Mind Games

As he looked around, he thought she’d made a little paradise out of her land. No, more a sanctuary.

He appreciated a good sanctuary.

Colorful bottles and wind chimes hung from tree branches. What he recognized as a hummingbird feeder hooked to another, and already had some jewel-toned takers.

Stepping stones made wandering paths to a stone bench here, an iron one there.

She came back out with a tray holding a pitcher, glasses.

And without the sword.

Since Bray giggled at the chickens with one arm slung over the dog’s neck, Ty stepped onto the porch.

“If we could just go back a minute? You practice with a sword?”

“I do sometimes. For my work.”

“As a ninja assassin?”

She tipped her head side to side as she poured the lemonade over ice. “Well, actually…” She offered him a glass. “Occasionally. Sort of. I’m a game designer. Video games, and you will have battles, assassins, sword fights—at least in a lot of mine.”

“Really?” He didn’t have much time for gaming beyond what worked with Bray, but there’d been a time. “Like what?”

“The Endon series, Dragon’s Fire series—”

“Get out! Seriously? You worked on those?”

“I did, do. You know them?”

“Well, yeah. Bray’s just getting into the kids’ Endon game. He’s even got some of the little figures. He’s mostly into trucks and cars right now, but he takes Baby Twink and Baby Tye for rides, and the Magic Forest play set’s a hit with him.”

“That’s nice to hear. Would you like to sit?”

“I don’t want to take up your time.”

“I could use a break.”

“For a second.” When he sat, he saw her hesitate, nearly got up again. Then she sat.

“We really appreciate the dinner, and the eggs, and all of it.” He glanced over at Bray. “I hope to hell this doesn’t mean I have to get chickens now.”

“He can come visit my ladies anytime. They really do like company.”

“Looks like it. I have to hit the market for some supplies. Where would I do that?”

“Kushner’s in Redbud Hollow, straight through to the end of town. There’s a bigger supermarket, but that’s a good twenty miles out. You should see if Kushner’s suits you first.”

“Great. Got it. You wouldn’t happen to know if there’s a good pediatrician in the area. He had his checkup a couple months ago, but I’d feel better if I had one on tap.”

“The clinic in town. They added a pediatrician about a year ago. My friend’s a doctor there, and speaks highly of him. Dr. Franklin. Another friend takes her kids there now, and I know she’s happy with him.”

“Dr. Franklin. Okay. One more thing, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course I don’t.”

“Some of my granny’s things. I just can’t use them. Some of the things I need are on their way down, and I need to make room.”

“You want to have a yard sale?”