Schizogenesis [chapter 8]

Dora didn’t believe what had happened and couldn’t stop pacing back and forth in the diner’s small office. She’d known Ed for twenty years, and magic was the last thing she expected from him. She inherited the diner from her grandmother and moved in with Ed about the same time.

She was willed a silver Lincoln Continental by Grandma Faye, and Dora kept it in immaculate condition. She thought about getting in it now and going to look for Ed, but she didn’t know where to begin. He hadn’t answered his phone.

So Dora paced.

The office door opened, startling her. Her face fell. Dora hoped it was Ed returning but Cindy, one of the two waitresses, stood there instead.

“You okay, boss?” Cindy asked.

“I’m worried sick. Cindy, you know Ed wouldn’t have anything to do with terrorists. My God! He loves this country and has the biggest flag in town.”

“The diner’s filling up with people and they’re asking questions. What should I tell them?’

“Nothing. Just put on some more coffee. I’ll be out in a minute.”

Cindy left and Dora tried to pull herself together. She patted her hair into place and headed for the door. The phone rang and she grabbed for it.