Ice got his chance later that day when the work crew pulled into the market for lunch. There were two cashiers, and even though the line was longer, he stood in the flirty one’s line. Peering over the shoulder of the person in front of him, Ice saw that the woman’s name tag said Tami.

He greeted her with one of his best smiles when it was his turn to be checked out. “Afternoon, Tami, how’s your day going?”

She looked up at him, face brightening. “Well, hello. It’s going okay. Better now. How about you? They must be working you hard.” She held up one of his cans of Red Bull before running it across the scanner. “Looks like you need some energy.”

“Yeah, don’t like coffee.” He made sure his smile accentuated his left side dimple. “Name’s Jim, by the way. Jim Smith. Should have introduced myself a while ago.”

She grinned broadly now, eyes bright. “Better late than never.” His snacks were next. “Where’re you from? You’re part of the work crew, right?”

“Uh-huh. I travel around a lot, kind of a handyman. Haven’t found a place I’d like to settle in yet.” He glanced behind him. There was a woman reading the Enquirer and not paying attention, so he loitered.

“Really? That sounds exciting. Seeing new places and stuff. Furthest away I’ve been is Disneyland in Southern California.”

He nodded. “That’s far and sounds like fun. Sometimes traveling is exciting, but it can get lonely. So I like to stay busy. That’s why I’m here.”

“We’re grateful for all of you here working, helping. Be careful; we’ve got some rugged terrain to deal with here in the Hollow.”

“Always careful, Tami.” He leaned forward and handed her his money. “Always.”

She took his money but held it over the register. “Good. I’d hate to see you get hurt. Thanks again for helping.”

“My pleasure.” He gave her a knowing wink. “What time are you off?”

She blushed. “Six.”

“If I stop by tonight, might I be able to buy you a drink?”

“Sure, I’d like that. I’d like to hear about your traveling life.”

He leaned close and lowered his voice seductively. “I’ve got lots of stories.”

“I want to hear them all.”

Ice promised to see her later, grabbed his purchases, and left the market. Not all of his coworkers were finished shopping, so he popped a Red Bull and scanned the parking lot as had become his habit. He always searched for the out-of-place car, one that would indicate a federal presence.