“Oh come on, what's up boy?” she pressed.
“Nothing I want to discuss in public,” he said sulkily, casting an eye at Aden.
“Lukeyyyy! That's unusual for you. Can't normally shut you up. Unless you're eatin'. Must be something real bad, eh?” Betty probed none too subtly.
The door swung open with a squeak and they all turned to see who had arrived. Aden sighed deeply. Not in a good way either, Maddy thought.
“Hello there Bill. What'll it be?” Betty called out as he took a seat at the far end of the counter, around the corner.
“My usual cappuccino and a piece of your apple and raisin cake. Make it to go, and fast.”
Maddy observed the rather overweight, bald and red faced man who had taken up residence and smiled at him. He scowled at her in response and she was completely taken aback at the looks of hatred he was throwing their way.
“Tell me, how's the hay burners doin' Carr,” he spat at Aden.
“Real good Mayor, real good,” Aden replied pleasantly.
“I love a success story. That I do. Especially on my patch.”
“Success is my middle name, didn't you know?”
“Reaping the dollars are 'ya?”
“It's been a really good season.”
“Well how about that! How amazing, I'd never have believed it. In fact, I don't.”
“Leave it out. I'm trying to have a pleasant afternoon.”
“Oh well, pardon me! I'm so sorry to spoil it.”
“Yeah, I bet you are.”
“You don't fool me, boy... You know, I'm wondering over and over, what the hell you lot get up to out there... I think you're up to no damn good, that's what. That little ranch is a cover for something, ain't it? One day I'll catch you dealing in some kind of illegal business, don't you think I won't. I'll find out what you stow away in that yard of Mick's...”
“I've told you before, not that it's any of your business, it's emergency supplies, that's all. Ski stuff, two motor sleds, and equipment in case we get caught out by snow unexpectedly.”
“So you've said, I don't believe that little piece of fiction either.”
“That, My dear Mayor, is your problem. Go deal with it!”
“Boys, boys, cut it out, eh?” Betty said, slapping down their pancake specials with a loud clatter.
Maddy looked at Aden, his features taut with restraint, and Mayor Bill's florid, horrible sneering face.
She was in the middle of a major dispute here and felt more than uncomfortable.
“Surely you have something better to do than wind Aden up?” Lucas said hotly in Aden's defence.
“There's nothin' I like more than what I'm doin' now,” the Mayor said with an evil grin.
“Oh go fuck yourself. Make it twice,” Lucas added nastily.
“Watchit boy. You know I'm real friendly with our lady Mountie, the honorable Sergeant Philomena Stevens. Remember her? Well, you should, being as she's my fuckin' wife! She'll whip you in jail for the slightest indiscretion.”
“Oh go poke it mister big shot,” Maddy piped up, absolutely furious at Mayor Bill's disgusting behavior, even though she hadn't a clue as to why he was behaving this way.
“Keep your little slut in order,” growled out Mayor Bill as picked up his cake and coffee and left his seat
“Shut your filthy mouth.” Aden spun off his stool and turned to face him in a rage as he passed.
“Hit a nerve have I...? Well how about that? That's soooo interestin'. I love a bit of female ammo... It's the best ammo of all. Be seein' 'ya Mr Carr. Hope your spindle legs all die with the horse flu. Pretty soon'd be good. Be seeing 'ya too Betty... Put that on my tab darlin'.” The door swung closed and peace descended once more.
“Jesus, he's an evil bastard,” Betty said with a sigh. They all sighed with her, blowing out deeply.
“The devil incarnate,” Lucas added with a laugh.
“With bells and whistles,” Maddy said and they all burst into mild hysterics. “What the hell?”
They finished their wonderful maple syrup covered special cinnamon pancakes, and superb frothy coffees, and finally left Betty's with a cheery farewell and a promise to be back soon.
Maddy settled in the truck for the return journey, contentedly full, and secretly rather pleased to be wedged between two very handsome men who were fighting over her.
After filling up the gasoline tanks, they finally set off towards the ranch.
She even managed to remain calm as Aden hurtled around the hillsides at his alarmingly fast rate, with their extra supplies of highly explosive fuel on board. Half way back she dared to raise her burning question with Aden.
“Why does the Mayor hate you so much?”
“We snatched the ranch from under his nose. He really wanted it. Plus we're out-of-towners.”