Super

Crash and Burn

Chapter 4: Crash and Burn

"Have a nice day." I said happily as I bagged a young mother's new cook book. She took her bag and credit card and dinged the bell as she exited the store. I pulled out my phone. Only one o'clock, really? I groaned shoving my cheap flip phone back into my pocket. Only four hours to go.

Ms. Dorson had been working in the back room all morning long so I practically had the place to myself. Besides running between the café and the checkout counter there wasn't really much I had to do. Slumping back into my stool I turned to the window just in time to see another Crucifier walking tour stop right in front of the shop. The tour guide was a young guy, a high school kid, who seemed pretty excited about whatever horrific murder he was describing in great detail. The kids in the group shared his excitement while the mothers looked less than pleased. He clapped his hands excitedly and gestured the store. Seconds later a sea of people stormed through the front door.

"Mom look!" A ten year old snatched a copy of The Crucifier Murders Picture Glossary by Local expert Larry O'Malley. The mother picked up the book not really paying attention. When her eyes focused on the picture she paled and started to sway a little. "Isn't it awesome? Do you think its real blood?" I reached out quickly and handed the poor woman a sippy cup of water. She drank it greedily and I gave her a refill.

"Does this happen a lot?"

"All the time, I know you probably don't want to get him...that book...but there's another one he might like. It's a comic book about the detective who searched for the serial killer. It's meant for younger kids too." I handed her the book which she paid for instantly snatching the Glossary out of her son's hand. I sighed taking a long drink of coffee. One by one the mothers bought a little something before leaving the store as quickly as their heals could carry them.

"Another successful tour, so you're the new counter girl, right?" The tour guy stepped forward leaning casually on the checkout counter.

"That's me," I reached my hand out and he shook it.

"What's with your hair?" He asked suddenly looking me over like I was a science experiment. Cheap hair dye didn't even last through the day yesterday. My roots were already turning blue. As soon as work got out I'd need to shop around for a better brand.

"I...it...you know what never mind...what's up with your zits, junior?" He held up his hands in surrender backing up and away from the counter.

"Easy girl." I narrowed my eyes at him. "I mean ma'am."

"Did you just call me a ma'am? Do I look like a ma'am to you?"

"Uh...no." I sighed taking a deep breath.

"You should be more careful with your tours, one of your paying customers almost passed out."

"Shit really?" He asked looking a lot more concerned than I expected him to be.

"Well yeah but I'm sure she's okay."

"Thank god, I can't lose another one."

"Oh my god, people pass out a lot?"

"Well yeah it's a serial killer tour, there's some pretty nasty stuff I talk about. But my boss keeps getting pissed at me. He docs my pay every time he hears someone passed out one of my tours."

"Well it's good to know your heart is in the right place." He gave me a wide smile and I rolled my eyes.

"I'm Gabe."

"Rebecca, so I guess you want your payment right?" I closed and locked the register. I walked down the long and narrow isles stepping over books and other garbage. Gabe took a seat at the counter and I slipped on my apron. "So what will it be?"