Michael checked into the motel, then headed for the local diner. Which was all of three blocks from the motel, though he did drive instead of walk. He figured he get a meal and maybe some local gossip. He arrived a little before the dinner time rush, as evidenced by the fact he was the only customer.
"Hello, new face," said the auburn-haired waitress as he sat in a booth by the window.
"Hi yourself. I'm Michael Knight."
"And I'm –"
"Amber. Unless you've borrowed a coworker's name tag," Michael said with a smile.
Amber laughed. "Nope, the name tag's mine. What brings you to town: business or pleasure?"
"Both. And the business is done."
"Oh?"
"I was sent here on behalf of some mine operators interested in molybdenum. To talk with Jess and Daniel Brinley."
"Not without a Ouija board."
"Yeah, well, learned that when I talked with the Summers. So, that conversation went nowhere."
"But you're still here."
"That the pleasure part." Michael held up a map. "Rock climbing."
Amber's face lit up. "I love rock climbing: physical and mental workout with amazing views."
Michael laughed. "That's what I keep telling my partner."
"Let me put in your order. Then I'll come back and give you some suggestions on places to rock climb around here."
"I'd like that, Amber."
Michael ordered his usual cheeseburger and soda. Amber went back to the kitchen to put in his order. The door to the diner opened, and Eddie Summers came in. He saw Michael and came over to him.
"I told you we're not interested," said Eddie angrily.
Michael held up his hands placatingly. "That's fine. I get paid to ask, which I did. And again, I am very sorry about your loss."
"But you're still here." And Eddie was still angry.
"Rock climbing is a hobby of mine. So I'm going to stay on a couple of days before going to my next assignment."
Eddie was clearly not mollified. "Just leave me and my wife alone." He went to an empty booth as far away from Michael as he could. "Amber, gimme the usual."
"Sure thing, Eddie," said Amber as she brought Michael his drink.
Amber went back to the kitchen to put in Eddie's order. Michael studied his map. The door to the diner opened again, as the dinner time rush continued. This time, it was a group of men. Michael would have pegged them as construction workers in an urban setting. Here, though, they seemed more like lumberjacks. Or miners. They took a table next to Michael's booth just as Amber came out with his burger.
"Looks like you're busy. We can talk rock climbing later."
"Thanks for understanding." She went over to the table. "Hello, what can I get you guys?"
One of the men whistled and ogled Amber. "I think I've got what I need."
"I meant off the menu," she said frostily.
He grabbed a menu and held it up to her backside. "Looks to me like you're today's special."
The other men laughed. Michael reached over and grabbed the menu. "The lady is not on the menu. Today or any other day."
"Big words," said the man as he stood up.
Michael stood up, too. And he was taller by almost half a foot. After a tense moment, the man grabbed his menu and sat back down. Michael sat down, too. Amber took their orders. Eddie had finished his meal and left. Almost immediately, one of the other men at the table pulled out a pack of cigarettes and went outside.
Michael leaned on his hand and said quietly into his commlink, "Hey, pal. Eddie Summers just left. Keep an eye on him for me, will you."
"Of course, Michael," replied Kitt just as quietly.
Amber brought the men their food. She also brought Michael a slice of apple pie with a scoop of ice cream. That he hadn't ordered. Michael lingered over the apple pie as the men ate their food and left.
Amber came over after they had gone. "Thanks for your help earlier, Michael. Those guys are here on a camping trip. They've bought supplies at the store down the street. But this is the first time they've been in here."
"No problem. Besides, you still need to tell me where to go rock climbing, remember?"
"Let me see that map." Michael handed it over and Amber unfolded it. "Mind if I mark it up?"
"Please do."
She pulled out her pen and sat down next to Michael. "This is a good spot. There's a great view from here, though the climb isn't as much of a challenge as the first one. This is nice one, too." She made a few Xs on the map.
"Which is the best?"
"Hmmm. Well, this spot is really good, but . . ." Michael looked at her. "Those guys who just left? They're camping here. Spoils the view," she said sourly.
Michael examined the map. The camp site was on state land but was also really close to the Summers's land.
"Any good spots here?" Michael pointed to the Summers's land. "I know it's not public, but maybe I can talk Eddie Summers into letting me climb."
"The Summers are pretty anti-social. They moved in two years ago, after Jess and Danny died. And other than the occasional meal here, they keep to themselves."
"Then I'll stick to the places you pointed out. That should keep me busy for a couple days."
"How long are you going to be in town?"
"A couple of days. Maybe longer."
"Well, if you're still here in three days, I'll have the day off. And I can take you to the best spot: tricky climb and spectacular view."
"I see what I can talk my boss into."
Michael smiled at Amber, who smiled back. More customers came into the diner, an older couple this time. Amber went back to work. Michael watched Amber for a few moments, then paid up and left.