Read Online Dorothy Garlock - [Route 66] by Mother Road - Free Book Online Page A

still parked at the post office, but Leona and the girls were not in sight. The postmaster was sorting mail when Yates walked in.
    “Morning. Anything for H. L. Yates?”
    “Yup. Got a general delivery that come in this morning from”—the man squinted at the postmark—“San Angelo, Texas. That's a long way from here.”
    “Yeah it is.” Yates took the letter and put it in his pocket. “Thanks.”
    “You going to be around for a spell?”
    “Thinking about it.” Yates walked out, leaned against Andy's car and opened his letter. He scanned the contents and muttered, “Shit! Why now?”
    He returned the letter to the envelope, walked down the street and into the grocery store.
    “Howdy.” The friendly greeting came from the man behind the counter as soon as Yates stepped inside the door. The shopkeeper remembered the big dark man and the bill of groceries he'd bought the day before.
    “Howdy. Are you in charge here?”
    “Wayne White.” The white-aproned man stepped out from behind the counter and extended his hand.
    “Name's Yates.” The two men shook hands.
    “Glad to make your acquaintance.”
    “Does Andy Connors have a bill here?”
    The question took Mr. White by surprise. He blinked, cocked his head to one side and went back behind the counter.
    “Most folks 'round here run a bill.”
    “Andy is in the hospital in Oklahoma City—”
    “Ah law! I didn't know that.”
    “He was bit by a sick skunk and will be there for some time, taking the vaccine. I'm his cousin. I told him that I'd take care of his bills and stay at the garage until he's on his feet again.” While lying he looked the man in the eyes.
    “That's mighty decent of ya, Mr. Yates.”
    “Not at all. Andy would do the same for me.”
    “I never knew Andy had any folks around here.”
    “I'm from Texas and just happened to be passing through. Good timing, huh?”
    “I'll say. Good for Andy. He's had a heap of trouble. Will he be all right?”
    “The doctors won't know for a while if he's going to take to the vaccine. Some folks are allergic to it. I'll be taking Leona and the girls to see him in a few days.”
    “Rabies, huh? There's been a little around here off and on for years.”
    “You might want to put up a warning for folks to take special notice of their animals.”
    “I'll do that and I'll spread the word about Andy. We'll hold a prayer vigil for him.”
    “He would appreciate it. What does he owe you?”
    Mr. White pulled a tin box from under the counter, thumbed through the tabs and pulled out one of them.
    “Andy's good pay. Never lets his bill go over a couple months. Right now it's nineteen dollars and sixty-two cents. That's as high as it usually gets.”
    “This will cover his back tab.” Yates pulled a roll of bills from his pocket and peeled off two ten-dollar bills. He then placed two more bills on the counter. “Leona will be in soon to buy some supplies. Cover it with this and put whatever is left over on an account for when she comes in again.”
    Mr. White eyed the bills. “Why, that's mighty decent of ya, Mr. Yates.”
    “Not at all. I owe Andy more than this. Oh, by the way. Don't tell Leona about the money on account until you fill her bill. Women can be pretty stiff-necked at times. If you know what I mean.”
    “Yes, sir. I know what you mean.” Mr. White turned to place a can on the shelf behind him. “Miss Dawson charges very little to Andy's account. Andy and his girls usually come in with a list.”
    Miss Dawson. So that's her name.
    “How long has she been out there with Andy?”
    “Let me see. It must be 'bout three years now. I don't rightly remember.” He reached for a paper sack, folded it and placed it in the holder.
    Yates waited. It was obvious the man didn't want to discuss Leona Dawson. When it became apparent Mr. White would say no more, Yates picked up a pack of chewing gum and placed it on the counter.
    “I'll take this and a dozen peppermint sticks.” After the candy