Chapter13 A Return – And a Warning

Beth's relieved…almost elated…to see Delilah behind the counter talking with some of the other waitresses. Delilah sees Beth and Anna, finishes her conversation, and walks over to them. "Hi Beth…hey there cutie…how are you two doing?" Beth lets out a small laugh of relief. "We're doing fine. How are you doing?" "Oh, things been a little hectic; but, I'm okay." Delilah grabs two menus. "Non-smoking, right?" Beth nods. "Follow me." When they arrive at the table, Beth asks, "Delilah; Rose told me that you moved to be with your family back in Portland?" Delilah takes out her order pad and chuckles. "That Rose; she gets everything mixed up. If you ask me…just between the two of us…I don't think her elevator has reached the top floor yet; if you know what I mean?" They both start to laugh. "Cup of coffee and glass of OJ?" "Yes, thank you." Beth picks up the menu. "So, what did happen; if you don't mind me asking?" Delilah puts her order pad back in her apron pocket. "I did have to rush out to Portland. My sister lives out there. She's been having problems with her boyfriend. He's kind of abusive." "I'm sorry to hear that." "Yeah well, we straightened things out. She won't be having any more problems with him." "Glad to hear that. So, what did she do? I'm sorry; I'm getting too personal again; aren't I?" "No, that's fine. She left his sorry ass." "Good for her!" Beth goes on, "Delilah, I'm glad things worked out for your sister. And I'm really glad you're okay, too." "I'm fine." Delilah, with a bewildered expression on her face now, asks, "Why wouldn't you think I was okay?" Beth folds her hands together, putting them on the table, and looks down. "I don't know. It's kind of dumb; but, I thought maybe…because what you wrote down for me on the napkin that day…" Delilah looks around; then, bends down and leans on the table. "Look; I shouldn't have done what I did…you just seemed real desperate, so….Anyway, Beth; I'm sorry, I won't be able to tell you anymore. I hope you understand." Delilah turns and looks towards the counter. Beth turns around and sees a couple of the waitresses and the manger watching them. "I just can't, Beth." Delilah stands up. "I understand. Thank you for your help before." "Yeah, well; that's okay." Delilah looks towards the counter; then, back to Beth. "Let me go get you gals your drinks. Give you a little time to decide what you want to eat…unless you know already." Beth opens the menu. "I think we'll need a little more time, Delilah; thanks." "Sure thing. Take your time." Delilah walks away. While reading the menu, Beth notices a deputy enter the diner, walk to the counter, and talk with the manager. Then, Beth observes the manager pointing, as the deputy looks her way; and then, starts walking over. Beth looks back down at the menu, trying to pretend she didn't see him. "Mrs. Lazinski?" Beth looks up. "Yes?" "I'm Deputy Hopkins. I just wanted to know if your problem was taking care of last night." Confused; Beth asks, "My problem?" Deputy Hopkins tucks his thumbs behind his gun belt and holds onto it; letting out a huff. "You did call the station last night asking to speak with the Sheriff; didn't you?" "Yes…well…excuse me; but, how do you know I called for the Sheriff last night?" "I was Watch Commander last night at the station; that's how I know." Still holding onto his belt; the deputy starts looking around, tapping the tip of his shoe on the floor while sucking his teeth, before saying, "You know, Mrs. Lazinski, not for nothing, but, I've been with the department for nearly twenty years now. On the other hand, Lloyd's been with us about…let's see…a year and a half or so. I'm pretty sure I could've helped you with whatever your problem was." Beth isn't sure how she should take what the deputy's saying. "I'm sure you could have, Deputy…Hopkins was it?" He nods, while sucking on his teeth. "I didn't mean to offend you by asking for Lloyd. I asked for him because I spoke with him before; so, I knew him…that's all." The deputy gives her a stern look. "Fair enough. But, now you know me; so keep that in mind the next time you call. Like I said, I've got twenty years here to his one and a half." Beth's getting annoyed with the deputy's attitude. "That's all well and good; but, he's still the Sheriff…right?" Deputy Hopkins looks down to the floor and lets out a laugh. "Yeah; well," he looks up at Beth, "politics is a strange bed fellow around these parts. Just because some people are in charge, doesn't necessarily mean they should be there. Remember that next time you go running looking for Lloyd." The deputy takes another look around the diner before leaning in towards Beth. He gets within inches of her ear and tells her… "I'll be going now, Mrs. Lazinski; but, before I do, let me give you two pieces of advice. First; you don't need to go running off to tell the Sheriff about our little conversation here today…it's best left between me and you. Second…and, this is real important now…you shouldn't go stirring things up that don't need stirring up. Leave them alone, Mrs. Lazinski. You'll be better off that way. We all will." The deputy stands upright and walks away. At the door, he turns and looks back at Beth. While looking at her, he slowly puts his sunglasses on and leaves the diner.