Resurrecting Harry Read Online Free PDF Page B

might be an obstacle, but he’d persevere. He didn’t have another choice. If working here got him close to Bess, he’d endure any pain. “I promise I’ll do all you ask and more.”
    “You don’t look familiar. You new around here?”
    He wanted to remind Will of the dozens of conversations they’d had at that very counter. Instead, he heeded Jaden’s warning: better to effect change as someone else rather than a ghost. “Just got to town. I’ll also be looking for a place to stay.”
    “If I give you the job, I’ll expect you by five every morning, and you’d work until everything is cleaned up from the lunchtime rush. Fifty cents an hour is the wage, plus the tips you might earn on deliveries.”
    “That sounds fair.” The salary was inconsequential. Erich needed this job if he were to meet his goal. From behind the counter he’d watch Bess, talk to her and connect with her. Regardless of how hurt or jaded she’d become, an undeniable bond existed between their spirits. All it would take is a little time. If he let go of that notion he might as well let go of her. He’d do neither.
    “Say I decide to hire you, when can you start?”
    “Is right now too soon?”
    The portly elder laughed. “Why don’t you tell me your name first?”
    Erich swallowed the urge to answer “Harry Houdini” and instead stated the name adorned him by Jaden. His tongue tripped over it, and it rang foreign in his ear.
    “I like your spirit, Erich. Why don’t we give today a try and see how you work out? There’s a clean apron on the back of the kitchen door and a sink full of dirty dishes.”
    “You’ll see, sir. I won’t let you down.” Erich’s chest swelled with pride in a sought-out-task completed, even if this was just another mundane job. Harry had done more than his share of manual labor and knew this kind of work left him feeling confined.
    Stepping behind the counter transported Harry back to his childhood. Then, he’d been forced to work to support his family. The instinct to flee uncoiled itself in his stomach, but so much more than a loaf of bread lay in the balance this time. He wasn’t working to feed his family; this was about reclaiming his wife and his life.
    Tackling a sink full of coffee-stained cups and syrup-covered plates didn’t allow him to interact with her. “If you’d like, I could tend to your customers. Refill coffee and water, maybe bus tables.”
    Will shook his head and grabbed Erich’s forearm, leading him into the kitchen. As the door swung to and fro across the threshold, Will spoke in a low, firm voice that Harry had never heard. “Mrs. Houdini likes her solitude. You’d do best to remember that. I’ll tend to her needs. You take care of the dishes.”
    Erich pivoted to the sink and began tying the apron strings behind his back with swift, yet smooth movements. He appreciated the friendship and loyalty to Harry that motivated Will’s actions. If any other man tried to hit on his Bess, Harry would want Will there ready to throttle him. But Erich wasn’t any other man, and Will’s presence didn’t deter, only irritated.
    Erich scrunched his nose at the odor rising up from the pile of breakfast dishes. Busboy was a long fall from master escape artist, and he had no intention of spending a moment more than necessary in this role. All it would take was time and the right choice of words for his angel to see through the facade and recognize him as Harry. Until he achieved his goal, though, he’d have to play this little game.
    Filling the appropriate sink bays with soapy water, rinse water and sanitizer, he picked through the dishes, washing only coffee mugs until he had enough to fill a large brown tray. A deep breath braced his lacerated stomach muscles as he lifted the tray and pushed the door open with his back. Setting the mugs on the counter, Erich ignored the other patrons in the diner and zeroed in on Bess sipping her coffee, but her eyes never left the book. When