched out for him and kept checking my phone to see if he’d left a message. But he didn’t.
The pretend castle worked a treat. Even though the tower had just the one side painted to look like stone blocks, the overall effect is compelling, especially in the light of late afternoon. The English soldiers, occupying the castle, are suitably obnoxious and bait the crowd like true baddies in a movie. Then the rebel patriots whoosh in, on foot and horseback, overwhelming the redcoat garrison and looking every inch like mighty heroes. There’s canon fire on each side and a fair bit of theatrical chaos, involving swords and guns, before the Union Jack is replaced by the Stars and Stripes. The victorious red, white, and blue flag is hoisted aloft to delighted whoops and excited cheers from the crowded grassy bank.
Not an accurate representation, perhaps. The Historic Society has taken liberties with authentic contemporary flag design, but Westie was right regarding symbolism: the kids love it. They wave their little flags, cheering the patriots, booing the bullies. The air is filled with gun smoke and sulfur, shouts, and yells. The downcast British soldiers are then rounded up, loosely roped together, and herded off to face their fate.
It’s the same every year. We know who wins. But I stupidly hoped that this year I would be watching the Brits get their comeuppance with Cam: a foolish fantasy. I look around at the faces in the crowd; happy shining eyes engrossed in the spectacle. My phone is in my hand, occasionally I look at the screen, in case Cam calls or messages. But I don’t think he will. I know he’s on his way somewhere to do his job. I hope he’s okay.
When he answered the call outside the marquee, Cam’s expression switched immediately from a warm attentive smile to a solemn concerned frown. He didn’t elaborate on details before he strode purposefully away. It sounded serious, like a big disaster somewhere. He said that he had to go and that he’d catch up soon. I hope he’s alright. A knot of anxiety twists in my stomach.
My mood doesn’t fit with the celebrations and I’m considering leaving the fair when Lydia appears at my shoulder.
“Hey, Molly. Wasn’t that fabulous? Very convincing. The castle worked well; don’t you think?” Lydia looks past me. “Where’s our hunky hero?”
“Cam?”
“Who else?”
“He had an emergency call. And had to go.”
“Whoa. I hope it’s not Dennis, the Elvis impersonator, setting himself alight again with a Flaming Sambuca.”
“No. Although, I heard that he split his pants during ‘Viva Las Vegas’.”
“Ha! I’m glad I wasn’t in the front row of that performance.”
“It’s something else, off-site. Could be a traffic accident or something. I don’t know.”
“He’ll be alright.” Lydia hugs me. “He’s a trained professional. Here, let’s share.” Lydia hands me a shiny silver hip flask.
“What is it?” I ask, sniffing the bottle and, then pulling away because of the strength of the fumes.
“Barry’s Basement Bourbon. Only the best, my friend.” Lydia smiles.
Bourbon is not my drink of choice. But I feel the need for some kind of pick-me-up.
“Cheers. To another excellent Annual Spring Fair,” Lydia says.
I take a sip and wince. Then almost instantly, the warm strong liquor hits my stomach and sends out a pleasant tingle to my fingers and toes instantly, relaxing my limbs.
“Thanks. That’s hit the spot. Cheers.”
Lydia and I ooh and ahh at the fireworks show as the evening turns to night.
“This is the best fireworks display ever!” says Lydia craning her neck to look up at the bursts of sparkles in red, purple, blue, silver, and gold.
