Angie of the Garden

Chapter Three-2

Sebastian Simms did something now that was just as spontaneous as his walking into the bagel shop had been. The former investment analyst suddenly saw an opportunity to show his former lover just how disinterested he was in having a career. Sebastian did not understand why he felt compelled to make this point. The younger Simms intended to have Hollis explain his behavior one day.

"I'd like to apply for the job," he told Sam.
"Okay. Come in the back. I'll give you a form to fill out."

Sebastian completed the paperwork and waited for Sam to review it. The owner of
the bagel shop was understandably surprised that someone with the applicant's background would be interested in the position.

"You could do much better. I can't pay you much, especially compared to what you used to make."
"That's fine, Sam. I just want to do something simple, without all the political bullshit."
"Well, why not? If it turns out that you're really hiding from the FBI or something, then at least we'll have the excitement of watching your capture. And believe me, this place could use it."

Sebastian drove back to his brother's house. He presented the diary to him, and received a grateful smile in return. Hollis went into his office and the younger Simms followed.

"Paul said to tell you there had been some research done on it," he informed him. "It seems the man who had been courting the diary's author was found dead near the river.
Another man whom she really loved was suspected of murdering him, but never charged. Paul said he left for the frontier anyway, and Angelica Barton followed him."
"Very interesting," Hollis replied. "Let's have a brandy to celebrate the return of Angie's diary. Then you can join us for dinner."
"Paul did make a copy of it," Sebastian told him. "So he might have some more revelations for you later on."
"I hope so," Hollis said thoughtfully as he handed him his glass. "There are many things I don't know about the young lady."

They finished their drinks and joined the rest of the family for dinner. Olivia was very affable towards her unexpected houseguest. She asked him about his trip, and then politely inquired about his plans for the future.

"I've accepted a position," he responded proudly.
"That's good to hear. Where will you be working?" Olivia asked him.
"I'm now an employee of The Always Fresh Bagel Shop. I start tomorrow." "You're working at a bagel shop?" she asked him incredulously.
"You're really on the way up, Uncle Sebastian," Annabelle remarked.

Hollis was as surprised as the other two people at the table. He recovered quickly,
however.

"There is dignity in all work," the doctor observed.
"Absolutely," Sebastian concurred.
"Well, perhaps a change will be good for you," Olivia remarked before leaving
the room. "I've some phone calls to make. It's good to see you again."

Annabelle soon followed, and made a point of rolling her eyes towards the ceiling as she did so.

"I must say I'm surprised," Hollis said.
"Well, like you said, there's dignity in all work."
"True. But this is like an airline pilot deciding to run a ride at an amusement
park."
"I just want to get away from the financial markets for a while. Besides, even if I
wanted to get back into investing, there aren't many opportunities around right now. And I have a black mark on my resume."

Hollis Simms struggled against his inclination to offer professional advice. He had dealt with many patients over the years who had abandoned their chosen paths in life due to a single setback. In Hollis's experience the one constant among them was the remorse these people felt years after making their decision. He did not want his brother to find himself in that situation. Yet Hollis also did not want to treat Sebastian in the same manner as he would a patient.

"You're about to give me advice," his younger sibling said with a wry smile. "I appreciate it, but it isn't the right time. I just want to do something uncomplicated now."
"Understood. Allow me just one question, though. Do you know anything about bagels?"
"They're round, there's a hole in the middle of them, and they're delicious. What else do I have to know? That's the beauty of this job."
"You know your product," Hollis said with a grin.
"I'll find an apartment in town, since I know where I'll be working."
"You're welcome to use the old house for as long as you want, Sam. I have to review some cases for tomorrow. Have a good night."
"You too."

Sebastian walked back to his current residence and turned on the television. There was nothing to be found there that was intriguing enough to clear his mind. So he decided to explore the attic instead. Sebastian used a long pole to open a trap door in the ceiling and then climbed up to it on a ladder. The Simms' possessions had long since been removed from the attic, with one exception. Sebastian found an old chess set there. He removed it from its case. The pieces inside were the ones that the Simms brothers had played with during their youth. All the emotions that had been generated by recent events suddenly overwhelmed him. Sebastian Simms cried for the first time in many years.
When I was living here as a boy it seemed like there was nothing I couldn't do he thought in despair. What happened?
The sound of the front door opening forced him to regain his composure.

"Sam?" the voice of Frank Martin echoed through the house.
"I'm up in the attic, Frank."
The groundskeeper climbed up the ladder to join him. He was carrying a six pack
of beer, and offered one to Sebastian. The current occupant of the house gladly accepted. "I just wanted to say hi to my new neighbor."
"That's nice of you. I don't know how long I'll be here, though."
"Where did you used to live?'
"In Manhattan. But I lost my job and my girlfriend kicked me out." Frank shook his head sympathetically.