I couldn’t worry about it. Time was ticking by and I’d only just begun my preparations. I started on my makeup and just got through the first phase of a five phase production when the phone went again.
My body didn’t tense this time, I could see the display saying “Al y Cal ing”.
I was no longer surprised by this bizarre string of phone cal s.
“Hi,” I answered.
“Hey chickie, Daisy texted me your number. You got an outfit for your date with Hank?”
Good grief.
“No, but I think Tod’s coming over with belts and scarves.”
“Good to hear, Tod’l sort you out. How long you staying in Denver?”
“I don’t know.”
“Wel , it’s October and the Haunted Houses are opening and we’re going, al of us, Indy, Jet, Daisy and me. You gotta go. It’s hilarious.”
“I don’t do scary,” I informed her, thinking she’d understand.
She didn’t understand.
“Perfect. Don’t worry. The chainsaw man never has a chain on his saw. We’l keep you in the loop. Gotta go.
Later.”
Chainsaw man?
Before I could ask, she disconnected.
I was staring at the dead phone in my hand when the hotel phone rang. I walked over and picked it up, this time worried that Bil y’d found me too soon. Or worse, Hank had come early.
“Hel o?”
“It’s Tod, what room number are you?”
I was silent a second.
He was serious. How did he even know where I was?
I didn’t want to know.
“Three thirty-three,” I said.
Disconnect.
Good God.
Now I knew how Uncle Tex had been so wel , truly and quickly ensconced in the fold. These people acted as fast as lightening.
There was a knock on the door and I opened it. Tod walked in carrying enough scarves and belts to accessorize the entirety of the Purdue Boiler Babes Dance Team.
He charged in tossing everything on the bed.
I closed the door and walked back into the room.
“Tod, he’s going to be here in…” I looked at my watch.