Before he could answer, my rescuers appeared.
“Hi, Annie,” said Greg. He was the fire chief and my neighbor.
“Hello, Greg.” I tried to smile. He was standing on my step stool looking directly into my eyes.
“Okay, Annie, this is what we’re going to do. My men are bringing in two freestanding ladders. One for each side of the shelf. The shelf seems sturdy, but I don’t want to lean a ladder against it. My men will brace the shelf, so it doesn’t tip.” He smiled and patted my hand.
“It shouldn’t tip. Steve was worried about the same thing and anchored them all to the floor years ago.” I couldn’t smile back.
This situation was frightening and funny at the same time. I was stuck on shelves that one man anchored to keep me safe while another man stood off in the corner wishing I would fall to my death. I should add this to my next book.
“Good to know about the anchors, Annie,” Greg said. “Say hi to Grant.” Grant’s face appeared on the other side of the shelf. I smiled. “Grant is going to help you get your leg over the top of the shelf and on this side. He’ll also make sure you don’t roll off his side. Then, I’ll help you find your footing on the ladder, and we’ll climb down. It’ll be safe and simple. I won’t let you fall. Trust me?” I nodded.
Somehow, Grant managed to shove my leg on the shelf without pushing me off, and Greg guided my foot until it felt like I had a solid footing on the ladder. Step by step I made my way down until I was back on the floor.
I threw my arms around Greg. “Thanks, I have no idea how I managed to kick out the step stool.”
“May I suggest that if you must climb up there that you buy a ladder similar to the one we used to rescue you?” He grinned at me, and his grin turned into a slight laugh. “Annie Ryan, I think this is the craziest thing you’ve ever done. Usually, you don’t need us to rescue you at least not since the Christmas you tried to string lights and got stuck on your roof.”
“That wasn’t my fault. I had a great ladder. It just slid on the ice.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“I remember, but it didn’t keep a hysterical Laci from calling us to say her mommy was stuck on the roof.” He burst into laughter.
“Maybe,” I stammered, “But all you had to do was set up the ladder, and I climbed down. I was safe.”
“Sure were, but you had the oddest lights in town that year. Seriously, are you hurt? Do I need to call the paramedics?” He patted my back.
“I’m fine. Thanks, Greg. I did need help today.” I hugged him again.
“It’s what we do. Anything else?” He asked as he closed the ladder.
“Claudine took pics and maybe video,” I whispered. “Can you run over her phone with your truck?”
He laughed again as he carried his ladder out of my store. My mind flew to Yummy. It was too quiet in the store. The firemen were gone, and so were the gawkers. I ran around the shelf to find Clark holding Yummy.
If he can’t kill me, he’ll kill Yummy. Would I inherit if he killed Yummy? If I don’t inherit, Inga’s dream will be lost.
“Put down my dog and get out of my store,” I screamed. “I’ll call the police. Don’t you hurt Yummy.”
I pulled my phone out of my pocket as Clark set Yummy on the floor. “I don’t know what happened, Annie, but I’ll leave. Whatever you think I did, I know I didn’t. I haven’t done anything that could hurt you.”
Tears streamed down my face, and I yelled, “Please leave.”
He turned and left. I ran to the door and locked it. I put the closed sign on the door and headed for the back area to cry and text Georgie.
#######
I dropped onto the couch and began my good cry. I cried because I missed Steve and hated being alone. I cried because I was falling for a man who I thought would end my loneliness, but I’m pretty sure he might want to end my life. I cried because I missed Laci, my mom and dad, my grandparents, Inga, and my slowly disappearing sanity. When my tears stopped flowing, I took a deep cleansing breath and decided to stop feeling sorry for myself.
I picked up my phone and texted Georgie:
“Major story to share. Coming to the grill for lunch.”
I never close the store early on Saturday, so I’m sure she’s wondering what’s going on with me.
I picked up my phone again and called Betsy at the bakery. “Hi Bets, it’s Annie. Could you make up a big tray of all your best goodies and have them delivered to the fire station? I owe the guys and Marcia. Oh, you already heard. I’ve learned not to clean high places with a step stool.”
We enjoyed a laugh. I told her I’d be by in a bit to pay her, and she said her son would run over to the fire station as soon as she packed up the goodies.
#######
I called Aunt Irene to assure her I was okay knowing she’d heard all about my adventure through the grapevine. I told her I’d be home soon, and I’d take her to lunch at the grill.
I packed up Yummy, drove to Betsy’s, paid my bill, bought two cream puffs for Aunt Irene and me, and headed home. By the time I walked into my kitchen, Aunt Irene and Peanut were at the patio door.
Aunt Irene shook her head as she walked into my living room. “Annie, your antics are going to age me before my time.” She looked pretty good for seventy-two. Maybe I should try and think before I scare her to death.
I picked up the bathroom rugs, set Yummy’s bed on the floor, and placed
