between the door and the door frame. Immediately she tore the envelope open and began to silently read. Just as quick as she opened the sealed enveloped she the stuffed the letter back in the envelope and put it in her purse.
“What’s the letter about, Ms. Ella?”
“Oh, just a nice note from a friend.” she told him.
“Let’s get busy unloading the station wagon. We want to accomplish a lot today.”
Juan unloaded the station wagon and they began working on the new shelving for the store. Juan worked into the night drawing up plans on how he was going to erect the wall and the free standing shelves. Everything seemed to go together like clock work. Not a glitch all morning. Juan is very talented in many facets of construction. Next, after lunch they would start on the free standing shelves.
Ella announced she would run down to the fast food joint and pick up some lunch.
“What’ll it be Juan?” she asked.
“Anything will be fine for me. I could sure use a cold drink.” Juan told her continuing to get things in order.
“That you will have,” Ella said walking out the door.
The station wagon started up Ella was not only off to pick up food but to read the note she snatched from the door earlier. Because of its first line she didn’t want to read it in front of Juan. The note read: BE CAREFUL SOME PEOPLE IN THIS TOWN DO NOT LIKE MEXICAN’S . The note infuriated Ella. “What kind of an idiot would write such a prejudice note.” she said aloud as she headed for food.
She wondered if Juan and Maria were safe living in this town. How many prejudice people are involved in this note? No one was going to scare Ella off. She would tell Juan to always be careful because there are prejudice people every where. This meant she needed to get the green card papers finalized with the attorney’s in San Francisco. If things continue she will need to take this note to the sheriff. For the time being she will keep silent with the note hidden deep in her handbag.
“Tomorrow we will start on the work tables.” She told Juan as she took a big bite from her greasy hamburger. Wiping the grease from her face as she licked her fingers.
“I’ll draw up the work tables tonight. You’ll need to let me know the dimensions.” Juan told Ella.
“Okay, Juan I will think about it and give you some measurements before the day ends. We’ve completed the shelves and that’s what I wanted to accomplish today so let’s take off early.” Ella removed her work gloves laid them on the counter.
Juan unplugged the power tools, put the tools in the tool box and slammed the lid shut latching it. They headed out with Ella closing and locking the door.
Ella noticed a man leaning against a post across the street. She was suspicious of him. Okay, she said to herself, don’t get paranoid. That’s the owner of the jewelry store. He’s just catching a breath of fresh air. She waved as they drove past the jewelry store owner.
Kelly’s Used Car lot was on their way home. As for a matter of fact most retail establishments were located on Main Street. Ella pulled into the car lot shutting off the engine.
Looking over at Juan, Ella said, “Young man we need to buy a truck for you.”
“What, Ms. Ella?” Juan said as he turned to her in amazement. “A truck for me?”
“Yes, you need a truck to haul stuff when you are working on the house whether it be hauling
Learning to Kill: Stories