Sticky Hands

So far, Miranda Buckley is raising the son of her ex-lover, Dougie. When Dougie disappears without a trace, Miranda manages to get temporary custody of the boy. Now, Dougie is back and she is afraid he's here to take his son away.

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When I finally emerge from the bathroom, having wiped my face and washed as much soda off of my arms as I could, I find them all still standing there. I don't know whether to apologize or turn back around. I force a big smile on my face and step forward. "I, uh, just want to thank you for this. It isn't necessary, but I thank you. I'm glad you found some closure. I'd hug you both, but, well, as you can see, I'm kind of sticky right now. I washed my hands so, at the very least, I can shake your hands. I'm sorry that you had to put up a reward for answers about your son. I'm sorry you had to go through this hell for so long, with not knowing. So, um, thank you."

The older woman steps forward. "I hope it helps you and your family."

"Did anyone ever call you with tips about him, or any information?"

She nods. "We were sent on a few wild goose chases in the beginning. Then as time passed, people just forgot about him. They'd call and ask about the money. Got tons of calls about whether or not anyone had claimed the money. Funny how the person missing becomes old news, but the reward stays fresh in every one's mind."

My heart aches for them. The one thing they longed for was the one thing no one could give them. And to be honest, I only stumbled on the information. I stand there by the window, holding the yellow check with numbers I could only ever imagine in my hand, and watch them head to their car. They hold hands, and I watch as he leans close to kiss the top of her head. I slip the check into my back pocket before turning away.

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Rita sends me straight to the bank. She says there is no way I should walk around with that big check in my back pocket. What I really want is a shower, but the best I can do is to change my work shirt.

To my surprise, the manager of the bank comes out and introduces himself. He brings me a cup of coffee and asks if I have a few minutes to spare so he can talk to me about investments and how his bank can help me plan my financial future. With this much money I can plan my own financial future, I wonder where he was when I was depositing my regular pay checks. He's a persistent man so I make an appointment for next week and get a two hundred dollar advance on the check.

When I pull back into the Little Eagle parking lot, I see Matt's van there. I'm sure Rita called him while I was gone. As much as those two act like they don't really care for each other, they are two peas in a pod.

"Heard the Toblerones were here," Matt says as soon as I step back in to the store. "You deposited it, didn't you?"

"Yes, Matt," I say. "Is now a good time to put in my resignation?"

He goes pale and it takes him a few minutes before he realizes I'm joking. "Funny," he mutters. "Besides, even though that kind of money is pretty substantial, if you aren't careful, you can just run through it."

"I'm not gonna blow through it, Matt. Believe it or not, I'm a financially responsible adult."

He nods almost sheepishly. "Oh, by the way, I only had to say the name Earl once and those two have been angels, well, almost angels. What did you tell them to get them to behave? I've threatened them with Santa and everything."

I lean in close and whisper, "I told them that Earl was the cook next door to here and he used bad kids to make his hamburgers. And before you ask, no, I didn't tell them they would be the ones making the burgers. Earl grinds them up and cooks them. Works like a charm."

He steps back, his mouth agape and eyes wide, "What? Why would you tell them that?"

"Matt, remember when I said blink once if you wanted me to scare them straight?"

He nods.

"How many times did you blink?"

"Once."

"When someone goes to the Mafia Don, they are granted one request. In my humble opinion, they shouldn't waste it on something trivial."

"But, I didn't think you would scare the hell out them."

I smile and reach up to pinch his cheek. "Come on, you knew who you were dealing with. Let's just agree to be happy it worked. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to call my mother and tell her the good news."

I walk back to the office, knowing that Matt will never again ask someone to straighten out his children. If you aren't willing to get your own hands dirty, you shouldn't get mad at someone who you ask to do it for you. I suppose in a way, both Matt and his children got a little lesson.

I take a deep breath and dial my momma's phone number.

"Hello, Momma. You aren't gonna believe this." I say, even though she hasn't even had a chance to say hello. "Are you sitting down?"

"I already know, Dougie is back. Lady at the hair salon told me."

"Forget about Dougie. I have a question, how much is that new roof going to set you back?"

"About fourteen thousand, why?"

"Merry Christmas, Momma." I giggle as the words come out.

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"Momma, the Toblerones gave me a check for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I had no idea there was a reward. That girl from the paper, she came by and told me my life was going to change. Damn if she wasn't right. Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, Momma. Can you believe it?"

"Don't go telling everybody. They'll be coming out of the woodwork after you."

"I'm not. I just had to tell you. I love you, Momma. Look, I've got to go."

"Miranda, things are starting to look up. You better take a moment to thank God."

I hang up the phone and sit back in the chair. I suddenly realize, I'm ill equipped to deal with good fortune. First Waylon, then Mitch, now this. Things are looking up, and I'd better get used to it.