What Comes After (Bonus Chapter)
In the days following the upsetting events that unfolded in Whit’s End, police search for the man who pulled a gun on the ice cream shop and discovery emporium’s two employees. With help from both Connie and Eugene, their attacker is soon brought to justice. But, physical harm wasn’t the only thing the wicked man inflicted in his robbery-gone-wrong. Now, prayers for peace and healing follow for the resulting trauma and pain that may well stay with them for the years to come.
(part one), (part two), (part three)
-present day-
The pleasant chime of the small bell above the door rang out, promptly catching Connie’s attention. Setting the newspaper down on the counter, she turned to see who had arrived. “Greetings and salutations to you, Miss Kendall.” Eugene greeted, making his way across the room. “Hey, Eugene. I thought you were Whit.”
“Oh, er, is he not here?” Connie shook her head ‘no’, looking back to the newspaper—though now paying it no mind outside of merely folding it in half again. “Ah,” Eugene hummed. “Yeah, he said he’ll be here in a little while.” Connie added.
Turning her attention back to Eugene, she noticed the shoulder brace that was covering part of his white Oxford shirt, though was partially hidden by the navy vest he was wearing. “Is your shoulder bugging you?” With a small sigh, Eugene nodded. “My shoulder had a dull, yet notable ache just yesterday, so I can’t say as I wasn’t anticipating it to worsen today.” Connie’s mouth pressed into a line, her eyebrows pinching together as she considered her friend’s plight. She paused to think for a moment. “I think I’ve got some Tylenol in my purse if you want some?”
“Generous of you to offer,” Eugene commented. Considering the offer, he rotated his shoulder as much as the brace would allow. Gauging his current pain. “And to that, I will gladly accept.” Connie gave a nod, standing up from the barstool. “Alright, I’ll be right back.” Eugene watched her leave through the kitchen, the double doors swinging behind her.
Now waiting for his friend’s return, Eugene took a seat at the counter. In a brief moment of curiosity, he slid the newspaper that Connie had been reading over to himself—skimming its front page contents. He’d unfolded the paper to see what articles were below the fold when a story in a smaller column caught his attention.
Eugene’s eyes slowly narrowed as he read, almost unable to believe what the words printed. He held the paper up to read its smaller print closer, rereading almost every sentence to make sure he was understanding it correctly. Being so focused on the article, Eugene hadn’t noticed Connie’s return until she was seated next to him.
Connie set the small packet of Tylenol on the counter in front of Eugene. “Here,” Looking away from the newspaper, Eugene blinked. “Oh-! Right, thank you.” Connie gave her friend a bit of a sideways look at his delayed reaction. He then held the paper towards her. “I believe you should take a look at this.” Eugene told her. As Connie took back the paper, Eugene took the Tylenol packet. Glancing over both halves of the newspaper, Connie asked him, “Um, what am I looking at?”
“The article below the fold, near the bottom right corner.” Eugene told her, just before taking a pill. Connie scoured the bottom corner of the newspaper, and finally spotted the article. She quietly read it aloud to herself, Eugene patiently waiting for her to realize what she was reading. “… convicted felon Hank… Murray?” Connie’s eyes widened as she continued reading.
“What!?” Connie shrieked, having read the entire article through. “They let him go early?!” Eugene nodded. “On ‘good behavior’, no less.” Connie put the newspaper back down, her eyebrows furrowing together. She looked understandably upset by this news. “Oh please! What ‘good behavior’?” She scoffed, crossing her arms and glaring at the paper. “I can’t believe this! I mean, the last time he was let out of jail, he robbed us! Then, he escaped jail after that! Why in the world are they letting him out early?!”
“… Perhaps he has changed?” Eugene suggested. Connie gave him a look of disbelief. “Come on, really? You of all people should know how this guy can act all buddy buddy just to get what he wants!” She argued, reminding him of how ‘friendly’ Murray had been towards them up until he’d pulled out his gun that night. Eugene slightly shook his head. “Yes, well… We’re unable to make the judgment ourselves that he’s still the same as he was those years ago.” Connie slightly rolled her eyes. “I guess not, but still! What even was the point of sentencing him for a set amount of years, just for the system to turn around and let him out early?”
“There could be a number of reasons,” Eugene began. “Though, most likely, he may have very well earned his early release.” Connie shook her head, still looking dismayed. Eugene sighed. “If it makes you feel more at ease, I honestly wouldn’t expect him to return to Odyssey.” That earned him a curious look. Eugene continued. “If I were in his position, I wouldn’t want to return after those last two ‘visits’.” Connie shrugged. “Yeah… Yeah, I guess not.” She agreed. “So, having said that, you shouldn’t allow yourself to be paranoid over this.”
“… Another good point.” Connie admitted. “And remember, Murray is on parole. It isn’t as though he’s been given total freedom in the eyes of the law.” Eugene added. “Right, because that went so well last time.” Connie couldn’t help but comment. Eugene then placed a hand on her shoulder. “In my opinion, the best we can do is pray that he properly serves his parole this time.” Connie’s tense expression dissipated, honestly realizing that her friend was right. “That’s a good idea, actually.”
“Thank you.” Eugene said curtly. Connie teasingly glared at him, though made no further comment to their rare moment of agreement.
Folding up the newspaper, Connie set it aside before standing up from the counter. She quietly sighed and shrugged, taking back the small packet of Tylenol. “Anyways… Guess I should start getting the tables all set up.” Eugene gave a nod in agreement. “I, too, should commence a few tasks upstairs.” He said, also standing from his seat. Connie began to make her way behind the counter, Eugene to the staircase, when she paused and turned around. “Hey, Eugene?”
“Yes, Miss Kendall?” Connie hesitated a second. She shook her head a little. “Do you think we should maybe… keep an eye out for any more articles about this?” Eugene hummed. The idea did seem enticing, even if he had just been the one saying they shouldn’t be paranoid. “Perhaps doing so, on occasion, wouldn’t cause any harm.” He replied, matter-of-factly. Connie gave him a small, appreciative smile. “If you think so, then. Thanks.” Eugene returned the smile. “You needn’t mention it, Miss Kendall.” He told her, then continuing on towards the staircase—disappearing to the upper floor of the shop.
Connie went about taking the holders for the plastic utensils to set on the table tops, just as the bell above the door rang. She looked over to see Mr. Whittaker arriving. “Hello, Connie.” The man greeted in a pleasant tone, commenting, “You’re early, today.” Connie smirked. “Hey, Whit.” Shrugging off his sweater, Whit then asked, “Is Eugene in?”
“Yep.” Connie answered. Utensil holders in hand, she went around the tables to put them in place. As she did, Whit took notice of the newspaper still on the counter. He briefly skimmed it, out of pure curiosity. And an article caught his attention. Below the fold, on the bottom right corner. Whit’s brow furrowed, and he quietly hummed. Connie heard him while going back for more holders. “Something up?”
“Hm?” Whit blinked, looking up from the newspaper. Connie gave him a side glance. “Oh, no, nothing.” He assured her. “Okay,” Connie said. Whit watched as she took another handful of the utensil holders, noting her demeanor. She seemed to be just short of her usual, almost peppy self. Not that she was expected to be peppy every day, that would just be unrealistic. But, he seemed to feel as though she had something on her mind. “Connie?”
“Yeah, Whit?” Connie’s return to the tables came to a pause as she turned to look back at him. “How’re you doing, today?” Whit wondered. Connie raised a brow, puzzled, but she also seemed to slightly laugh. “I’m doing good today, thanks. Um… why?” A genuine answer. Whit smiled and shrugged. “Just checking with you, that’s all.” Connie shook her head a little. “Alright, then. What about you, Whit?”
“I’m just fine, Connie.” Came Whit’s answer. “Oh, good morning, Mr. Whittaker.” Eugene greeted, upon returning downstairs a moment. “Good morning, Eugene,” Whit replied. “How are you, today?” Eugene hummed. “I believe I am faring well—save for my shoulder—thank you.” He said, simply. “And if I may, I require your assistance upstairs.” Connie continued with the tables while Eugene went on. “If you aren’t already pressed with some other task, that is.“
“I’d be glad to help you, Eugene.” Whit said. Eugene smiled. “Many thanks, Mr. Whittaker.” He thanked, turning to go back upstairs, now with Whit following.
Connie watched the two as they left the room. She realized that she suddenly felt a bit more at ease since Whit arrived. Narrowing her eyes a little at this thought, Connie shook her head. “Don’t be silly… there’s nothing to be paranoid about.” She quietly commented to herself, before wholly setting her attention to her tasks for preparing the Ice Cream Parlor.
The three of them would soon be welcoming customers back to Whit’s End for another pleasant day that would undoubtedly be filled with discovery, refreshing ice cream delights and, of course, uplifting conversations. With all this in mind, Connie found herself smiling as she grabbed the rag to wipe the soda bar’s counter. Today would be a good day. It already was, even despite the unpleasant news article.
~fin~
originally posted on AO3, here
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