Later that morning at the store the hours seemed to drag. There were very few customers. Chad surmised they were all at the show grounds. There were to be pre-show entertainments of some sort—hints of what was to come in the main show. Since there were so few patrons, Chad had asked if he could leave early. He wanted to find Bo and explain that he was sorry he had left so abruptly. Instead he had been sent to the stockroom to take inventory, which he’d done just a few days before. Chad was feeling resentful and cursing old man Elderberry under his breath when he heard voices.
“He’s busy right now.” Chad heard Mr. Elderberry say. “You’ll need to come back at noon.”
Chad went to the stockroom door. It was Bo. He carried a bag.
Seeing Chad, Bo walked past the storekeeper and up to Chad.
“
