Risk of Falling

Will tried not to grimace. He had to bring up Suzy, hadn’t he? “The resident has been given a deadline of a week from now. I’m sure we will see a positive outcome.”

“Rose Bylin had years to get the yard cleaned up, but we can see how well that was enforced.” Mr. Barry shook his head. “The last code inspector was too soft. I’m not saying you are too, but we want results. Success. And the Bylin situation has to be dealt with.”

The man was determined to rub Will the wrong way. But he wasn’t about to react. Not today. This was just a job, not his life. His life was his family. And he needed to finish here and get back to that life. “I appreciate your concern, but we are dealing with it.”

“Results, Will. Not excuses. And then maybe you can keep your job.” Councilman Barry returned to the bakery counter on that pronouncement.

Will closed his eyes. The council wanted results. Well, so did he. And they’d get them.

He checked his grocery list again, but the rest of the items on it now held little interest. In fact, the oranges no longer appealed to him. He considered putting them back and leaving the store. He could shop tomorrow. But then this would be a waste. And if there was anything he hated more than clutter, it was wasted time.

He scanned his list again and walked to the deli department and took a number. He browsed the case while he waited for his turn. The turkey looked good, but he’d had a craving for ham lately.

“I’d recommend the salami.”

Will looked up and found Suzy smiling at him. “Miss Bylin...Suzy, what are you doing here?”

“Choosing a little something for my dinner later.” She perused the prepared salads and pointed at the macaroni. “That would do.”

“You should be working on your yard.”

Suzy glanced down at her scrubs under her jean jacket. “And miss seeing your mother? Not on your life.”

Will closed his eyes and willed the headache away. “You only have...”

“Over a week. Yes, I know.” She examined a package of rolls then replaced them on the shelf. She glanced up at him. “Worried I won’t make my deadline?”

“Your mother never did.”

“She didn’t believe in ultimatums either. Trust me. I know better than you.”