Page 25 of Blame it on the Bet
So what the hell’s the big dilemma here?
I stop and look down Main Street. I’m standing directly across from the pub, and if I squint, I can just make out the figure of Hennessy O’Halloran as she shuttles a lunch tray to a table and then turns back around to the bar.
She’s the big dilemma here. The girl next door. I can’t stop thinking about her, and for the first time in as long as I can remember, I want something for someone else more than I want it for myself. This realization nearly knocks me off my feet.Well, that and the patch of black ice that’s suddenly under my smooth-soled shoes. I reach out and instinctively slam my hand on a plate glass window for stability. I’ve managed to catch myself, but my heart is pounding with the near miss. What is this place anyway? I look up and read the bold black lettering above the picture of an eagle.
The Mayhem Gazette
And then lower, written in perfect block lettering on a small sign:
Office Space for Rent
I hear Helen’s voice in the receiver before I even realize I’ve dialed her.
“Truitt Group, this is Helen. May I help you?”
“Helen, it’s Bryan.”
“Oh, hello, Bryan. Sorry, your number came up as out of area on the office phone. How’re you doing? Ready to book that flight home?”
“Not exactly.”
“Uh-oh.”
“Looks as if I’m going to be hanging around Mayhem for the next month and change.”
“Seriously?” she gasps in surprise. “Seriously.”
“Jeez, Bryan, you haven’t had to embed for a few years now. And nowhere near as rugged as Minnesota. What’s going on?”
“I’m not really sure,” I admit. “But whatever it is, I need to be here to figure it out.”
“Okay, then…are you sure you’re up for it?” she asks me, reservation clear in her tone.
“Oh for God’s sake, Helen,” I grumble.“I’m not going to live in the woods off the fat of the land. But I do need your help.”
Her reply is immediate and unquestioning. “Of course. You want me to start local recon?”
“I do. Can you put together a dossier on the community for me?”
“Absolutely,” she murmurs distractedly, and I can tell she’s taking notes. “Okay, restaurants, businesses, houses of worships, politics and politicians, demographics, notable news. How’s that for a start?”
“Perfect,” I say.
“Okay, then. I’ll start my research now and send you email updates.”
“Thanks, Helen. I think I’ve got a lead on a temporary office. I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve got that squared away.”
“Hey, Bryan?”
“Yeah?”
“You had another message from Clara Broadmore. She wants you to call her as soon as possible—says it’s very important that she speaks to you. Do you want her number?”
“No.”
“No? This is the third time she’s called this week…”
“Helen, please don’t hassle me about this. I know how to reach her if I want to. If she calls again, please just tell her I’m out of state on business and unreachable.”
