Chapter 2 - THE MAN WHO RETURNED FOR BREAKFAST
The following morning, Victor arrived at Ralston Street at exactly seven.
Alice's Kitchen wasn't there.
He stood beside the SUV, watching construction workers enter the site through the temporary gate.
Marco checked his watch.
"Sir, the truck usually arrives around eight-thirty."
Victor said nothing.
"Would you like me to arrange breakfast?"
"No."
Marco looked toward the empty curb.
"Of course."
At eight-forty, the old blue truck finally appeared.
Its engine coughed twice before stopping.
Alice climbed out, lifted the rear hood, and stared at something inside with the expression of a woman trying to negotiate with a stubborn relative.
Victor watched from across the street.
She pulled a rag from her pocket, reached into the engine compartment, and swore.
The boy appeared in the passenger seat.
"Mom?"
"It's fine, Ben."
"That's what you said yesterday."
"Yesterday was also fine."
"The truck caught fire yesterday."
"Smoke isn't fire."
Victor approached.
"Mechanical trouble?"
Alice turned.
She recognized him immediately.
"You're back."
"Apparently."
She glanced at his coat.
"Coffee isn't ready."
"I didn't ask for coffee."
"Then you're standing in a dangerous place for a man who doesn't want breakfast."
Victor looked into the engine compartment.
"What's wrong?"
"Starter. Alternator. Possibly the entire personality of the vehicle."
He almost smiled.
"Have you had it inspected?"
"Several times."
"And?"
"They keep recommending a new truck."
"That sounds reasonable."
Alice shut the hood.
"So does winning the lottery."
Ben climbed down from the passenger seat.
He looked at Victor with open curiosity.
"Are you rich?"
Alice closed her eyes.
"Benjamin."
Victor considered the question.
"Yes."
Ben nodded thoughtfully.
"Then you probably have a reliable car."
"Usually."
"Must be nice."
Victor looked at the old truck.
Then at Alice.
"It has its advantages."
She crossed her arms.
"Well, Mr. Reliable Car, if you're finished inspecting my disaster, I have fifty hungry construction workers waiting."
Victor stepped aside.
But before leaving, he asked, "What's your name?"
"Alice."
"Last name?"
She hesitated.
"Mercer."
Something changed in Victor's expression.
"Mercer?"
"Yes."
He studied her face.
"Any relation to Daniel Mercer?"
Alice went completely still.
The sounds of construction seemed to fade.
"Why?"
Victor's voice became quieter.
"Because I knew him."
Alice took one step backward.
"My husband died five years ago."
Victor looked toward Ben.
Then back at her.
"I know."
May you like
Alice's face lost its color.
And for the first time since he'd arrived, Victor Raldi looked genuinely shaken.
