Perigord

by Marc Lindsay

  Chapter 13

  Helen was dressed in grey slacks and a white blouse, heading off for work. She was juggling a mug of coffee, keys, paperwork and a piece of toast clenched between her teeth as she opened the front door. Selene was on the other side, her fist raised ready to knock.

  “Whoa, you startled me,” Helen said breathlessly.

  “Sorry Ms Page,” Selene replied.

  “Please, call me Helen,” she said with a smile.

  “Is Jason about?” Selene asked looking over Helen’s shoulder.

  “I don’t think so. Being Saturday morning and the fact that he’s nursing one hell of a food hangover, he’ll still be in bed,” Helen said laughing. “You’ll have to thank your grandmother again for me, and next time it’s our turn.”

  “That would be great,” Selene replied.

  “Listen I hate to be rude but I’m running late for the clinic,” Helen said, then yelled out Jason’s name. Jason’s voice echoed groggily back in response. “He should be down in a minute, help yourself to anything in the kitchen,” Helen said as she walked out the door.

  Jason sat up in bed his sheets tangled around him, one of which had been ripped. He’d had another weird dream where he had been running through the forest, climbing trees and scaling mountains. The dream had appeared so vivid and real, even his muscles were aching. He rubbed his face and ran his fingers through his hair. He was just about to get up when Selene walked into the room carrying two mugs of steaming coffee. Jason was too shocked to speak as he pulled the sheets across his waist. “Thought you might need a pick me up,” Selene said as she handed one of the cups to Jason. He took it sheepishly from her.

  “Thanks,” he said taking a big sip. Selene sat down on the end of the bed. “I was thinking if you wanted, we could go to the town library and do some research ourselves on the pendant,” Selene suggested taking a sip of her coffee.

  “Sounds like a good idea,” Jason replied a little stiffly, attempted to act casual.

  “When you get ready we’ll go,” Selene said.

  “Right,” Jason replied, as he hesitantly got up from his bed. It was painfully obvious to Selene that he was embarrassed, dressed only in boxers, he walked over to the other side of the room to retrieve some clothes. Selene was enjoying the view of Jason’s muscular physique, her eyes lingered on his upper torso watching his body flex while he dressed. Jason had his back to her and when he finished, Selene turned her head away pretending not to have noticed his dressing and discomfort. Now that he was clothed, Jason was almost acting normal.

  “Have you had breakfast yet? If not I can whip us up some eggs,” Jason offered.

  “That would be nice,” Selene replied as they headed downstairs.

  After breakfast they walked leisurely through Perigord Park, sharing a comfortable silence, enjoying the beautiful clear day and each other’s company. They had just reached the steps to the library when they heard a loud voice call out.

  “I thought the library had a no skank policy!” Jason and Selene’s heads whipped around to see a small group of teens crowded by a park bench. It was Hector, Tiberius and some of their friends. They were all chuckling.

  “What did you say?” Jason growled, taking a step toward the boys. Selene placed a hand on his arm. Jason stopped in his tracks. “I’ll ask again, what did you say?”

  “You’re priceless, you get lucky, that one time and now you think you’re the Wolverine,” Hector said, his entourage continuing to laugh. Jason took a deep breath.

  “I must have given you concussion, because you’re making absolutely no sense,” Jason said calmly. “But if you want a rematch I’ll be glad to oblige you,” he said placing his back pack on the ground and gently nudging Selene to the side. Jason advanced on the group with his fists clenched.

  Jason closed in on Hector when a voice stopping him in his tracks.

  “What’s going on here?” It was Hector’s father the Sheriff. He strode over to the group of teenagers. He was tall and lean with a square jaw, a boxers pug nose and an ugly slash for a mouth. He was dressed in a tan police uniform, black spit polished shoes and mirrored aviator sunglasses. His face was one that didn’t smile much, Jason guessed. Hector and Tiberius smirked at the Sheriff’s approach.

  “I said what the hell is going on here?” Before Jason could answer, Hector spoke up.

  “This is the kid from school dad, he was just…,” Sheriff Rope silenced him with a wave of his hand as he regarded Jason.

  “So you’re the punk that gave my son a touch up,” Sheriff Rope said.

  “It wasn’t like that,” Selene said, but Sheriff Rope cut her off with a glare. “That was a rhetorical question, Ms Jaeger,” Sheriff Rope said, placing heavy emphasis on her name.

  Sheriff Rope stared intently at Jason. “I’m very interested in Mr Page at the moment. I’ve seen your file. Aggravated assault on numerous occasions, and you’ve barely been in Perigord a week and you’re fighting again,” Sheriff Rope said his constant gaze behind the sunglasses was unnerving. Jason met it though, his jaw clenched. He realised no matter what he said, it would be pointless to this man.

  “If I had my way you would have been up on charges from the other day, do you understand?” Sheriff Rope said. Menacingly he placed a hand on Jason’s shoulder, his grip digging into the muscle.

  “A little early in the day for jackboots, isn’t it?” Sheriff Rope and Jason turned to see Mr Walker walking purposely down the library steps, dressed the same as when Jason had first seen him the other day; tweed suit, bow tie, and glasses.

  “Mind your business Ulysses, I’m dealing with this,” Sheriff Rope replied. “Dealing with what? All I saw was your son and his friends antagonizing the lad here and insulting the young lady,” Mr Walker said as he continued down the steps. He nodded at Selene who gave him a grateful smile.

  “I said butt out Ulysses, this is police business. Go and read a book or something,” Sheriff Rope replied, clearly annoyed at Walker’s interference. Walker stopped near the Sheriff who released his hand from Jason, giving the librarian his full attention.

  “Go read a book. Ouch, I’m cut by your sharp wit! Maybe if you read more and acted less, you’d realise that the boy hasn’t done anything, and your hand on a minor who is not committing a crime or interfering with your duties is a clear violation of his rights, as well as assault,” Walker said. Both men were now standing face to face. Sheriff Rope was a couple of inches shorter than Mr Walker and a good fifty pounds lighter as well. “But if you like, I can pull the video footage from the library’s CCTV system,” Mr Walker said smugly.

  “You’re an asshole Ulysses,” Sheriff Rope whispered, loud enough so that only Walker and Jason could hear.

  “You better believe it, and its Mr Walker to you, you ignorant, self- important little man,” Walker said. Sheriff Rope’s face went ashen. He clenched his fists.

  “Hold it right there, before you make the biggest mistake of your career and I embarrass you in front of your kin,” Walker said quietly, a smile on his face. Sheriff Rope checked himself then glanced at the front of the library, clearly trying to spot the cameras, then shifting his gaze at Jason.

  “Keep your nose clean and stay away from my boy,” he growled. He then glared at Hector and his friends.

  “All of you get going. I’ll see you at home later,” he said pointing to his son. Sheriff Rope turned back to Walker.

  “This ain’t finished,” Sheriff Rope growled, turning and walking away.

  “You mean, this ISN’T finished, don’t you?” Walker called back. Sheriff Rope paused mid stride, then continued on. Hector and his friends were also hastily leaving the area.

  “I love a change in my daily routine. Would you two care for some tea?” Walker exclaimed happily. Jason and Selene nodded dumbly back

  Chapter 14

  Selene and Jason sat on matching leather seats in Walker’s office; they both looked in awe at their surroundings. The walls were decorated in unusu
al artefacts African shaman masks, Mayan weapons and a Tibetan prayer cloth. Various swords and pistols could be seen as well as a Conquistador’s helmet perched on a timber bust. There were framed photos and art works from Russia, Indonesia and Antarctica, just to name a few. On one side of the room was a large engraved timber shelf, laden with strange sculptures, antique puzzle boxes, jars containing weird looking specimens and a large silver furred monkey paw. Everywhere they looked there was something weird and unusual.

  “Can you believe this stuff? Selene whispered.

  “It’s like the Twilight Zone, Warehouse 13, and The Outer Limits all rolled into one,” Jason replied. Just then Walker stepped into the office carrying a silver tray containing a fine china tea set. Placing the tray onto the small table he proceeded to pour the hot beverage into cups. He looked up at Selene and Jason.

  “Milk?” They both nodded. Walker delicately poured the milk then handed them their cups.

  “Thanks,” they replied in unison. Walker dropped a couple of cubes of sugar into his cup and stirred, finally taking a sip with a sigh. Jason and Selene took their cue and drank also. Walker picked up a shortbread biscuit from the tray and dunked it in his tea before popping the soggy remains into his mouth.

  “I love these things,” he said with a grin.

  Walker sat back in his chair and regarded both teenagers.

  “Well Jason, since I’d seen you last you’ve nearly been expelled for fighting, befriended Ursula Jaeger and made an enemy of the local Sheriff and his son.”

  “Two of those things are not my fault,” Jason replied.

  “And you’ve also gotten yourself a girlfriend. Well done,” he said, giving Jason a slow clap.

  “Selene and I are just friends,” Jason said quickly. Selene glared at Jason before returning her gaze to Walker.

  “We both appreciate your help with Sheriff Rope, even though you’re on his radar now too,” Selene said. Walker let out a deep, grumbling laugh.

  “Sheriff Rope and I are old acquaintances. He’s like a jackal preying on the weak, but don’t underestimate him just because he’s a bully,” Walker said soberly.

  “He was scared of you though,” Jason replied.

  “That’s because he knows he’s on a lower pecking order in this jungle.”

  “Thanks again Mr Walker for your help and the tea,” Selene said, a little uneasily. “We should get going.” Selene started to get up.

  “He called you Ulysses. Is that your name?” Jason asked candidly. Walker regarded Jason for a moment.

  “Yes, but only my close friends use it, not just anyone and especially not my employees,” Walker stated. Selene sat back down.

  “I beg your pardon, you’ve lost me,” Jason replied, confused.

  “I thought it pretty straight forward, I’m offering you a job,” Walker stated, Selene and Jason stared at each other.

  “Why me, why now?”

  “Why not?” Walker replied.

  “A job? Is this meant to be an interview or something?” Selene said, getting to her feet again. Walker sighed.

  “Yes and no, the screening process has been happening for the past couple of days,” he said, a note of irritation creeping into his voice.

  “Listen, I need a part time worker, grunt work, pay is minimum,” Walker said.

  “But,” Jason replied.

  “But, you’ll have access to the library whenever is practical and some of its sections that are off limits to the regular public,” Walker said.

  “You never answered my question. Why me?”

  “Like I said, grunt work, minimum wage and it’s in a library. Besides it’s a prerequisite that you have to have at least a middle school entry reading level for the job. That’s something that’s lacking around these parts. I did a little bit of poking around and I think you may be suited to the job, plus you’re feisty. I like that in a minion. Are you interested?”

  “That depends,” Jason answered.

  “On?” Walker asked.

  “On the hours and some of those fringe benefits being extended to Selene here,” Jason said, thinking that Walker would say no.

  “Your hours would be four to six, Monday to Friday and nine to midday Sunday. I don’t have a problem with Selene sharing the benefits of the library, as long as she is accompanied by you,” Walker stated.

  Jason got to his feet.

  “It’s a deal,” he said, placing his hand out, which Walker took and shook. “Great, you’ll start tomorrow. You’ll need to report to Ms Jax at the front reception and she will get you started on your orientation. We’ll discuss the finer details later. You’re free to go, unless you have any other questions?”

  “No I’m good,” Jason replied. Selene also got up from her chair.

  “Thanks for the tea and biscuits,” she replied.

  “You’re welcome. Be sure to thank Ms Jax on your way out. She was the one who baked them after all,” Walker said.

  Jason and Selene had been wandering the aisles of the library for the past hour and were hopelessly lost within its labyrinth.

  “This is impossible. How does anyone find anything here?” Jason said in frustration. Selene nodded in response, looking up and down the aisle.

  “I’m not even sure where we are anymore, I swear it’s like a maze in here,” she replied. Jason was scanning a shelf close by, then shook his head.

  “A maze that keeps moving,” he growled, the pair rounded a corner only to find Ms Jax carrying a timber crate that was nearly as tall as she was. Jason and Selene were relieved to see her.

  “Ms Jax,” Jason called out. She turned toward them, placing the crate down effortlessly. When she saw it was Jason and Selene, she smiled that big car grill smile of hers.

  “How can I help Mr Page,” she asked in a deep, gravelly voice.

  “We’re having trouble finding a particular book,” Selene said.

  “Yeah, it’s impossible to find anything in here when there are no numbers or index markers on the shelves or books. How do you do it?” Jason enquired. “I know where every book goes,” Ms Jax replied simply.

  “Every book?” Jason asked sceptically. She nodded.

  “Every book,” she repeated. Selene gave Ms Jax one of those smiles you give a child who is having trouble grappling with adult concepts.

  “How long have you worked here Ms Jax?” She took her time thinking the question over, her attention focused solely on Selene. Jason pushed his toe against the box Ms Jax was carrying and found to his astonishment that he couldn’t budge it at all.

  “Feels like at least two hundred, no maybe two hundred and fifty years,” Ms Jax said with a sigh. Jason and Selene laughed nervously.

  “What book would you like to acquire?” Ms Jax asked.

  Jason pulled his pendant from out of his shirt.

  “I’m trying to find information on this,” Jason asked, showing Ms Jax the pendant. She leaned forward, holding it up to the light, studying it intently before releasing it and regarding the pair.

  “The books you require can be found two aisles over, down the south end, top shelf,” Ms Jax said. Jason and Selene looked relieved at her straight forward answer and directions.

  “Thanks,” Jason said.

  “And thank you for the biscuits as well,” Selene added. Ms Jax smiled a big, toothy smile that was both hideous and kind of endearing.

  “You’re welcome Ms Jaeger. If there is nothing else, I best get this into the store room,” Ms Jax replied, hefting the giant box into her arms and continued on.

  “Well that was surprisingly helpful,” Jason said as he started to make his way in the direction Ms Jax had given them.

  “I think she’s quite sweet,” Selene said. “Love those tribal tattoos.”

  “Why am I not surprised,” Jason said, shaking his head with a smile.

  They walked slowly home, Jason’s backpack full of books. They were both sipping iced coffees they had purchased along the way.

  “I near
ly forgot to tell you, but when Ms Jax was giving us directions earlier, I had a quick look at the box she was carrying,” Jason said.

  “It was bigger than her,” Selene said giggling.

  “Yeah and heavier as well. I couldn’t budge it at all with my foot,” Jason added. Selene stopped and regarded him.

  “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying that even if that box was empty, it probably weighed as much as you,” he replied.

  “That’s weird, maybe she’s a mutant, like the hulk,” Selene commented raising an eyebrow.

  “The Hulk’s not a mutant, he was doused in gamma radiation,” Jason said. “But that’s not the point,” he added.

  “What is your point?” Selene asked.

  “The point is, doesn’t she strike you as a little strange?” Selene shook her head.

  “We’ve all got something in us that makes us a bit of a freak. I think that the box may seem a little bit bigger to you in retrospect,” Selene said.

  “Maybe,” Jason replied, not really convinced.

  “Maybe you feel intimidated by a strong woman?” Selene said, amused.

  “Ha ha, really funny,” Jason replied, frowning. “Hey, just too completely change the subject, may I ask you a question?” he said, suddenly serious. Selene casually took a sip of her drink.

  “Sure,” she replied happily.

  “I’m a little confused. Do you live with your Grandmother? If so, what about your Mum and Dad?” Selene choked on her drink and stopped in her tracks.

  “That’s rather personal, don’t you think?” Selene’s cheeks started to redden. Jason looked taken aback.

  “Hey I didn’t mean to pry, I was just curious. I mean I know what its like,” he said, now regretting he had decided to open his mouth.

  “Really. You do, do you?” Selene’s voice was tinged with anger.

  “Hey relax,” Jason said calmly before being cut off by Selene.

  “Don’t tell me to relax!”

  “All I meant was, I never knew my father and I know what it’s like not to have him around,” Jason said. Selene pushed him in the chest, tears beginning to run down her face.