Carousel Nights

Carousel Nights by Amie Denman Read Free Book Online Page A

Book: Carousel Nights by Amie Denman Read Free Book Online
Authors: Amie Denman
smile breaking through the pain on his face.
    â€œThought so. Were you trying to impress one of those girls over there?”
    The kid looked down. “I feel stupid.”
    â€œDon’t,” Mel said. He pointed to a scar above his eyebrow. “See this? I got it trying to impress a girl. I don’t even want to tell you how.”
    â€œDid it work?”
    â€œShe didn’t even know I was alive. Story of my life,” Mel said.
    June stood silently listening to their conversation, impressed by Mel’s ability to put the boy at ease. He must be a wonderful father.
    â€œWe’ll get you out of here,” Mel continued, “but you’ll have to trust me and work with me.”
    â€œHave you ever done this before?” Jason asked.
    â€œNot exactly, but I did get a Matchbox car out of the garbage disposal at my house. My son thought he’d never drive that car again, but it turned out fine. Just a few scratches on the fender.”
    The kid didn’t respond, just hung there miserably while Mel used a wrench to remove more bolts from the turnstile. With the shields off, June could see the guts of the machine. A series of gears and levers. She was glad Mel knew what he was doing.
    â€œWe all have a few scratches on our fenders,” Mel continued, smiling at the boy. “Gives us character.”
    June was sweating. The boy was sweating. Mel appeared perfectly calm.
    One of the firefighters held an ice pack on Jason’s knee.
    â€œIt’ll cool us both off,” he said. “And make it easier to slide you out of here.”
    This is my family’s park , June thought. I should know what to do. But she didn’t. She leaned close and spoke in Mel’s ear. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
    â€œNot at the moment. You can do the paperwork later.” He raised one eyebrow at her. She was so close she could see the tiny lines around his eyes from hours working outside in the sun. “Lots of paperwork,” he added.
    â€œThank you for knowing what to do,” June said quietly.
    Mel moved his head and his hair brushed her cheek. “It’s my job,” he said.
    He worked silently a few more minutes. Roller coasters, happy screaming and carousel music formed the background, but the loading platform at the Silver Streak was silent. Everyone was waiting for Mel to tell them their next move. June stepped aside and called Jack on her cell phone, giving him a quick overview and assuring him it was under control. She expected him to show up at any moment and was surprised when he didn’t, even after another ten minutes went by.
    Jack was trusting her to handle this.
    And she was trusting Mel.
    June walked over to talk with Jason’s friends and the ride operators who were in a clump on the edge of the platform.
    â€œI’m sure Jason will be okay,” she said. “We have our best maintenance man unlocking the turnstile and two firefighters standing by to help.”
    Jason’s three friends looked relieved. The ride operators looked nervous.
    â€œDid you see this happen?” June asked the girl whose name tag identified her as Jessica.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œGood. I’ll talk with you later.” She turned to the three friends. “I’m guessing you saw it happen also?”
    They nodded. Their expressions were tight, body language rigid as if they were being questioned as accessories to a bank robbery.
    â€œIt’s not a crime to show off for your friends and hurt yourself,” June said. “At least I hope not. I just want you to write down what you saw so we have a written record. That’s all. We’ll work on that together later. Right now, getting Jason’s knee out of the turnstile is our number one priority.”
    She patted the girl on the shoulder, smiled and returned to where Mel was working. She knelt next to him.
    â€œThanks for calling me your best maintenance

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