Lake 3

T S Brock Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

    They went down the street to the center of town, less than a five-minute drive, and parked in front of a grocery store. There was a sturdy wooden stairway diagonal against the side of a two-story wooden building going up to the floor above. In front, a variety of produce was arranged in crates on the sidewalk. A woman sitting on a canvas chair under a low canopy was reading a book, perhaps in another language. Her hair, layered in white, gray, and black, was pulled back and tied. She wore jeans and an un-tucked sage and maroon flannel shirt and appeared as a thin sprite woman.

 There were apples ruby red and vibrant green, tomatoes, cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, and various herbs. Watermelons, one of them almost bursting at the seams, even pine nuts, red onions, and lemons.

    Naomi rose from her chair as soon as she saw Jim’s patrol car pulling in.

    “Afternoon Naomi.” Jim called out from the driver’s seat as he pulled up to the curb.

    “Hey Sheriff.” Naomi tossed her book on an upside-down wooden crate. She gently focused curiously on Audrey in the window on the passenger’s side just near her.

     “Hi. You must be Audrey.” She held out her hand greeting Audrey in the car. Audrey was somewhat dumbstruck and opened the door to get out. Naomi stepped back and arranged her hair. Audrey stretched, looked at the sky, and smiled to her own surprise.

    “That’s right,” Audrey laughed nervously taking Naomi’s hand. “I guess the whole town knows I’m here.”

    “Probably,” Naomi rolled her eyes. “Except for the hermits.”

     The doors opened. “Hermits?” Audrey thought a moment. “Ah, yes, the hermits. There must be hermits living here.” She pointed effortlessly in the direction of a bluff, not a mountain, not a hill, just a bluff cradled in a small valley. Her response was uncanny and took Naomi aback. Then there was a glimpse of a lake with a crescent of light reflecting in the late afternoon sun.

    “I see you’re a quick study.” Naomi was impressed.

    “Naomi owns the apartment above. She’s your landlady.”

    “Thanks Jim. No one’s called me a lady for quite some time.” Naomi slapped his shoulder then put her hand to her forehead bending forward in laughter.

    “My pleasure.” Jim chuckled and unloaded Audrey’s bags from the trunk. He then decided to haul the leather suitcase and a smaller bag toward the stairs.

    “No. I can get that.” Audrey admonished.

    “O.K.” Jim looked disappointed. “Nice to meet you… Bye Naomi.” Jim got into his car and glanced back toward Audrey. “See you later.”

    “Thanks Jim.” They said in unison.