Page 45 of Rags's Awakening
A curly-haired waitress in a pink jumper and white apron maneuvered through the crowd with a tray of dirty plates. Sheplopped it on the silver-flecked Formica counter, glanced over, and locked eyes with Casey.
“How many?” she called over the noise.
“Two.”
“I got a small booth, if you want it.”
Casey looked at Devin. When he nodded, she turned back to the waitress. “We’ll take it.”
The server grabbed two plastic-coated menus and motioned for them to follow.
Casey slid into the booth, the faux black leather squeaking beneath her, and Devin settled across from her.
“I’ll bring you some water,” the waitress said. Her nametag readMaddie.
“Anything else you want to drink?”
“I’ll have an iced tea with extra lemon,” Casey said.
“Coffee for me,” Devin said.
“Black or with cream?”
“Black, thanks.”
“Be right back.” Maddie hurried away.
Looking around, Casey said, “We’re lucky we got a seat so quickly. It’s packed in here.”
“Yeah. The two-person booths usually open first,” Devin replied, flipping open his menu.
“Here you go,” Maddie said, setting waters and drinks in front of them. “Specials tonight are chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and a side of corn, broccoli, or string beans, steak or chicken fajitas, or beef stew. Do you need some time?”
“I’m good.” Devin looked at Casey. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah. I’ll have a three-cheese omelet with mushrooms and peppers.”
“Burger, medium, with bacon, American cheese, and fries,” Devin said, handing the menu back.
“Excellent.” Maddie tucked her notepad into her apron’s pocket and walked away.
Devin set down his coffee cup and smiled. “Did you really read that book in one night?”
“I couldn’t put it down,” she said, stirring her iced tea. “There was this line about how people build towns where their hope is strongest. I kept thinking about that.”
He nodded. “Hope and greed. Same foundation, different polish.”
She laughed softly. “You sound like you’ve given that some thought.”
“I’ve had time to. The museum is pretty quiet during the week, especially off-season.”
“Raven gave me a book that was fascinating, scary, and thought-provoking. The name isGhosts of the High Country. It’s about historical places in the state that are haunted. Have you ever read it?”
“No.”
“It was a real page turner.” Casey glanced around, then lowered her voice. “Did you know that back in 1903 there were a string of murders where all the victims were dark-haired women? And they were all strangled.” Her eyes widened. “Don’t you find the coincidence uncanny with what’s happening now?”
“Omelet with mushrooms and peppers.”
