Fragmented Dreams: Magical Past

CHAPTER 14: GREAT DETECTIVE JOHNSON

The week passed and it was time for another farmers' market. Grandpa was on the fence about attending, still spooked by the recent attack but I wouldn't let him stop his routine just because some evil king was trying to kidnap me. Reluctantly he packed up the truck, making sure Casimir, Maayan, or himself were around me at all times. Once at the market, I clipped my Sharky keychain to my apron just in case of emergency. Azar was still without a talisman so he was guarding the house, which mostly involved him moping around in the loft.

The market was busy and I was happy we were selling the last remnants of our yearly apple harvest. Grandpa was still going over the contract Mr. Evans had sent to us, so we hadn't seen any money yet for my hospital bills. I hated the idea of being a financial burden to my guardian so I pushed myself to work extra hard at this weekend's market. It was a nice distraction from my other worries, which included figuring out a way to approach Casimir for a private conversation about my past life. Somehow we were never left alone together, at least nowhere where we could talk safely. With each passing day, I grew more and more nervous to ask. Even as I stood there in the booth, watching my bodyguard help customers, I wanted to pull him aside and force him to answer my questions.

This weekend, do it this weekend, Diana. Another customer wanted to buy some apple butter and I was called away from my thoughts.

Grandpa was out on deliveries, leaving Casimir and Maayan to watch the booth with me. Maya was very good at handing out free samples, their cheerful nature lending itself well to retail work. During the next lull in foot traffic, an older gentleman approached the table, walking slowly with a cane. He had a large camera around his neck and a fanny pack on his waist, signaling him as a regular tourist, probably someone who enjoyed photographing the old buildings downtown. He raised his camera to take a shot of our booth, something I was used to. Sometimes if I could catch them taking the picture I would duck out of the way. The photographer smiled up at me from behind his large wooly scarf.

"Hello dear, what a lovely setup you have here," he said, his voice low yet sweet. "Do you mind if I take a close-up of your apple crate?"

"No, go ahead," I responded, gesturing at the box he was looking at. It was one I had painted so I was somewhat pleased he liked it. He took a few shots, turning the lens back and forth as he hummed to himself. I was admiring his short salt-and-pepper hair and thick glasses when he looked up at me.

"Thank you," he said. "I do love all the sights here at the market. It's also so nice to see young people interested in farming." He smiled at me, glancing over at Casimir as well, who had moved to stand next to me.

"Oh, I don't do much of the farming," I admitted. "I just sell the apples, this guy over here does way more work." I pointed to Casimir as I spoke.

"Oh, how nice. Is this your boyfriend, or husband?"

I felt my face turn red at his assumption. "What? No, no he's just a friend!"

He chuckled at my reaction. "Oh, that's too bad."

"Did you have any questions, sir?" Casimir asked, eyeing the man's camera.

The photographer placed the lens cap back on his camera, shaking his head as he spoke. "Oh no, just passing through. Good luck with your business. God bless," he called out. I watched him slowly walk away glancing over at Casimir once the man was out of earshot.

"He was a weird one," I muttered.

"I think he was taking pictures of you," Casimir grumbled, still watching the man.

"What really?" I said, craning my neck to look back over at the photographer. He had stopped a few booths down, camera pointed at another display. "He seems mostly harmless."