Page 16 of Ghost
“Something cold.Oh, and lots and lots of water,” Mitch answered, the frown firmly planted on his face.
“Buck up, ol’ man,” Paul said, patting Mitch on the shoulder.“We got ‘er done and you won’t have to go back up there, at least not today at any rate.”
“I’ll go up next time,” Mason said.“You’ve more than paid your dues.You’re a good friend.”He also gave Mitch a pat on the back.“Go get cleaned up and I’ll have lunch here by the time you get back.”
Mason had noticed that there was a small grocery store and deli a few doors down on the side street to the townhouse.He figured it was time to check up on some of the local fare.When he opened the door to the small place, he knew he’d made the right choice.He could smell the cold cuts and the man behind the counter smiled cheerfully.
“Howdy.Are you the guy working on the ol’ Watson house?”He asked, stepping from behind the counter.
“Hi.If you mean the house up on the corner, then yes,” Mason replied, holding out his hand to shake the other man’s.“I didn’t know it had a name.”
“Good to meet you, then.”The man shook Mason’s hand.“I’m Nick Davies.This is my little place.Are you just working there?”
“No, no, I bought the place.Trying to get it to where I can move in.I’m Mason Montgomery, by the way.”
“Excellent!I’m really glad to hear it.It’s about time this neighborhood had a turn for the good.The last people that lived in there were a bunch of druggies.They’re the ones that set fire to the place.I was afraid that the city might tear it down.That’d have been a real shame.”
“I’m glad they didn’t.”Mason looked towards the deli section.“It’s going to take a lot of work to get it back to being totally livable and it will take me some time, but I’m up for the challenge.”He let the voice of Nick Davies wash over him, smiling.It was nice to hear a deep Southern accent.
“Well, welcome to the neighborhood, Mason.”Nick turned towards the deli area.“Looking for some lunch?”
“Yeah, I am.”Mason looked over some of the selections.“I’m gonna need some sandwiches.”
Nick went through what he had on hand and mentioned that he had a special on the Italian subs this week.“I try and do a special every week.You’ve missed the busy part of the lunch hour, or I’d have been able to offer you some potato salad to go with it but sold out of it first thing.I have some pasta salad, though.”
“I’ll take three sandwiches and some of that pasta salad,” Mason smiled.“Sounds perfect.”
“Got some coleslaw as well, if you want to switch it up,” Nick said as he set about making the sandwiches.“You want half subs or full?”
“Oh, full.We’re a hungry bunch.”Mason laughed.“Think I’ll just stay with the pasta salad, thanks.What can you tell me about the house?”
“Well, as I mentioned, them druggies are the ones that set fire to it.I’ve been here going on thirty years, and it’s been split up into apartments the whole time.There used to be some nice people in there, but the neighborhood did a bit of a turn back in the late seventies.”Nick shook his head.“It was pretty hard back in them days, but it worked out well for me.”
Mason watched as Nick loaded up the subs with meat.“Is there anyone who might know more?”he asked.
Nick paused and looked towards the ceiling for a minute.“You might try asking Mrs.Trudeau.She lives a little farther up the street from your place, on the other corner of the block.It’s the place with the flower boxes on the windows out front.”
“I’ve noticed that house.It looks as if it is the only one that hasn’t been made into apartments,” Mason said.
“Yep.It’s been in her family since it was built, so about the same age as yours I’d say if I had to guess.”Nick wrapped up the sandwiches.“If anyone would know more about this neighborhood, it’d more than likely be her, but be careful.She’s old South and old money.”Nick chuckled.“She’s quite the firecracker.Don’t let her age or size fool ya none.”
Mason laughed.“I’ll make sure to watch myself.”
Nick bagged up their lunch and rang up Mason’s purchase.“I’m givin’ ya an extra discount to welcome you to the neighborhood, Mason.Sure glad you’re here.”
“Thanks, Nick, I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot more of you.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”Nick held out his hand again.“If you come in during the evening hours, you might get to meet my son.He’s Nicky Jr.He’s about your age, or maybe a bit younger, I’d say.”
“Then I’ll look forward to meeting him as well.”Mason glanced over towards the coolers along the wall.“You also have beer?”
Nick laughed, heartily.“Gotta have around here.I’ll give you a case discount.”
“Now that will come in handy.I’ve got one friend who is about to drink me out of house and home.I’ll for sure be back later this afternoon for a beer run.”
“I’ll leave Nicky a note for ya, then.”Nick chuckled as he pulled out a note pad.
“Good to meet you, Nick.See ya later.”
