Chapter 26 [An Hour and a Half Later—Talon]

Lana leaned against the back counter. Her eyes surveyed the sparsely-populated café. A woman with Age's frost peppering her dark hair sat by herself in the corner. Two elderly gentlemen engaged in a lively game of chess. Everyone left already? She sulked. You'd think they'd want their coffee before the shutdown.

Maybe they're already in holiday mode? Clark supposed.

Hey! Relief picked her spirits up. You made it?

Yup. I didn't have a single problem. Mr. Dubois just asked that I call before taking off. Guess I kind of snuck up on him. Anyhow I'm with him in the barn. He's got two pretty horses. One of them's really shy. Clark offered Winter a carrot.

Lana grimaced. I can feel her skittishness through you, Clark. Just don't push her. I just wish I could be there. I'd take her for a nice ride.

So how's the Talon? Clark could hear Frustration's tone in her voice. That dead huh?

Yeah. Three people. Two of them are playing checkers. I feel like I'm in the old General Store or something. Lana rubbed her forehead. I just wish I could make the call. It's almost 3.

It's okay, Boss, Miranda looked up from wiping down tables. I'm sure Mr. Luthor will close early. Meantime we can catch up.

That's really great, Miranda, that you're sacrificing your time up here, he noted.

Thanks, Clark. The food's already prepping. You're helping Uncle Dave with the chores. Jas and the others won't be there for an hour or so yet. I can hang out on the farm or I can pitch in. This way, Sarah can have another afternoon with Byron. Miranda watched the two men pack their checkerboard up and walk out. There goes the bulk of the customers. Linda Brooks' the only one left.

Ouch. Hey do you know anything about this white horse? She's so timid. He noticed Winter not taking the carrot.

That's Winter. Apparently she was abused at her last farm. She's really sweet once she warms up to you. Grace and she have really bonded according to the aunt and uncle. That's another reason I'm glad you there, Mr. Plaid. I want her to get to know Lana and you. Winter's going to need a place to stay after the move. Miranda wiped down the recently occupied table and straightened the chairs.

Well I'll let her know she's appreciated. Grace and I can be Winter's two best friends. Determination brought out a nod in Lana's head.

Anyhow talk to you tonight at dinner. You should see all of the food they got going in the house! He helped to spread some hay.

So Miri tells me. I need to check on my customer. Thanks, Clark! Lana grinned.

No problem. See you in a couple of hours! He went quiet.

Lana walked the coffee pot to Lone Reader. "How is your coffee, Mrs. Brooks? I can warm it for you if you'd like."

The woman smiled. "Thanks, Lana, I appreciate it." She checked her watch. "Maybe make it to go? You know my son really loved that dandy drink you all made for him a few months back. Can I have one of those too please?"

"Absolutely!" Lana nodded. "We don't want you to feel hurried or anything. You sit and enjoy."

"I appreciate that but I really need to be heading home. Jerry and Dan will be waiting. Hope you have nice plans for the next two days." Brooks stood. She collected her book and purse.

"We've got a big family gathering to go to. Clark and I will be doing some riding and spending some time together. It's going to be really great." Dreaminess spread the smile on her face and put the twinkle in her eye.

"And he gave you the ring? Good choice. Clark's really nice." Brooks handed her the mug. "I'll see you in a few minutes."

"Thanks." Lana brought the mug up to the counter. "She needs a Dandy to go."

"I overheard." Miranda ground some beans. "We'll get this right out." She steamed some milk. Cocoa, Milk and Coffee poured into a cup. Cherry followed them. "A little whipped cream and there!" She gave the mixture another stir. She put a lid on the cup.

"We'll give her a fresh cup too." Lana filled Brooks' cup with new coffee. She watched Brooks cross the floor. "Mrs. Brooks, sorry. How do you take your coffee?"

"Just a little milk and some sugar. Thanks, Lana." Brooks handed her a ten dollar bill. "I'll take three back."

"Sure. Thanks." Lana handed Brooks her change. She finished the drink and put the lid on it. "There you go. Hope you all have a great weekend."

"Hope you both have fun. I'm glad you two are off the next two days. I hope you both have a great Fourth." Brooks tipped her cup to them. Then she turned and left the café.

"2:30 and we're dead." Miranda cleaned the coffee press. She wiped down the back counter. She frowned.

"I'm sorry, Miri. You can get your uncle to help you. I'll be okay." Lana rubbed her forehead.

Incredulity raised Miranda's eyebrow. "Boss, you're here. I'm here. We've got this." Her cell phone buzzed at her. "Now what?" She looked at it. "It's Jas." She answered. "Hi. Where are you?"

"We will arrive in Cherry Plain in fifteen minutes. We deliver the fireworks. Then we will meet the others at the farm. How is the Talon?" Jasmine asked.

"We're quiet. We've had three people in here since 10:30. I hope we have a few more people before 5." Miranda tapped her finger on the counter.

Jasmine shook her head.

"That bad?" Lex looked toward her briefly.

"Hold on, Miri." Jasmine turned to Lex. "There is nobody. There has been only three people since 10:30."

He sighed. His eyes alighted on the dashboard clock. He mulled over the situation. "Have Lana call at 4:00."

Jasmine nodded. "Miri, have Lana call at 4 your time."

"Okay. We'll talk to you. Be careful with that stuff. All right?" Miranda shrugged at Lana.

"We will be. Take care and we'll see you soon." Jasmine hung up.

Miranda disconnected the call. "We need to call Mr. Luthor back at 4. Guess he wants us to stay open a while longer."

Lana nodded. "I'll work on those dishes in the back." She disappeared into the back room.

An hour and a half. Yay us! Sarcasm elicited an eye roll. She grabbed a Windex bottle and a rag for the pastry case.

It would be a while longer….