Coffee, Lies, and Eviction Notices

I spent the next hour packing my things and trying to plan my escape. Bearing in mind that I needed to protect Ambrose as well. Which means I need to make it look like I am panicked, easily done. Stressed, Sure not a problem. Looking for a job to replace the one I just lost. Why? Because if I don't, one of the many eyes that Crowe has watching all over the town will notice and report back to him. They might not be smart enough to make the connection, but I have no doubt Crowe will figure out that something is very wrong. That I am likely going to run.

After making sure that I had everything packed away in a safe place hidden from the world, I started my charade. I hadn't eaten yet, the good thing about the inn is the fact that if you are a long-term resident breakfasts are free. Not that they charged that much for the food otherwise. I put my acting skills to the test, though most of it was real anyway: fear, worry, were very real. I took a seat at a table next to a wall. Knowing that Crowe has people everywhere I wanted to try and remain unseen. Moreso, though I might be cornering myself in somewhere. The walls… feeling surrounded by something sturdy has always been a comfort.

Jessica, the owner's daughter, was also the wait staff here at the inn. She approached me with her same sweet smile that she always had. But it was tainted, there was a shadow there now that didn't usually belong in this space.

"Good morning Anna. How are ya? What can I get for ya?" Her voice was soft and smooth like Honey. Her golden blonde hair shining in the light that was coming in from the window. Her eyes, blue like the ocean they spoke of freedom.

How am I? Not that there was anything wrong with being cordial, But Jessica wasn't typically one for small talk. That and the look on her face left me to wonder… What?... If anything,… Did she know? "I'm fine Jessica, thank you for asking. Can I get some scrambled eggs with a biscuit, and bacon?"

"Milk to drink?" She asked not writing any of this down. She has been doing this from a very young age. She has it all down. Notes were for the amateurs of the game.

"Yes please, thank you."

She nodded and started away but stopped mid pivot and turned back to me. "Anna?... Papa has something he needs to talk to you about". Her voice was soft, but there was a hitch in her words, like she was holding back something heavier. "I… Just thought you should know. So, you aren't caught off guard."

I looked at her confused, and more than a little worried. "Oh…Yeah okay. Thank you for letting me know." She nodded and with that she took my order to the back.

I sat there, alone… Keeping my eyes focused for any sudden movements, or anyone that looked new, perhaps like they didn't belong. Other than myself there was only one other patron. He seemed to have fallen asleep at a table in a corner of the room. He must have had one too many the night before at the saloon. Why else would he be passed out cold in the middle of the dining area? I shook my head. "Or maybe he didn't want to make it to his room."

It was about this time that Mr. Vellum brought me my breakfast. It was a good thing that Jessica had told me that he wanted to talk to me because I would have been so confused. Especially since he sat at the table with me rather than dropping off my food and leaving. "How are you doing Anna?" He asked. He is an older gent with a face full of lines and a mustache that looked like it had opinions. He kept the inn tidy, wore a vest no matter the weather, and had the quiet, watchful eyes of someone who'd seen more trouble than he cared to mention. Folks didn't know much about his past, and he didn't offer. But the place ran smooth, mostly safe, and nobody messed around too much, not with Mr. Vellum behind the bar.

"Well, not the best considering I just lost my job." At this I heard a slight shuffling from somewhere on the other side of the room. It was enough to capture my attention, but nothing more.

Mr. Vellum looked at me with now saddened look on his face. The worn look of leather that had formed over the years softened now. "I'm so sorry to hear that…" He said. It was a genuine and true sentiment. I could tell that there was more lingering just behind his lips. Words that desperately wanted to be spoken but seemed to be having trouble coming forth. To try and make things easier and lighten this heavy mood that surrounded us. I asked him a question.

I nod in the direction of the stranger. "What's his story? I've never seen him before." Mr. Vella wasn't much of a talker in the sense of sharing his own story, but he was an expert at getting others to share theirs. If anyone knew anything about this stranger, it was him.

He looked in the direction that I nodded. Turned and looked for a flash of a second. It didn't take him long to know exactly who I was talking about. "I don't know." He said honestly. "Came in early this morning, got a room and took a seat right there where he is now. I told him service ended at midnight. He said it was fine, that he just needed a moment to catch his breath before going to his room. I shrugged and told him it was fine. I didn't realize he was still there until Jessica let me know after giving me your order. I'll get him up in a minute. First…"

I could tell whatever it was that he had been holding back was about to come forth.

He was wringing his hands nervously, and I could tell there was an uncomfortableness in his eyes. "Unfortunately, you are no longer permitted to stay here at the inn."

There was another shuffle from the other side of the room, this time much louder and more noticeable, I could tell that it came from the sleeping stranger. If I didn't need to act like I just received the second worst news of my life, it might have been enough to make me laugh. But I had a sneaking feeling now that he was one of Crowe's hired eyes.

"Oh." Now was the time for my acting to start. My lip began to quiver, my hands to shake. "Oh…I see. I…Um… Can… I ask why?... Did I do something wrong? I've always paid on time." My voice was a quiver and shake.

His heart broke, and I saw it. Apparently, and Ambrose didn't get a chance to talk. What was I going to do? Stop now and explain? Not a chance, too dangerous, too risky.

"I've… Been getting too many complaints about noise coming from your room at all hours of the day and night. Other guests and residents have complained and are threatening to leave. I have to ask the cause of the disturbance to leave. I need to take care of my family."

He may not have said it directly, but ultimately the message came through loud and clear. Crowe was the cause of this. He was trying to give me no choice.

I nodded my head in silence. I am not a crier in general, let alone trying to cry on cue. "Alright, I understand…I apologize for any trouble it's caused you. I… Had some errands I needed to run today. Can I leave my stuff-"

"Errands?" He cut me off. "Don't you work today?"

"Um, well, yeah. I mean. Normally I would be yeah… But Ambrose gave me the day off. Said I needed a break." Believable to anyone who saw me drag myself home last night. "So, I thought I would use the time to take care of things I have been neglecting lately."

He nodded, not asking any further questions. "If you can have your stuff out by seven PM it would be a big help to me." 

My coach doesn't leave until 11. That complicated things for sure. "It… Has to be Seven?" I asked.

"I'm afraid so… The guests don't want anymore sleepless nights."

"Well…. I do need to find a new place to live. Alright. I'll be back with enough time to pick up my things and be out by Seven tonight. Don't worry Mr. Vellum, I'll make it happen. In fact, even if it's just temporary, I think having my bags with me will help to get me a new place to stay." My words were meant to help him feel better. I don't think they did….

"Eat… You have a big day ahead of you…." He said as he got up from his chair. Before he went back to his business he whispered. "I'm sorry Anna…." With that he went over to the stranger and kicked his boot gently.

He jumped. "Huh? Wha?"

"We're open now," Mr. Vellum said.

I turned my attention back to my plate. Still warm. I picked up my fork, but my hands were shaking. I hadn't eaten a single bite while speaking with Mr. Vellum. Not because I wasn't hungry. But because I was being watched, or thought I was. Sometimes, there's no real difference. I finished eating quickly. I just lost my job and my home. I didn't have the time to sit here for long. By the time I was leaving, the stranger had a coffee in his hand. In a moment, in passing, our eyes met, it was just a flash of a second. Not long enough to make out any detail. I felt a chill run down my spine. He didn't smile, simply took a sip of his coffee, and tipped his hat. I stepped out into the sunlight.