Chapter 16
CILLA
“This lunchtime thing is busier than I imagined,” I turn to Jo as I speak, and see her eyes sparkling with amusement at my comment. “Stop laughing. I really didn’t know it took so much time to do lunch.”
Jo shakes her head but replies, “Well, we have the guys at the two businesses we cater to. The prospects take food over for them. We never used to, but you know when they haven’t eaten all day and come at suppertime devouring food so fast that they never actually taste it. It brings out the motherly feeling you know.”
“I can imagine that happening. I tend to be a carer, if that is what we should call it. I enjoy helping and being able to make people’s lives better. I have to put up with the visitors, of course, but you get used to it.” There are people walking around here unseen, and I am determined to ignore them. I don’t want to get involved in any more sessions where they freaking line up to talk to relatives or friends.
“Cilla, if you can peel potatoes and carrots for supper that would be a big help to me,” Jo asks, sounding tired already. The day is going to be a long one if she is tired before lunch!
“Yes, I’ll get to them now. Do you want them in that large pan?” I point to a huge pan that had been laid out on the counter.
“Yeah, that would be great. Do the entire batch of vegetables I left next to the sink, Cilla. Thank you.”
My eyes nearly burst out of the sockets when I see the number of potatoes and carrots sitting on the side. But, you know, while I’m doing them, I’m doing nothing else. So, here goes!
By the time I’ve finished peeling all the vegetables, my hands are aching. They are also blue from the cold water I’ve had my hands in for the last ninety minutes. I have to admit I’m proud of myself for getting down to it and helping as I can.
“That’s it, Cilla, you are done. Grab a sandwich or something to eat. You can either come back in an hour or two, or that is you done for the day. Entirely up to you, but I’m thankful for the help. Bessy will be here in a while to help with supper. I’m leaving at three, so if I don’t see you before you leave, have a pleasant afternoon and evening.” Jo squeezes my shoulder as she passes me to get to the pantry.
Taking a seat in the common room with a BLT, I sigh as my back aches from standing over the vegetables for so long. Tankappears, and I do my best to ignore him, but he’s dancing around in front of me.
*Listen, Cilla, you've gotta go listen*
Sighing, because these dead people think I have nothing better to do than do their bidding. I’m ignoring him because I want to eat my sandwich and enjoy it in peace.
*Cilla, Cilla, you've gotta go out there and listen. Please go listen*
“I’m trying to eat my lunch, Tank. It will have to wait,” I sigh, and give Scalpel a shrug as he walks past and raises an eyebrow. Probably because it looks like I’m talking to myself, again!
Looking up, my mouth drops open because Tank is doing a freaking striptease in front of me. “Stop! What the hell are you doing?”
*I’m going to do what is needed until you listen to me*
Placing my BLT onto my plate, I look at Tank, lift an eyebrow, and wait.
*Cilla, you have to go listen to what he’s saying. Take your phone and record it*
Picking up my phone from where I’d placed it next to my plate I give a lingering and longing look at my sandwich, then glance once more at Tank. “Lead the way.”
I follow Tank out of the common room, out the front door of the clubhouse, and around the side of the building. Tank holds his hand out for me to stop and then points to the corner of the building next to where I’m standing.
Hearing a voice, I flick my eyes to Tank, who in turn nods. I realize this is what he was trying to tell me. I open my phone andstart recording, then edge closer to the corner so I can hear and pick up what is being said.
“They have taken out Denning and his men. The warehouse has gone too, burned to the ground. You have to hurry, or you will not have the opportunity to take them by surprise.”
I look at Tank, who is about steaming with fury. If he could he would roast whoever this asshole is.
“Yeah.”
“Not soon enough.”
“I’ll take out the prospect on the gate.”
“ZeBach, remember what you promised me.”
“I’ll speak to you soon and update you.”