Chapter Eight
Beans, lard and flour laid out before her on the counter. Merlyn pulled out the last few cents from her pocket and handed it to the grocer.
"It's not enough," he said.
Merlyn reached into her empty pocket. "You have anything Caleb?" The boy shook his head.
The eyes of Mr. Fredricks, the grocer, watched her expectantly. Behind her sighs of housewives and men unnerved her. She leaned over the counter. "Can I charge the rest?"
"No, not until your father's account is cleared."
"But we need food."
The grocer sighed and called over the shop boy to take over the register. "Follow me. There's some cans I can't sell and would hate to see you children starve." He lifted the counter divider for Merlyn to follow him to the back. At the storeroom door he stopped Caleb.
"Wait here boy."
Caleb stepped in front of Merlyn. "Merlyn ain't goin' nowhere without me."
The man smiled, reached into his pocket and pulled out a penny. "Why don't you ask Bobby for some candy? The storeroom is no place for children."
Caleb looked to Merlyn for approval. Not wanting to offend Mr. Fredricks Merlyn reluctantly nodded and Caleb accepted the gift.
"Go," Merlyn encouraged seeing Caleb hesitant to leave her. However, the jars of colorful candies proved too hard to resist.
With Caleb distracted by a rare treat Merlyn followed the grocer. Within the room shelfs lined the walls full of canned goods. Bags of flour, sugar, salt and beans piled in the middle of the floor. The amount of food in one place overwhelmed her.
He led her to the farthest corner of the room. She expected to find the canned goods promised instead empty sacks laid on the ground. The hairs on her neck stood up when she realized her situation. "Mr. Fredricks, I think there's been a mistake."
Caleb stared at the multiple jars of sweets. He finally decided on a licorice to share with Merlyn. He sat on a barrel eating his share and waiting when one of his favorite friends walked in.
"Hi Dr. Matt."
One day Matt showed up at the house to remove Merlyn's cast. Apparently, she missed her appointment. While he was there, he let Caleb use the stethoscope to listen to his heart. After that Caleb declared he was going to be a doctor.
"Hi Caleb. What are you doing here?"
"Waiting."
"Waiting for what?"
"Waiting for Merlyn to come back." He gestured towards the storeroom door. "She's back there with Mr. Fredricks getting some food. I'm not sure I like him very much."
Matt found it odd that a single customer was allowed in the back. He heard the rumor. Rumors about Gage Temple prostituting his daughter. He started walking towards the door doubtful of the gossip but uneasy about the circumstances.
Ahhhh!
Every customer in the store stopped and stared at the direction of the scream. Matt pushed all doubts aside. He jumped over the counter, opened the door and hurled into the storage room ready to defend the maiden's honor. Sure enough he saw the grocer wrestling a young woman in the corner. It was Merlyn Temple.
"Hey, let her go."
Mr. Fredricks released the girl. When he saw Matt, his face turned red. "This girl is a thief," he flustered.
"A thief? That sounds like a job for the law," said a new voice.
Matt turned around to see Lucas Buck standing at the door tall, proud and angry as a bull. By now other shoppers were looking in at the excitement.
"Sheriff." Mr. Fredricks pointed at Merlyn cowering in the corner. "That girl took advantage of my kindness and tried stealing from me."
"Is that so? What did you steal honey?"
"Nothing," said Merlyn.
"I saw her." Mr. Fredricks stopped when Lucas approached and towered above him.
"Doc, get Merlyn and the kid out of here. Mr. Fredricks and I need to have a little chat."
Quickly Matt pulled Merlyn from the corner and ushered her out. Gathering Caleb from the store he led them to the street.
"Let's get out of here Caleb," said Merlyn as she shrugged out of Matt's arms. They started walking quickly towards the road out of town.
"Wait." Matt ran after them. "Don't you have a ride?"
"No, we walked," said Caleb.
"Let me walk you home then."
"No. We're fine," Merlyn said sharply.
"Please, it's not safe for you. I'll feel better if I go with you."
Merlyn stopped in her tracks. "Caleb, go home."
"But Merly."
"I said get."
Caleb left with a puff. Maybe he'll eat all the licorice after all.
"Leave me alone," said Merlyn once Caleb had run ahead.
"Please I didn't mean anything."
"Really? You don't want to walk me home so I can show my appreciation?" She put a hand on his chest like a lover then push him away. "You gonna rape me if I don't?"
He stumbled back before finding his balance. Surprised by her accusations Matt studied the broken girl in front of him. He saw her soul fading as dark forces kept pulling her down, crushing her. "No, I would never."
Merlyn looked at him sadly. "I'm sorry but I don't believe you." With that she ran after Caleb.