Page 78 of Proof

He stared down at the brochure. “Yes. Thank you. How many items do you wish to exhibit?”

“Five or six different pieces, but also some inventory to sell.”

He looked up. “I do not mass produce these items. Each is one of a kind.”

“Oh, I understand. What I meant was if someone wants to purchase one, we can fill the spot with another.”

“I see.” He studied the photograph again.

The suspense was driving Luna nuts. She held her breath. She didn’t want to be too pushy. Then she wondered if he wanted to be paid in advance, so mentioned it before it became a question. “We will gladly pay you upfront.”

“What if you do not sell all of them?” Again, he spoke softly and slowly.

Luna responded with a lively reply. “Well then, all of my friends will be getting Celebrations Navidad Christmas presents.”

He smiled. Finally. “How soon do you want them?”

“Not until November. Will that work for you?” Luna held her breath again.

He squinted, as if he were calculating something in his head. “I shall sell you twenty-four pieces. That is all I could manage. We get very busy over the holidays, and I am already working on items.” That was the most he had said thus far. “Come back later, and I will give you an invoice.” He nodded and retreated to a room in the back.

Luna and Gail gave each other a bug-eyed look. They shrugged in unison and quietly left the store.

“Isn’t it curious that someone who makes such joyful things seems so somber?” Luna observed.

“There are many people like that around here. I think they carry a lot of old wounds. Wounds from the past, maybe in this life or one before,” Gail said solemnly. “Remember the cliff dwellings and that chilling vibe you got?”

“Boy, do I.” Luna shivered.

“It’s an interesting dichotomy. The locals are very peaceful and spiritual people, and yet they often seem to be carrying a burden, something that they don’t share or discuss.”

“Ellie and I were talking about the Lumbee tribe when she got the idea to showcase indigenous art. They were only recognized as a tribe in the late fifties, yet they still are not recognized by the federal government, so they can’t get a casino license.”

“Bureaucracy,” Gail huffed.

“I think it’s politics for sure. But other casinos also don’t want competition,” Luna explained.

“As if there isn’t enough money squandered on gambling. That is one of the things that will always bring in cash. Look at the billions the lottery brings in!” Gail paused. “For a very short time, Robert and I lived in Henderson, outside of Las Vegas. We thought being near an airport and entertainment was the way to go, but the energy in the atmosphere was way too much. You could feel it. I know you know what I’m talking about. Maybe it doesn’t affect people who grew up there. They’re used to the frenzy. But for people like us, well, we needed less delirium. We were leaving LA, which has its own unique delirium, and when we stumbled onto Sedona, we knew this was exactly where we should be.”

A gentle, warm breeze drifted around them, setting off the tinkling of wind chimes, to confirm Gail’s words.

They moved from one shop to another, searching for items. Luna noted all the skeleton-inscribed pieces. “It’s kind of creepy for a holiday decoration, don’t ya think?” She handled one of an owl, with a skeleton painted over it.

“It’s the Mexican influence,” Gail replied. “Día de Los Muertos. Day of the Dead.”

“Yes. November first and second. I always light candles to honor my relatives who have passed on, but I never used skeletons.” Luna cringed. “I suppose I should know all about this, but a girl has her limits. Especially when it comes to creepy stuff. I don’t mean to be disrespectful or anything, considering I believe the spirit lives on. I guess I prefer to remember loved ones with skin on their bodies and recognizable features.”

Gail laughed. “Good point. Shall we?” She gestured for them to move on to another shop.

Luna stopped abruptly.

“What is it?”

“That laugh. I know that laugh.” She immediately turned in the direction the sound was coming from. She turned and raced toward the figure, who disappeared behind some foliage.

Gail was several steps behind. “Luna! Where are you going?”

Luna tried to keep up with the man, but he got into his car and drove off before she could see his face.

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