Free Relic by Steve Whibley Page B

outside?”
    I nodded.
    He jumped up, paced to the window, and looked out. “It’s huge. I can’t remember the last time we’ve actually had that kind of line. And did you see the newspaper this morning?”
    I groaned inwardly.
    â€œOf course you did,” he said quickly. “Front page. Finally!”
    â€œSo it’s a good thing, what happened yesterday?”
    â€œI know I banned you, Dean, but consider that ban lifted. You’re welcome here anytime.”
    I sighed. “Oh, I’m so glad to hear that. I’ve been feeling bad for causing that monk to get kicked out. My mom said it’s probably pretty important for him to see that artifact every day.”
    â€œOh, well,” the curator began, “ he’s still banned—actually, they all are.”
    â€œBut you said—”
    â€œDean, they were making it uncomfortable for patrons to view the artifact long before you came into the picture. There were other complaints. I need to make sure that doesn’t happen again. The artifact is on loan, you know. We only get it for a month. That means we only have two weeks left. Plus, quite a few of those protestors are here because Mr. Pran was kicked out, and all the news crews are here because of your little altercation. If I let the monks back, things will just go back to normal.” He shook his head. “Normal is not good.” He smiled. “Do you know there are even groups of protestors walking around the whole block with their angry little signs for everyone who drives by to see? It’s the cheapest advertising we’ve ever gotten.”
    â€œBut, sir,” I said, “isn’t that relic important to those monks? I mean, aren’t you kind of taking advantage of them?”
    â€œIt’s just two more weeks, Dean. Then they’ll get to see the artifact as much as they want.” He checked his watch. “I’m afraid I have some meetings this morning, but I’m glad you stopped by. Don’t worry about the monks. They’ll follow the relic to the next museum, and I’m sure they’ll get to spend all the time they want with it there.” He opened the door and stood to the side.
    It wasn’t exactly what my mom had wanted me to accomplish, but I had to admit I felt a lot better. It had been an accident, and while I owed the monk an apology, which I’d give him soon enough, it wasn’t like he’d never be allowed to see his precious relic again—just not for two weeks. He couldn’t be too upset about that. It wasn’t exactly fair , but I’d done what I could do. I took a step through the door and suddenly remembered my vision. The security guard’s twisted face filled my mind.
    â€œMr. Overton,” I said, turning back to the curator, “I’d like to apologize to the officer from yesterday. I think his name was Fisher?”
    â€œFisher, Fisher…” He tapped his chin. “Oh, yes, Mr. Fisher is on the night shift today, so he won’t be starting until eight. I believe he works most Sundays during the day, though. Perhaps you can stop by over the weekend.”
    â€œYeah, right. He’ll be dead by then,” I muttered.
    The curator’s eyes widened. “Come again?”
    â€œOh, um.” I scrambled for a lie. “I just said that I’d probably be in bed by then.”
    Mr. Overton blinked twice and gave his head a quick shake. “Right, well, he’ll probably be here most of the day on Sunday, so when you wake up, come on down. I’m sure he’ll appreciate the apology.”
    â€œOkay. Thank you, sir. I’ll be sure to stop by.”
    He rubbed my head again as I turned back to the hallway and left the room. I hate it when people rub my head.

Chapter 14
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    â€œHe wasn’t mad?” Colin asked after I’d found him and Lisa and told them how things had gone.
    â€œNope,” I said. “He