“How was I last night sleeping?”
“You have bad dreams, fits of restlessness, tossing and turning, fighting your demons. I just hold you tighter.”
Molly could feel his discomfort level increase as they pulled into the Fred Meyer parking lot. It was the middle of the day, and the lot was full. There’d be lots of shoppers inside. She took his arm and stayed tight as they navigated into the store. Bart headeddirectly for the garden center where he got a large flat platform cart. He had his system.
They moved efficiently through the store. Bart knew the aisles where the supplies were that he needed. Ten pound bags of flour, sugar, rice, and pasta. Powdered milk, salt, pepper, spices, cooking oil. All the essentials for living off the grid. Eggs, selected fruits, but no vegetables.
“Do you have a garden?”
“Yes, a small garden.”
“Chickens?”
“Tried chickens. They attract predators and are more trouble than they’re worth. That’s one thing I miss, though. I take a couple dozen eggs, but they don’t last long. Did you notice what I had for breakfast?”
“A five egg scramble, hash browns, toast, and black coffee.”
“I eat a lot of eggs when I come out.”
“I’ll remember that.”
Chapter 10
Molly was glad she’d removed the Jeep back seats. By the time they loaded everything, Shadow and Bear were crowded into a tiny space surrounded by ten pound bags.
“Where next, sir?”
“Anywhere with internet where I can work for a couple hours. Did you bring your laptop?”
“Yes, as you suggested. I guess we could go back to the cabin. I have good internet there, but I’d rather go to your regular place so I can see your routine.”
“Do you know the Dark Roast Café?”
“Of course. Best coffee in town.”
She pulled out of the Fred Meyer parking lot heading for a back street in downtown Omak.
“If you park over there, we can keep an eye on the Jeep.”
Molly did as requested, parking by the back window of the coffee shop. Carrying their laptops, they walked in and settled at a table with a direct view of the Jeep. Dogs on leash were allowed inside, and Bear and Shadow settled at their feet.
Molly said, “I’m going to work for a while, then I’ll take Bear and Shadow out for a run and come back. How long will you need?”
“Maybe two hours.” His laptop was open, and he was toggling to whatever website he needed. He looked pretty comfortable with a computer.
“Got an email from Kitty.”
“What’s up?”
He scanned the note. “She’s begging for another photo. Said the family went crazy and has to have more.”
“I already have something in mind.”
“Oh, boy. Is it X-rated?”
“It’s possible.” She threw his favorite answer back at him.
Molly watched from across the table as he lost himself in his laptop screen. It was not casual business. He was engaged. They were sitting in a corner near the back door, so he felt safe. The place was quiet, not crowded. All the action was at the front counter where orders were processed. Molly pulled up the day’s financials and browsed them. Nothing exciting. She responded to half an hour’s worth of emails, but spent most of her time studying Bart. Here was a new perspective. Whatever he was doing, he was deep into it. Reading, typing, reading, typing, a scan of the room, then back to the screen.
