Shell Shocked

Chapter 2-2

Chad had just gone out to see to the boxes of eggs for the Grand Hunt on Sunday when Kiko saw Dom and his uncomfortable-looking ex enter Yolks on You. Though he could have been assisting with the eggs, which should have been started yesterday, Kiko left it to Chad for now and went to assist his first customers of the day.

“Anything I can do for you?” he asked, watching Dom, but the man gave no indication they knew each other at all. The two kids spotted the Mother Goose display and ran off to get a look at the goose in the pen. Dom shrugged.

“We’re here to see the goose,” he said.

“And hunt eggs,” said the ex, pointedly not looking at Dom. “You have any still hidden here?”

“Three less than two dozen,” said Kiko, putting on his customer smile. “Here at Yolks on You, we hide a dozen a day. You’re in luck that so few were found yesterday. There should be…” He trailed off as the ex moved away, poking through a potted plant on one of the tables in the eating area. Kiko cleared his throat. “The egg search is for the children.”

“Stop being an asshole, Alec,” said Dom as the ex pulled a green plastic egg from under a leaf.

“I’m afraid I can’t honor the prize if it’s not discovered by anyone under the age of twelve,” said Kiko. Alec thankfully returned the egg, but he looked angry about it.

“I’m sure Alyssa and Gabe can find a few on their own,” said Dom. “I’m going to have a look around.”

He moved off into the aisles and displays, leaving Kiko standing near Alec, who turned away from him and made his way to where Katie was talking with the children about geese. Kiko wanted to remain in the store, to get a better chance to speak with Dom, but there was nothing more for him to do, and the boxes of eggs were already a day behind schedule. Sighing, he turned toward the door.

A loud, sudden noise from out in the side building caused him to hurry. It sounded as though Chad had knocked over several of the boxes of eggs, which would only make more work for them. Each box came from a specific business; if any eggs went missing, Kiko would have to answer for it. He stepped outside and turned toward the smaller building where the truck was parked for loading, knowing immediately something was wrong.

There was no movement but the odd egg rolling around on the pavement. Bits of plastic, paper, and candy littered the ground, and worse, Kiko could see blood.

“Chad?” he asked, moving forward with a sinking feeling growing in his gut. He received a moan in response. Kiko rounded the back of the truck and saw a prone body in the midst of broken eggs, blood speckling the pavement and seeping from under Chad’s arm.

“He-hey,” said Chad as Kiko knelt next to him, then promptly passed out. In a moment Kiko was on his feet again, dashing back to the store, yanking the door open.

“Katie,” he shouted, not caring how panicked he sounded. “Call 911. Chad—just call. Now!”

He let the door slam behind him as he dashed back out to make sure Chad was still alive.