Deception Creek by Terry Persun Page A

keep Billy and Jack separated? What did the man and woman at the bakery know? He grew to doubt Scott as well. Like any other engineering problem, Billy imagined that if he worked on it, he could find the formula needed to solve the mystery. Even at that, the whole situation ate at him.
    â€œYou been pretty quiet over there,” Mel said from his position several feet to Billy’s right. They were nearing the end of the first portion of their repair job.
    â€œI was thinking, again, about Mom. Trying to figure out how Jack fits into the picture.”
    â€œI’ll tell you what,” Mel said, “if you keep on thinkin’ about the problem, the big mystery might just unravel and come rushin’ in on you faster ‘n you can handle it. What’s on your mind soon gets into your life.” Mel nodded his head, agreeing fervently with his own statement.
    â€œYou’re something, Mel.”
    â€œMark ‘em,” he said. “Do it. Mark ‘em down in your school notebook. Those is words to remember.”
    Billy raised his hand into the air. “I’m a believer. Maybe I should wait here with a big old catcher’s mitt.”
    Mel chuckled. “I can picture that.”
    The noon whistle at the fire station across town blew. Billy wiped his trowel across the flat and climbed down from the scaffolding. Mel followed.
    â€œBring your lunch today?” Mel asked, his way of inviting Billy along.
    â€œYeah. I’ve got to save up for school.” Billy said.
    â€œIf you change your mind, we’ll be down the street eatin’.”
    â€œThanks. At the diner, right?”
    Mel nodded and walked off.
    Billy looked back at their work, which was coming along nicely. Mel had continued to teach Billy the right way to brick up the wall. Billy raised his eyes toward the sky and noticed Jack standing at the very edge of the second tier roof. The safety harness strap hung loosely along Jack’s leg. His head was turned toward the sky as though he were watching something. Clouds perhaps, because they moved and shifted quickly overhead. Strong winds, high in the atmosphere, pulled and pushed at the clouds, shaping and reshaping them. Billy wondered if Jack was making images out of the cloud formations. Then, slowly, Jack turned, looked down at Billy and waved.
    Billy returned the gesture, lowered his head, and began to walk back to his truck. When he arrived, Jack stood next to the cab. “I thought we weren’t supposed to talk,” Billy said, wondering how Jack had gotten there so quickly.
    Jack cocked his head in confusion. “You want me to leave?”
    â€œNo, but tell me something. How is it you speak so well? Not like these other guys.”
    â€œPretty blunt question,” Jack said.
    â€œSorry. But it just crossed my mind. It’s like you don’t quite fit.” Billy stepped closer to Jack and motioned toward the truck cab. “My lunch,” he said.
    Jack grabbed the handle and opened the door so Billy could reach in for his lunch.
    â€œDidn’t mean to insult you,” Billy said.
    Jack shook his head. “No. You didn’t. No need to be concerned.” He closed the door and followed Billy to the tailgate, where they sattogether. “I finished college while in prison.” Jack said. “Answer your question?”
    â€œSure.” Billy shrugged. “So why you working here?”
    Jack laughed. “I’m an ex-con with a Masters in Business. Don’t you think an employer would be afraid to hire me? I have the knowledge to rob him blind, and the inclination to do so. At least that’s what most might assume.”
    Billy shook his head. “I guess you’re right.”
    â€œOh, I’m right,” Jack said.
    â€œWhat about your friend? At the bakery?” Billy suggested.
    â€œTodd can hardly keep his head above water. I feel guilty when he gives me free coffee. So I tip heavily.”