Two Days Later
Archie finishes putting together a simple yet elegant display of poetry books about love in the front of the bookstore. He places a few fake flowers as the finishing touch. He looks up to see Mr. and Mrs. Collins’ son and daughter leave the office in the back with a couple of police officers.
They thank the officers and walk over to Archie. Archie hugs the daughter then shakes the son’s hand. They make small talk until the officers leave.
“I wish mom and dad hadn’t freaked out the other night. If they had only listened. Maybe we should have waited to give Cthulhu the non-believers after we told them more about us,” Ashely, their daughter, says, her eyes sad.
Archie pats her on the shoulder. “I am so sorry. Ashley. We will have to that next time.” He puts the last touch on the display before he looks at the two. “Your parents were right about one thing. I do love creating fun displays for the store now. See you tomorrow at the cave for our meeting?”
Ashley and Doug, her brother, tell Archie they will see him the next day before they leave. Archie fixes his new manager badge and then heads to the back to retrieve boxes in order to work on the inventory with one of the other employees. He sure did love doing the inventory and shelving the new books.