Russ ducked to avoid a face full of helium balloons. “Actually, I'm
walking this way because I want to talk to the guy running the
shooting booth. There was a girl working the taffy apples who said
he'd been sneaking away and acting shifty. She thought he might be
dealing. Granted, she clearly didn't like the guy, but she may be on
to something.”
“Or
she may be a pissed-off ex-girlfriend.”
He
grinned. “Watch out, darlin'. My cynicism is rubbing off on you.”
“Believe
me, nobody knows more about the vagaries of the human condition than
priests.”
He
nodded toward a Wild
West Shoot-Out!
sign. “This is my stop.”
She
kissed him. “If you can, come by St. Alban's booth. We're down that
way, close to the vendor parking. Free fried fish lunch.”
“That's
the best offer I'll have all day. Do I need to check in with
Kathleen?”
“No,
I called her. The baby went down with no trouble.”
Russ
didn't say anything, but she could read his expression. Still
sure daycare's not the right choice?
She waved as she walked away. No, she wasn't sure daycare wasn't the
right choice. Parents were supposed to go by their gut feelings,
right? But how was she to know if her gut was acting in her child's best
interests, or only out of guilt? Maybe she and Russ could try dipping
a toe in. Mornings only, maybe eight to noon. Or eleven.
The
noises behind her broke through her reverie. Over the shrieks of
riders and the cries of barkers, she could hear shouts. She spun
around to see a young carnie racing down the midway road, headed
straight for her. Or – she glanced to where she could see the St.
Alban's tent behind her – the parking area.
Fair-goers
were leaping out of his way, leaving a mingled roar of “Hey!” and
“Watch it!” and “What the hell?” in his wake. And behind
that, Russ, pounding down the lane.
One
glimpse told her he wouldn't be able to overtake the sprinting man.
She didn't have time to think; she acted. She stepped back as if to
get out of the carnie's path, then launched herself at him in a full
body tackle.
He
slammed into her, toppling them both, thudding, rolling, and then he
was squirming out of her grip, up on his hands, knee in the dust,
boot on the road and then he lurched sideways, breaking her hold.
But
it was enough. Russ raced past her and slammed into the young man
with eighty pounds more than she could muster. This time, the carnie
stayed down. Russ, straddling his back, pulled his arms behind him
and hitched him with handcuffs. “Clare, are you okay?”
She
got up, swiping at her blouse in a vain attempt to get the dust off.
“I'm fine.”
He
stood up, hauling the carnie with him. “Kid, you're under arrest
for resisting--” He broke off as he turned the young man around.
Skinhead shave, short beard, tattoos around his neck.
Clare
sucked in her breath. “Kevin?”
Oh, I cannot wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteThe easiness between Russ and Clare is such a pleasure; I always enjoy the scenes where they are so relaxed and comfortable with each other.
And there’s a baby! [Details, details!]
And Kevin?!
Thanks for sharing this; it’s a special treat . . . .
I love Russ and Clare. Thanks for the peek, Julia!
ReplyDeleteJulia, your distraction is my distraction. Such a hard week.
ReplyDeleteThis teaser makes me miss Russ and Clare, so I hope your writing frame of mind returns in full force.
Wow! Julia, this is spectacular. Really. MORE MORE MORE!
ReplyDeleteIt's not fair(ha!) to stop there!
ReplyDeleteDeb Romano
Julia: Thanks for the sneak peak...I really love Russ and Clare! Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteKevin??? OMG, you had to stop THERE? You are cruel, Julia, very cruel! :)
ReplyDeleteGiven this taste of things to come, I'm more than happy to wait patiently (well, somewhat patiently), for Russ and Clare's newest adventure -- however long it takes. Just knowing you're writing it is enough for me!
I seem to recall another scene you teased us with--Kevin was in it, too. I, however, am not waiting patiently (not in my nature :-)). Just can't wait for this book, Julia!! From the snippets you've shared, there is SO much to look forward to in this book--I'm betting we are going to be blown away by it!!!!
ReplyDeleteAt the rate this book is going, it had better blow everybody away...
ReplyDeleteSorry there are no illustrations - I had some nice pics of county fairs but Blogger WOULD not let me upload them. Some times our internet cable seems to slow down to a trickle. I'm not sure if it's because everyone in the neighborhood is drinking from the same hose, or if Time Warner is trying to get me to upgrade.
Julia, please forgive me for asking.
ReplyDeleteI am confused by the last line. Do you mean the kid had a shaved head and tattoos around his neck? Can't the shaved head be seen from the back too?
Thank you,
Diana
Ohhh, can't wait. Get thee to the writeree!
ReplyDeleteKEVIN????? The baby? Boy, you aren't giving out information at all! Hurry up already.
ReplyDeleteJulia, so distracted am I this week that I broke my "don't read Jungle Reds during what we are writing week" rule. Great piece of the novel...now hurry to your legal pad and pen, typewriter, laptop or even the stone tablet! I want it ALL! Thank you. :-)
ReplyDeleteClare!!! Russ!!! CANNOT WAIT.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this wonderful treat today, Julia! It is much needed. Can't wait to read this next book!
ReplyDeleteJulia, I can't stand it!!! I want to read this book!! Go write.
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled to know you're writing this book, or close to writing this book, or intend to soon be writing this book. I cannot wait. Thank you, Julia!
ReplyDeleteI needed a lift after the events of this week so what a pleasure to get a tantalizing peek at your latest work in progress. Naturally I'm impatient to get my hands on this book but I'm pleased that you are taking time to get things just right. Thanks, Julia!
ReplyDelete