Page 39 of Within These County Lines

“Morning, Victor,” I say. “Can I ask you a question?”

He barely looks up. “You just did,” he quips with a grin.

I clench my jaw, staring out the window and resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

For a split second, I wonder if this job is even worth it. Do I really want to spend what could be my last summer in Penango dealing with this? But maybe it’s not the job I dislike. Maybe it’s the place and the person. It makes me question if my frustration with Murray was actually about him. Or was I just tired of us being here? If we had met somewhere else, would things have worked out differently?

I shake off the thought.

No. It wouldn’t. Not after what he did to me last week.

“Are there any open job positions left at the health department this summer?” I ask.

I also want to ask why he didn’t tell me Rainbow Valley was a crime scene. But I swallow that question because I doubt the answer will be satisfying.

Victor shrugs. “I think we’re pretty booked up. Who needs a job?”

“Me. I’m looking for something extra.”

His frown deepens. “How do you expect to work two full-time jobs at once?”

“I was thinking nights or weekends.”

He laughs. “Are you trying to kill yourself, kid?”

“No. I just really need the money.”

He leans back in his chair. “You could always stay on in the fall if you do a good job this summer.”

“I’m hoping to go to college in the fall.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Well, I guess it’s school or work, then. You can’t always get everything you want.”

I turn to leave, and this time, I don’t fight the urge to roll my eyes. They roll so hard, the muscles behind them ache.

“How did you end up with Mary Jo as your supervisor while I got stuck with Victor?” I ask Whitley as I step back into our shared cubicle.

She polishes her clarinet’s mouthpiece with a green cloth. “Mary Jo is such a boss,” she says. “She shut down both pools we inspected last week. The second she puts on her visor, she turns into Erin Brockovich. I’m thinking about getting a visor too. It totally feels like my vibe.”

“Can we get matching ones?”

“Only if you’re on our level.”

“I don’t think Victor and I will ever match y’all’s power.”

“What did he do this time?”

“Nothing. It’s what he doesn’t do that’s the problem.”

Whitley shrugs. “It could be worse. At least he isn’t hovering over your summer like Murray.”

I sigh. “I guess.”

“Speaking of that sorry boy—are you really not getting his texts?”

I frown. “Yeah. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

She studies me. “I don’t know . . . You’ve been weird lately. When are you going to tell me what he did to your head? Or are you just going to let that gaping gash of secrets stare at me all summer?”