Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
I was thinking about the past few days with her when Memphis cleared his throat and asked, “You think there’s any chance Carmine’s gonna weasel out of this mess?”
Memphis wasn’t one to talk about things, especially things that were worrying him—not unless he had a couple of drinks in him. He usually sorted shit out on his own. We typically joked about shit like this, but I didn’t want to make light of his concerns. He needed an honest answer, so I gave him one, “I wouldn’t put it past him. There’s no telling the kind of connections he’s made with his line of work. He could’ve struck some kind of deal with these guys, and all is well.”
“Or they slit his throat and hung him from a tree.”
“That’s certainly a possibility.”
“He made a real mess of things.”
“Yeah, he did, but there’s still a chance. There’s always a chance.”
Memphis didn’t say anything more, but then again, there wasn’t anything else to say. We had no idea how things were going to go, and there was no sense in making guesses. We turned our focus back to the road. We’d hoped to be at the Manor by noon, but that plan got shot to hell when my back tire blew out.
The spare wasn’t exactly in good shape, so we had to get into town to get it fixed, and that put us a few hours behind. And needless to say, none of us were all that happy about it. Thankfully, we made it to Manor just before dark, and Kiersten and Braylon, her right hand, were there waiting for us. As soon as we got out of the truck, Braylon came over to me and extended his hand as he said, “Welcome back.”
“Thanks, man.” I shook his hand as I said, “We’re looking forward to checking out this new line of yours.”
“Good. We’re looking forward to you seeing it. I think you’ll be impressed.”
“Well then, let’s get to it.”
Braylon nodded, and then he and Kiersten led us around back to one of the older buildings. The outside looked plain enough—just brick and metal siding—but the inside was anything but plain. It was one big, sterile, climate-controlled room that was sectioned off with thick, clear panels.
Each was lined with tall metal racks, and the shelves were filled with trays of mushrooms in various stages of growth. The air was cool, and there was a faint, earthy smell. And there was specialized lighting overhead that reminded me of the lighting she used to grow the marijuana plants. Just like the other, this wasn’t some half-assed operation.
Kiersten had gone all-in on this project of hers. There wasn’t a single thing she hadn’t thought of, and she sounded quite pleased with herself as she announced, “This is it... The next big thing.”
“Damn.” Memphis glanced around, nodding appreciatively. “You’ve been busy.”
“You have no idea.”
Kiersten went on to explain how she and her team had been testing and refining everything from the moisture content to soil nutrients, and like Viper had mentioned, she’d been able to create a new strain that was more potent and had fewer side effects. She talked about their process for cultivation and processing, and I had to admit, it was impressive. "You put a lot into this.”
"We did, but I really think it’s worth it.” A smirk crossed her face as she asked, “Are you ready to give it a try?”
“Absolutely.”
“Great. Meet me out at the fire pit, and I’ll bring out some samples.”
Twenty minutes later, the guys and I were sitting out by the fire, and we’d each taken a small sample. She gave us the rundown and told us to expect the euphoria to kick in within a few minutes, and she wasn’t exaggerating. It was good shit, and it hit quick. I hadn’t had shrooms since I was in high school, and even then, I didn’t do it much. I just didn’t trust the stuff, but this was the real deal.
I felt at ease, buzzed even, but I wasn’t completely out of it. It was nice. I could sit and breathe without feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. It was a good feeling—a really good feeling. I looked down at the fire and watched as the flames flickered back and forth, while the guys were all leaning back in their chairs like they didn’t have a care in the world.
“You think Tracy ever thinks about me or Grady?” I leaned my head back and looked up at the stars as I continued, “Or you think she’s so happy in her new life that we don’t even cross her mind?”
Neither of them answered. They were too busy staring at the fire to even hear what I’d said. But that didn’t stop me from continuing, “I used to dream about them all the time. Not as much Tracy as Grady, but I don’t mind the dreams about him. They help me remember. His eyes and rosy cheeks. His little fingers and his arms when he’d reach out for me. I don’t ever want to forget that.”