“As expected.The sheriff lives in the apartment above the shop.The board keeps promising things will get better soon, says it's the transition that's hard."
Eli had never used the apartment since he'd had his house, so it'd been empty during all the years he'd had the shop.
“Transition?"
“To the new system."Elijah moved toward the market stall like a moth drawn to a flame.
“And what's the new system?"
He shrugged.His eyes were glued to the food on display.“I don't think I would've made it without the chickens you left me.I don't know how I'll be able to feed them come winter, but for now, I get eggs."
Fuck.“I'll talk to Joshua.I'll make sure you have feed for them."
Tears rose in Elijah's eyes, but he blinked fast to prevent them from falling.“Most people can't afford more than the members fee to the shop.The Fisherman's Lake people still come on market day, or they have so far, but they too have increased their prices to cover the mooring fee.It's rough."
“Who owns the shop?"
“The board.There is no single person who owns it.It's all part of the new system."
Eli frowned but movement farther down the road caught his attention.There were four people slowly moving in their direction, their heads turning from side to side as if searching for danger.Eli moved behind his table and focused on Elijah again.“How does the new system work?"
Elijah looked up from the meager display of groceries.“Once they get enough money, they'll start to give back to society.The membership will allow them to pay for transport and will give us better produce with more variety than there was before."
Before.When he'd had the shop.
“It's all bullshit.They've raised the salary for board members and those who work at the bank.Some people have arrived here for conferences and meetings organized by the board, so I've had a few customers at the hotel.I'd been dead by now if they hadn't.I guess...maybe something good will come of it."
The group walking toward them was closer now, and Eli didn't want Elijah to get in trouble if someone tattled to the board, so he changed the topic.“I have flour and potatoes from Fisherman's Lake.Eggs from my chickens.Venison--" He gestured at the basin.“--from the wild country.And some greens I've grown in my garden."
Elijah met his gaze.“You look good, Eli."
He'd put on weight since he'd moved in with Thano.He'd been right, no one went hungry at The Moonlight Ranch.“Hopefully, I'll have more veggies in a bit.I've never had as big a garden as I do now, so there should be both successes and failures."
He reached across the table and squeezed Elijah's hand.“I'll think of something to help."
Elijah was back to blinking fast, and Eli removed his hand as the group grew closer.
“Eli!"Rosie rounded the table and engulfed him in a hug.He stood stunned for a moment, unsure of what to do.Rosie had never hugged him.She too had thinned, though not as much as Elijah.
“You look good."She squeezed his arm and then stepped away.The moment she did, invisible fingers brushed over his nape, and he had to suppress a grin.
“Yeah, I'm well taken care of."A light pat on his ass followed his words, and he had to force himself not to roll his eyes.“I don't have a lot, but some flour and potatoes--"
“I have some shinys."Byrd gestured at his knitting needles.
At first, Rosie only gave him a courtesy look, then her eyes snagged on the knitting needles.“Do you have a size eight?My knitting needles are made of wood, and I broke one of my eights and have been unable to find a replacement."
Byrd looked at Eli for guidance.He shrugged.“You better check for yourself, Rosie."
She walked over to Byrd's table.There were five knitting needles.Byrd had placed them all in one bunch and had tied a string around them, but Rosie pulled out one of them and placed it on the table in front of her.“How much?"
Byrd's eyes widened.“You only want one?"
“Yes, I have the other sizes, but maybe someone else will be by who needs them."
He nodded eagerly then looked at her.“Do you have anything shiny?"
“Eh..."She turned to Eli.
