The end of the story is here! I’ll put the ebook version online for my paying subscribers.
New to this story, start at the link below. It’s free to start.
Infinite Loop - Chapter 1
This is the webnovel version of my novel. If you are a paid subscriber, you can read each chapter as released to the ending. Paid subscribers also have access to the ebook version download as well. For those interested in purchasing the complete book,
Chapter 49
The first sound Warren Phillips heard was a reedy whistling that grew stronger and more irritating as the sound grew closer. Suddenly, he remembered and instantly sat up.
A wrenching pain struck him in the neck. With a groan, his hand grabbed at the offending muscle and kneaded it.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you, Mr. Phillips,” the voice interrupted Warren’s pain.
He tenderly turned to find a man wearing a white uniform stepping up on the porch.
“Another block to go before I finish my rounds this morning,” the man held out his hand.
His cheerful expression turned confused at Warren’s hesitation. Warren stared at the clear bottle filled with a white liquid in the man’s hand.
“It’s alright, Mr. Phillips. It’s your milk. Don’t you want it today?”
Warren automatically held out his hand while the man explained. After handing Warren the milk bottle, the milkman tipped his cap to someone who just woke.
“Sorry to wake you, ma’am. It was a loving evening, so I guess you folks must have fallen asleep.” The stranger in the white uniform looked at them with obvious curiosity.
“Yeah, yeah, that’s it,” Warren repeated as he gingerly looked over to see Amber sitting up on the porch swing.
“It was a long day.”
“I’m sure,” the man replied. “The Henderson’s up the street said they saw your moving truck yesterday. I’m glad to meet you. My name is Eddie. Welcome to Terra Cotta.”
He held out his hand. Warren hesitated, then shook it as he lifted his tired body from the wicker couch.
“It’s nice to meet you as well.” Warren withdrew his hand, wondering what to do with the bottle in the other. There was an awkward pause as the uniformed man continued to stare at the couple.
“I’m Amber,” she held her hand out to the milkman, who eagerly shook it. “This is Warren. We appreciate you taking the trouble to stop by with the milk.”
A puzzled look crossed the man’s face.
“Ah, I’m happy to do it. You told me to start the delivery today when you called in the order.”
We ordered it?
“I have no doubts you carry the best milk in the state. Thanks for getting us up.” Amber smiled sweetly, and Eddie tipped his cap.
Watching the milkman walk with his bottles to the house next door, Warren remained deep in thought. Feeling Amber’s arms around him, he looked over and gave her a smile.
“That couch is more comfortable than it looks.” Amber nestled her head on his shoulder.
Warren remained quiet while internally disagreeing as he rubbed his neck. Still locked together, the couple turned to the front door. Their nerves appeared in sync as they glanced at each other.
“Do we go in?” she whispered.
“Let’s look inside,” he agreed after a deep breath.
Amber pointed to the black mailbox next to the entrance. The name ‘Phillips’ showed on a small slip of paper affixed to the black box.
“It seems you’re in the right place.” Her tone appeared wistful.
“No, we’re in the right place,” he said. “Now let’s go inside.”
With a nod, Amber put her hand on the knob.
“No, hold up.”
She glanced up, and he had his eyes closed.
“I can picture it now. There’s a light green sofa on the right, next to a small table by the front door. Across the room is one of those large antique radios sitting by the fireplace,” Warren announced.
Amber’s eyes widened.
“That’s an image I’ve always carried around,” he confessed with a shrug. “I’m not sure why, but it feels what we’ll see. Go ahead!”
The woman shook her head and opened the door.
Find all my stories at gordonbrewer.com.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Pulpist to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.