“Oh, I’m not sure I’ll be here,” she said quickly. “Anyway, haven’t you got a brother?”
“Connor’s a dickhead.”
“Well that settles that then, and I’m sure I should tell you not to swear, Mikey,” Faith said, winking at him. “So what are you two doing out here? Burying a body? Smoking something illegal? Or maybe being one with nature?”
“Hope’s teaching me about photography. She’d good, and I want to learn,” Mikey said. “So maybe we could do this again tomorrow at the same time. I’ll meet you down at the lake by the sheriff’s office. Water’s a problem for me, because of the glare on the lens. Bring some ideas for the boat. See ya.”
Before Hope could tell him she couldn’t commit to the lessons, and wouldn’t be there to help with the boat race, the boy had gone, lifting a hand in farewell.
“Do I get a say?”
“Not so much,” Faith said, as they watched him lope away.
“So, Hopeful, tell me this. Can I get you behind the bar tonight? We had two employees call in sick this morning, and Noah’s pulling his hair out.”
“Ah, no, I don’t think so, but thanks.” If she was behind the bar, she could run into the Wildlife people.
Faith studied her.
“Why not? You get rich while you were gone?” Faith looked her over. “Because if you did, you need to do something about this.” She waved a hand up and down, indicating Hope’s clothing.
“What’s with you people and this fixation you all have about looking good?”
“Honey, just looking normal would work for you.”
“Bitch,” Hope muttered.
“Sure, now listen up. If you’re worried about those Wildlife folk seeing you, seeing as I know you worked for them, then don’t. They came into town a while ago, picked up supplies, and then left. They’ve hired the old Harboridge House four miles out of town. They don’t plan on coming back, because they’re too good for us.”
“I’m sure they didn’t say that,” Hope said, feeling the tightness in her chest ease at knowing the Wildlife team weren’t in town. She then thought about her bank balance, or lack thereof. Could she take the chance? Four miles out of town meant they wouldn’t be walking about every day. A night’s wages from the Howler would make a difference for her leaving.
“No, but I filled in the gaps. They stocked up with supplies and headed out to take pictures of some rare bird—”
“The Great Blue Heron,” Hope said. Remembering the conversation she’d had with Jay about the bird, and how Wildlife should come to Oregon and photograph it.Bastard.She added another black mark to his name.
“The very one.” Faith nodded. “They then told Noah they have their own chef, and will be ordering supplies that they want delivered. Stuck-up bastards.”
Hope knew how the Wildlife people could come across, because she’d once been one of them. Single-minded and focused.
“So how about it? I mean, you worked for us briefly years ago. I’m sure you’ll pick it up easily again.”
“Sure. What time?”
“Be there at six, you can help set up.”
Faith had a way of talking that was slow and easy, just like she walked. Not much ruffled her, except her twin brother. He could get under her skin quicker than anyone else.
“Sure.”
“You got anything resembling a denim skirt in your closet?” Faith looked Hope up and down, and she refused to squirm.
“I have jeans?”
“Bare legs are best, it’ll get hot in there. Any chance you have something other than those boots?”
“What’s wrong with my boots?”
Faith liked clothes, unlike Hope. Everything she wore was given a great deal of thought, and usually money. Like Newman, she wore clothes well, unlike Hope who never quite got it right, but didn’t give a damn because she’d never really tried.
