Page 61 of Cadenbury Town Does Halloween

“Fine, I’m going for coffee and not getting you one,” I say, stomping away. “And I still am cute, dammit.”

“Not with that red face you’re not, and your nose is so red you could lead reindeers,” Pa shouts back.

Alfred the annoying puppy is laughing his fool head off, mind you so is the customer.

I ignore them both and walk into the bookshop. I spy Callum. “Save me Cal, I’m a frozen popsicle.”

Callum laughs. “I’ll get you a large latte, also do you want a hot scone? They are literally just out of the oven.”

“So, so, yes, thanks Cal,” I look around for Clarence.

“He’s at home, Molly called on him this morning. I left them chatting.”

“Good. Molly will help him. Also, no more cake for Pa today. He’s mean and doesn’t deserve any yummy goodness.” I say, taking my coat off and sitting at an empty table.

Callum laughs and gets my order ready.

I look around the bookshop. There is a meeting going on in one corner and I wave to them and look back round as Justice and Sal walk in. I’m sat on a table of four, so they come and sitwith me, just as Callum brings my latte and a massive fruit scone over, with a pot of jam and cream.

“Oh, that looks lovely Cal. Can I have one?” Sal asks.

“Me too,” Justice says.

Cal grins. “Yep, and the best part is, they are just out of the oven.”

“Nice, and our normal drinks please Cal,” Sal says.

“On it,” Callum says, walking away.

“So, what’s new brothers?” I ask them, cutting into my scone.

“Nothing much,” Sal says. “Our lives are boring.”

Justice and I both stare at him.

“Boring? Are you mad?” I ask him, putting my knife and scone down. “Justice, check his forehead in case he’s got a fever or something.”

Justice puts his hand against Sal’s forehead. “It feels normal.”

“Maybe the heat from the furnace has addled his brain,” I say, trying to find a reason for Sal’s madness.

“Are you sick Sal?” Cal asks, as he reaches our table carrying a tray and handing Sal and Justice their order.

“Either sick or mad,” I reply to Cal.

“Sal?” Callum queries, looking worried.

“I’m fine. Ernest asked what was new and I said nothing, our lives are boring.”

“Are you mad?” Cal asks him. “Should I call Jude?”

“You probably should. Maybe Sal would be better off at home,” Justice says.

“Do you think Nix has gone mad as well? One of us should check on him,” Cal says.

We ignore Sal who's trying to reassure us he’s not suddenly gone insane, but I grab my phone and message the others anyway.

“You didn’t?” he says glaring at me.