Chapter 8: At Stumps

........“She doesn’t look like she was hoping to see anyone tonight” Chris whispered to Katrina. She just about spit the drink out through her nose. The waitress glared at her While she pressed her breast against Jerrid’s arm. He pretended not to notice.

“Hey Darlin’, How ‘bout you get us a round of shots—-whiskey—and I’ll have a rum and coke. Greg?”

“Uh, yeah I’ll have the same—-minus the round of shots.”

The waitress didn’t acknowledge Gregory’s presence. “Okay, so a round of whiskey and a rum and coke, what about y’all?” She looked between Chris and Katrina, snapping her gum between her teeth.

“Just another beer and…”

“…Gin and seven.” Katrina finished.

The girl turned on her heels, winking at Jerrid as she walked passed. He smacked her on the butt, giving her a jolt like a cattle prod.

Chris was finding it hard to believe that Jerrid was once a dedicated husband and father.

“I don’t think she likes you after last weekend Greg, you’re better off gettin’ your own drink from the bar.”

Gregory didn’t say anything and walked over to the bartender.

“So, kid, how ‘bout we play a game? I’ll rack ‘em, you break ‘em.”

“Okay.”

“You wanna put some money on it?”

“How about something better?” Jerrid and Katrina gave each other a surprised glance. “If I win, you have to stop bothering me and let me talk to you about the infection; If you win, you don’t have to tell me anything and you can continue hating me,” Jerrid laughed and slapped his knee. “Either way, I wont ask about your wife.” Jerrid stopped laughing and both him and Katrina kept their eyes on Chris. Chris knew he probably stepped over the line, but it was effective.

Jerrid put out his cigarette, grabbed the billiard triangle and walked over to the table. Chris took that as a yes.

Gregory came back with his drink, followed shortly by the waitress with their shots and drinks.

The bar was starting to get busy and the music was slowly getting louder.

They each took a shot and slammed it back. Chris and Katrina both made a funny face that Gregory and Jerrid laughed at.

“Okay then, lets get this bet started.” Chris walked over to the table.

“What bet?” Gregory asked Katrina. She explained making his massive frame shake with laughter.

Chris sunk a low-ball on the break. He shot again sinking another and another until he missed on the third shot. Jerrid caught up, tying the game. Chris sunk one of his balls by an accidental trick-shot, which passed the turn to Jerrid. Chris got to the eight ball, leaving Jerrid with only one of his balls, which he missed again.

Jerrid walked up to the table to take a sip of his drink. Chris went to take his shot and heard some murmuring wave through the bar followed by an “oh no. Don’t let her see me,” Chris quickly looked up to see Jerrid hiding his face behind his rum glass and his body behind Katrina.

That is about as efficient as a black bear hiding behind a fire hydrant in the middle of winter Chris thought. Chris called ‘corner pocket’ and took his shot, sinking the eight ball, winning the game. He turned around to see what Jerrid was hiding from.

The blonde girl from the plane had just walked in. She was stood in the doorway, her eyes locked on Jerrid. She smiled and walked towards them trying to look around Katrina at Jerrid.

“Oh No, no, no. Make her go away.” Jerrid pleaded with Katrina. Gregory just stood there and Katrina didn’t know what to do. Chris enjoyed watching such an intimidating man quivering behind a girl less than half his size.

“Hi Katrina.” Mary-Anne gave Katrina a calculated hug and smile intended to get past her to Jerrid. “I thought I would have gotten a bit of a warmer welcome than that Jerrid.” She attempted to give him a hug but he planted his pool cue firmly in front of him. “How come you haven’t called me yet?”

“Uh, I’ve been busy and I heard a rumor you weren’t coming back to Forest Hills.”

Mary-Anne waved her hand like she was shooing a fly, “Ha, who would start such a rumor.” She took a step closer to Jerrid and lowered her voice to a seductive tone “You know as well as I do that everything I have is here in this little town.” She stepped back laughing as if she just said something funny. Jerrid nodded and leaned towards Gregory.

“I think I need another shot.” He said, loud enough for everyone to hear. They both walked to the bar leaving Mary-Anne watching them, bewildered.

Katrina felt the urge to break the tension. “Mary-Anne, this is Chris; Chris, this is Mary-Anne. Her parents bought my family’s company and you’ve met her aunt Mary-Jo-- who owns the café.”

“Oh yes, good coffee. It’s nice to meet you,” Chris politely extended his hand.

“Likewise. You were on the plane sat beside Katrina weren’t you?” Chris nodded, “What brings you to Forest Hills?”

“An article. About the infection.”

“How interesting. I hope it works out for you. It was nice seeing you.” At that she turned and walked across the room.

Chris and Katrina both gave a sigh of relief. “She makes me feel un-easy and I don’t even know her. Why?”

“Because, that’s Mary-Anne. She’s a little loopy and you can feel it. Mama can’t even stand to be around her with the energy she picks up.”

“What’s the deal with her and Jerrid. Why’s he so afraid of her?”

“I don’t know for sure, but you know how she bit her sister who then infected others and it continued from there?”

“Yeah.”

“He thinks she started the whole infection.”

“But how’d she get it then?”

Katrina cleared her throat when Gregory and Jerrid walked up. Jerrid thrust a shot in front of each of them. “Drink.”