Night Shift (Book 1, the Night Shift series)

Chapter Thirteen

"The door to the security office was ajar. Daniel walked in and noticed Mr. Oliver had begun shutting off the monitors.

"You're late," he snarled, clicking the screens off row by row.

"I was here earlier," Daniel said. "But the door was closed. I thought you might be having a meeting."

"Is your hand broken?"

"No."

"Ever heard of knocking?" Mr. Oliver turned around. "Mr. Hadley was here with a representative from the insurance company. He's considering recommendations about new electronic security measures. You might not have to worry about showing up for work when you're replaced by a laser beam." Mr. Oliver brushed past Daniel. "I'll see the clerks out tonight," he said gruffly.

Daniel stood alone, staring at the glass bowl full of paper predictions for his last day. It occurred to him that instead of quitting, he might get fired.

He began night rounds, trying to look somewhat responsible. He found Mary on the first floor, leaning against one of the cashier's counters with her back to him. Despite his mood, he couldn't help but smile. Her jean cutoffs were layered with black leggings and a tight black T-shirt. Her usual pink high tops were replaced with silver ballet flats. She reached up and twirled a strand of hair.

She turned around as if she had felt the weight of his stare. "Daniel," she said, sounding panicked. "I didn't think I'd see you this early."

His mouth went dry—she wasn't alone. Jonathan and Ruth Ann were behind the counter, huddled in front of the computer screen with a cellophane bag full of candy open in front of them.

Jonathan jerked to attention, partially blocking Ruth Ann. He glared at Daniel.

Whether it was the previous unwarranted criticism by Mr. Oliver or the fact that Daniel was used to guys like this on opposing hockey teams, he refused to be intimidated. He stepped up to the counter, eager to show them he wasn't afraid of jerks with big muscles. "You must be Jonathan," he said.

Jonathan lifted his chin. "How do you know my name?" he asked. Daniel was caught off guard by the quiver in his voice. What reason would Jonathan have for being scared?

Mary let out a breath, and then added with an impatient tone, "How do you think, moron? We talked about you and Ruth Ann at supper last night."

Jonathan's nostrils flared like a racehorse in the starter's gate. Ruth Ann's blond curly head peeked around his shoulder. Mary watched her friends closely, her face turning a deeper shade of red. Daniel was pressed to guess if she was angry or embarrassed.

"Um," she said, motioning toward the computer monitor. "Ruth Ann was checking out the new window displays. It's fairy tales this season...she loves fairy tales." Mary nodded encouragingly to Ruth Ann.

"Why didn't you look at them on your way into the store?" Daniel asked.

Ruth Ann's mouth opened slightly but no sound came out.

"The sidewalk was too crowded with onlookers," Mary said quickly. "We couldn't get a decent view. This is much better." She motioned toward the monitor.

On the screen was an image of the first exhibit. The nearly drowned prince was lying across the sand with his eyes closed. Above him, looking down at his face with reverence, was the Little Mermaid.

Jonathan stared at his silent girlfriend. "Babe?" he said anxiously.

Ruth Ann closed her eyes. When she spoke her voice was barely above a whisper. "'But to her he sent no smile, he knew not that she had saved him,'" she recited perfectly.